That next day started a chain of events that could neither be stopped, nor did those involved wish it so. A day at the park together, another outing this time to the art and history museums, to the zoo or to the club. Just time spent together. Billy even came to her work on almost a nightly basis when Becca worked, just before she closed up. Time spent talking together, laughing together, learning about each other and dare I say it, they fell just that much more in love with each other as the days passed. Days turned to weeks, weeks to months. Though they didn't see each other every single day, as life often dictated other arrangements, they saw each other often enough and Becca had never been happier.

Three months after their first meeting, Becca was working another late shift and was joking around with a few of the regulars. It was a Friday, so early closing for the bar. She had kept atop of her cleaning so she wouldn't need to do much once everyone left. Billy still hadn't arrived, but she didn't worry. Life was life, and things happened. She knew he was busy, as was she. She was just clearing up some trash left behind once a customer left when she heard a crash behind her. A couple of drunk college kids had gotten drunk and started a fight over a game of pool! Cussing under her breath, she went over to try to break it up.

"Hey! Hey! Knock it off! Not in here!" Her words usually worked for they carried the air of authority, which was law when it was her shift. But they were to far gone into their liquor to hear or care. She managed to get in between them, as the two boys shouted profanities at each other. Thank the Marines for her strength as she shoved one into a booth and nodded when a regular came to help shove the other into a chair. "Both of you, knock it off or get the hell out! Cool Off!" She hissed, starting back towards the bar, wiping her hands off on her pants. It was as she raised her eyes as she walked, that hers caught Billys, who was sitting near the bar, wearing an expression that she couldn't read. She paused in her steps when their eyes met but she continued towards him, giving him a small smile as she went behind the bar. "Hey Handsome." She said softly, trying to catch his gaze. He wasn't looking at her, and when she followed his line of sight, it led to the college kids she had been 'arguing' with. "Billy." She said slightly louder, which caught his attention, and gave him a upraised eyebrow, questioning look. He seemed frozen for a moment, before he lost that cold stare and smiled back at her. Which made her relax that much more.

"Hello Love. Fun night?" Though he tried to keep his voice cheery and light, she knew him well enough to catch the slight bite in his words. She didn't pay it any attention though.

"You could call it that." Was her sarcastic reply, which she smirked about. "Just some kids being stupid. Nothing unusual for a Friday." She made a joke of it, but she was really trying to lighten the mood. She saw the tenseness in his shoulders, heard the bite in his words.

"Indeed." Was all he said, as he tore his gaze from her and glanced back at the college kids who now seemed content just to sit and talk and drink. He smirked and looked back at her with a grin. "Closing time soon."

"Yep, almost. I won't be long tonight either. It's been really slow tonight." She said from where she was finishing the last of the dishes in the bars sink, hanging the cups up to drip dry. She watched Billy out of the corner of her eye as she worked. He seemed a bit off tonight. Not his usual self, but then she could be reading into it again. She shrugged, brought him his coffee as she usually did, which he accepted with a smile and a kiss to her hand. That made her breath easier. It wasn't very busy, like she said so she was pretty much done when the time to close up came. Flipping the neon sign off, you could hear the groans of the regulars as they stood to pay their tabs and head out into the chilly night air. Once the money was locked in the safe and the bar cleaned, she and Billy walked out after she hit the lights. Stopping only to lock up, and tuck the keys into her pocket, her hand sought his soon as they began to walk together. He entwined his fingers tightly around hers as they walked, the silence between them, for once, all but deafening. She wondered what was going on. Her mind racing to a million scenarios at once before she was pulled out of her musings when Billy suddenly stopped walking. She glanced up at him, her eyes curious.

"Come with me." He said suddenly, not explaining as he suddenly turned on his heel and headed back the way they had come. She could do nothing but follow, silently at his side. His grip on her hand had tightened considerably, but not enough to hurt, and she tightened hers in return. They walked a few blocks passed the bar and she was surprised to see his car there, but with no driver. He had driven himself? She knew he could, of course, but this was a first. They walked up to it and he opened the passenger side door for her, giving her a small smile and a nod of his head. When she slid inside, he shut it behind her and came around to get in the drivers side. Still, nothing had been said between them. Tension ran high it nearly choked her but she couldn't bring herself to say anything, even to question him as Billy started the car and drove them out of town. Mile after mile passed in silence. Even though she still held his hand, and he held hers, he felt far away from her. She didn't like it. Still, silence reigned around them, as the city flew by and disappeared to be taken place of freeways and finally a small suburban neighborhood dotted with trees. When Billy pulled into a long drive, sided by forests on each side, her interest perked up as she watched a house pull into view. It wasn't overly large, but it wasn't small either. Made of marble and brick, it was a testament to his wealth, without being overbearing. She suddenly felt small, as he pulled up in front of the brick 'palace' and put the car in park. Tearing her eyes from the house, she glanced back at Billy, her eyes wide and open.

"Where are we?" She said so softly. Watching him as he looked over at her.

"This is my home." He said simply, his voice soft. "Would you like to go in?"

She tore her eyes from his, to glance back at the house for a moment, before looking back at him and nodding. The smile he gave her made her relax a bit, but not all the way. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before he slipped out of his side of the car and before she could even undo her seat belt, he was there, opening the door for her. Taking the hand he offered her, she stepped out and waited till the door shut behind her before she followed him towards the house. This was a big step, for though he had been to hers many times, to drop her off at night, he had never been inside her home. That he was inviting her into his, well, it was a huge step. Least that was her thinking.

When he unlocked the front door and moved aside so that she may enter first, and as she walked in, her breath was stolen away by how big the place was inside. On the outside, it gave off the impression of a cozy, snug space but soon as she walked in, she saw how tall the ceilings were, how big the front entrance was alone, it was magnificent. Her eyes did go wide as she looked around a moment, getting herself used to the space. Billy took off his coat and then took hers, to hang up and she wasn't even aware he had left for a moment, still in awe as her eyes took in everything. Art hung along the few walls in the main room, and she could smell the scent of burning wood upon the breeze. Somewhere, a fire was burning, warming the house. When he returned, Billy have a soft chuckle at seeing her wide eyed wonder and slipped his hand into hers and led her up the stairs, which were done in marble with soft cream color for carpets. He led her down a small hallway, and opened the door to a room two doors down, and stood aside for her to go first. She paused, and looked up at him, curious again. His soft smile was enough to convince her to go inside. It was a bedroom, but bigger then any bedroom she had been in before. Her bedroom alone could fill this space almost twice over. There was a huge mantle fireplace along the far wall, and she was right, there was a fire in it for the room was warm and cozy. A huge king bed rested against the wall to her right, a desk beside that, and around the room were small cozy chairs and a sofa arranged around the fireplace. A good place to sit and read and keep warm. On the other side of the room were rows upon rows of bookcases, holding many books. Of course, that caught her attention, for she loved to read. While Billy went to stir up the fire and make them a few drinks, from the small bar nearby, Becca went directly to the bookcases and let her eyes flit over the many titles of books that lined the shelves. Some she knew, and had to smile that he would actually have them. Others, she didn't know but was intrigued by their titles. She would love to spend some time here, just reading if ever she was allowed to.

Her attention was brought back to Billy when he came up behind her and offered her a small glass. She turned her smile up to his as she took it, and felt herself melt as his smile was warm and loving in return. Taking a sip of her drink she was surprised to find it was Glenfiddich, and not the stuff she had at the bar, but a real 18 year old Scotch-Whiskey that she was sipping on. Billy gave a soft laugh at her expression, happy he had surprised her. That he actually had her favorite drink here, said so much to her. He had been listening. Sipping her drink, she shivered a bit when she felt Billys hands lightly caress her hair. Ever so gentle, as he trailed his fingers lightly down her cheek, her neck, down her arm to take her hand and lead her away from the bookcase and to the sofa before the fire. She followed, willingly, excited to be here with him and wondering of what the night had in store.

They sat down upon the soft sofa, and still nothing had been said between them. Becca watched Billy as he sat beside her, looked down at her. His eyes were a swirling mish mash of color and she felt herself drawn in again by them. He moved to prop one leg onto the couch and reaching for her hand, he pulled her till she was laying, her back to his front, her legs spread out along his. It was comfortable, being held like this by him. Becca could feel his heart beating against her back, and she smiled as she moved to sit her drink down on the small table in front of them, before tilting her head back to catch Billys eyes once more. He looked down at her, and gave her that half grin of his, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. She nuzzled him gently and turned to lay against him once more. Waiting. He seemed to want to say something and she knew whatever it was, it shouldn't be rushed. Silence was their companion for a while. Him, rubbing his hands along her arms and hugging her to him. She, enjoying his touch and sighing softly in delight. Finally, the silence was broken.

"You scared me tonight, Love." He said oh so softly, against her hair. His hands tightened ever so slightly as he rubbed her arms.

She froze at the sound of his voice. That was unexpected. "I Did? How?" She asked, just that soft in return. She wanted to look back at him, but the feeling of his lips against her head was comforting.

"When you jumped in between those two college kids fighting." He admitted. "You didn't see the knife one had. You just reacted to break up a fight, which is commendable but...what if something had happened to you tonight?" His words were soft, almost as if he was afraid that to speak any louder would give vent to the emotions he felt wafting within him.

She wasn't sure what to say. True, fights happened rarely in her bar, cause she ran a tight ship, but to find out that one of the college kids had had a knife and she hadn't seen it, scared her! So that was why Billy was so moody? Things fell into place. His hard stare at the bar, his cold look before she called him out of it. It clicked.

"I wasn't trying to do anything but break up a fight, Billy. They happen." She replied, and felt it was a lame reply, even for her.

"I know working at a bar isn't the safest job" He concurred. "And if anyone can do it, it's you but." He paused and sighed softly, his hold tightening significantly around her. "But I can't lose you." His words were whispered so softly that she almost didn't catch them.

Turning in his embrace, she reached up and gently caressed his cheek, catching his dark sea colored eyes. "You won't." Was her simple reply. Two words that said so much, by saying so little.

She watched as the tension drained out of him, at her words. She felt her own leeching away with his. He gave a slight nod, before he kissed her. It was soft and sweet and lasted only a moment, but in that one kiss, they both felt what the other felt and it was more then words could ever do. He gave a soft audible sigh after he pulled back and wrapped her back into his embrace. She grinned brightly, utterly relaxed again. Now that was out of the way, Becca could breathe and enjoy the new surroundings. She let her eyes take in everything. They conversed softly together for a while, just enjoying the others company.

"Your home is beautiful." Becca said with a grin. "The fireplace is a nice touch. Cozy and warm in here." She chuckled softly, finishing up her drink and setting the cup back down.

"I wanted to bring you here for sometime, but was unsure how to ask." Billy admitted, giving her that smile of his that she loved so much. "I have been doing a lot of thinking." He started softly, and Becca went still once more in his embrace. "We spend a lot of time together, like each others company and you have never once asked 'What are we?' for which I appreciated. No labels, just two people enjoying each other as they are." He paused, as if gathering his thoughts. "It's been what...three months? What if." He paused again, looked into her eyes and smiled softly. "What if I wanted us to have labels? What if I wanted us, to be an official couple?"

Becca could do nothing but stare up at Billy. Hearing his words echo in her mind and heart over and over. It was true that these past few months, she had fallen madly in love with the man, but never once had either of them said those three little words to the other. Though she knew she loved him, and he must love her in some way or they wouldn't be spending so much time together. But to hear him actually want to make it 'official'. After being seen together, spending so much time together for over three months, well, it made her positively radiant! She had to gather her thoughts, for this was not a time to just blurt out YES!

"I would be most honored, Billy, if you desired us to be 'Official'. Nothing would make me happier. Nothing makes me happier, then being with you." She said honestly, her smile bright as she giggled softly to herself. So blissfully happy.

Billy seemed to instantly relax at her answer, even though he knew what it would be, he still had to ask. He grinned, chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. "Good." He said. "Nothing makes me happier then being with you too, Becca."

They passed the time, cuddling and talking. Becca getting used to the new environment and chuckling when 'forbidden' thoughts crossed her mind. "I like it, being with you here." She said as she slid up to rest on her knees between his legs, her eyes shinning and bright. "Just think, no one telling us we have to leave, no one to interrupt us. Just us." She said as she pressed her lips to his in a soft kiss. "Whatever shall we do?" She was teasing now, but she was happy.

"I am sure, we can think, of something." Billy replied, chuckling low in his throat. That deep rumbling purr that made her tremble so. "Why else did you think I would ask you here?" He bantered back, his eyes claiming hers, staring deep into her. "Like you said. Just us."

The pull was there again. That deep fluttering between them that seemed to come alive every time they were this close to each other. Becca felt her mouth go dry at the look Billy gave her, felt her heart stutter and trip over itself. Felt her body heat up, then go ice cold, only to flush again. She wasn't sure she was ready for that next step, but the look Billy gave her made her hope. She knew he wouldn't push her, he was to much of a gentleman.

"Indeed." She said softly. Giggling under her breath since it was mostly a reply he used. She closed her eyes when she felt Billys fingers trail lightly through her hair. It felt so good. She nuzzled into his touch, opening her eyes to catch his as she turn she she turned kissed his palm. Her smile soft, almost shy. She felt her breath hitch when she caught his stare. That look, that he gave her, made her feel beautiful, desirable and it took her breath away.

It was as if he was leaving what happened next, between them, entirely up to her. She had been taught, since very young that men made the first moves. And it had been that way up to a certain point. Billy never pressed her, nor asked for more then she was ready to give and she returned the favor. He was a sweet, tender man, whose heart beat strong and beautiful. And as she looked up into his eyes that reminded her of a restless and stormy sea, she felt herself fall that much more in love with him. He lightly played with her hair, smiling softly to himself and she knew they both would be content if that was all that happened tonight. That feeling made her feel cherished, special. But she could sense the 'bridge' coming. A choice would have to be made soon. To her, sex was a perk in any relationship. It wasn't what a relationship should be based off of, and gods knew that she enjoyed it as much as the next person. But she hadn't 'indulged' for almost seven years, and had learned to live without it. True, she craved physical affection like everyone else, but she was as if new to it, after being without it for so long. She bit her lip, while she sat there, wrapped up in Billys embrace. He seemed oblivious to her internal conflict. Just content to be close to her as she was to him. She was over-thinking again. She had to stop doing that! If she wanted something, just make her desires known. Not to be fearful of rejection or anything else. Heavens Above, she was in his house, in his room for Gods Sake!

Shaking her head as if to clear it of all her rambling thoughts, Becca did what she wanted to do all night since she caught his hard stare at the bar. She kissed him. Turning as if to look at him, she leaned up and claimed Billys lips as her own. Only pulling back when she had to catch her breath. For a moment, the world stood still. He looking at her, she at him. They moved as if one, suddenly, as if afraid the other would change their minds. Reaching for her, Billy pulled her into his lap, sliding almost under her as he held her close to him. His lips pressed against hers in a kiss so deeply passionate that it would make them both breathless. She reached for him at the same time and practically crawled into his embrace. Her hands going to caress his face before locking around his neck. Her knees on either side of his waist, pinning him to her as her lips worked against his. This wasn't just tender and blissful, this was something else. She could feel it. In the way he kissed her, in the way he held her. It made her shudder against him and she nearly came undone, when she heard his soft gasp her movement caused. Small kisses, soft and sweet as hands trailed each others forms. His reaction emboldened her, as she trailed kisses from his lips, across his cheek, to his ear. She nipped ever so lightly and flicked her tongue along the shell of his ear and was rewarded with an audible hiss and the feel of Billys hands tightening around her. She pulled back to look at him, she was unsure still and didn't want anything to happen that he wasn't comfortable with either. As if reading her look, Billy smiled and kissed her, nodding.

"It's ok, Love." His words were breathless, as he tried to calm down slightly. "I'm ok. Are you?" That he would ask...that was so sweet!

"Yes, Dear. Just checking." She said softly, her smile all for him.

He gave a soft chuckle that ended in a soft groan as she continued her attentions. Her lips burned a trail down his neck, with her nipping lightly at his pale, soft skin. Her hands traveled down his chest, nails digging into the fabric of his shirt, which made her growl softly. Fingers fumbling for buttons, she undid as many as she could, opening the shirt or sliding her hands under it to get at his warmth. His caresses inflamed her, as he kissed a trail down her neck once she had paused. Her eyes slid closed as she literally purred at his affections. His hands, strong yet gentle slid under her shirt as he divested her of it. Her kisses continued down his chest, as she nipped slightly harder at his shoulders, slid her tongue along the space of his collarbone, tasted him and learned him by sight, by taste, by touch, by scent. Pulling back, to look at him, really look at him, she let out a soft snarl as his hands ghosted over her body. Normally, she was shy and slow and a little awkward the first time. But not this time. Billy made her feel beautiful, precious and she glowed with her desire for him.

She slid off of the sofa and out of his lap, his right hand firmly entwined with her own. She loved his look of confusion at first, as she moved away. But when she gave a slight tug at his hand, Billy stood and followed her. That he would do so, trust her, inflamed her even more. She let his hand drop as they drew closer to the bed and she boldly started to undo the buckle at her jeans the closer they drew to it. By the time she had reached the bed, she was pausing to step out of her pants, and kick them to the side. She was in nothing but her purple bra and panties as she turned to face Billy, sliding onto the bed and giving him a smile that was devilishly wicked. Sitting on her knees, she waited till he approached her, slowly, almost as if he were nervous she would change her mind. The bed was the perfect height, for when she raised up on her knees, her eyes were even with his. Reaching for him, she crushed her lips to his as he swallowed her up into his tight embrace. Her fingers trailed and tangled in his silvery hair, soft as silk as she kissed him. He deepened the kiss, sliding onto the bed on his knees a little at a time, till she was laying under him. She let her hands trail from his hair down to his shoulders and digging her nails in, left tiny red marks down his back. He hissed against her lips at her actions, but they seemed to only inflame him in return. Now it was his turn to 'feast' upon her, which he did with slowness that about drove her mad with desire. His lips against hers, trailing down her body, tasting her with his tongue as he went. His hands following their own path, caressing and massaging a breast, and then the other as his lips seared into her sensitive skin. Trailing down lower to her naval where he teased and tormented her with tongue and teeth alike. She was a whimpering softly, arching into his touch as it sent fire racing through her veins. Working slowly back up, he claimed her lips once more as his fingers continued still lower. Moving fabric aside, they both hissed or gasped when he found her center with his fingers. Warm and wet, he gently stroked her which made her moan against his lips, made her hands turn to iron as she held him close. He pulled soft mews from her as he teased her, watching her and drinking in her pleasure. He shuddered when he felt her buck in time to his caresses, and groaned when she moaned his name. He kissed her deeply as he released her and using one hand, reached for the claps of his pants and swiftly kicked out of them as she reached and removed her panties at the same time. Reaching for each other again, hands entwining with each other, arms locked around the other, Billys kisses became sweet, tender, slow. Becca stiffened slightly when she felt nudge against the side of her thigh. He was by no means small, and she shivered in both fear and delight when she felt him find her warm opening. Yet he did not move, instead, he looked deep into her eyes. One hand lightly caressing her face, moving the hair out of her eyes.

"Are you sure, Love?" He asked softly. A whisper in the dark. His eyes looked into her own and she knew that if she said no, he would stop. That feeling made her flood with such love and warmth for him. "We don't have to...if you are not ready." He was so sweet. Even now.

"I am sure, Billy." Becca answered just as softly. "I want to...I want you." She kissed his lips, a quick, loving peck but it was enough to make them both chuckle.

Billy nodded, smiling softly and kissed Becca again, deeper, as he held her close to him. Becca returned his kiss, feeling her body flood with warmth, and she let out a soft gasp as she felt him enter her. He was slow, gentle even, as he thrust into her. Giving her time to get used to him and he to her, but that didn't stop the shudder nor the groan as her warmth welcomed him. It had been so long, for them both, and they both wanted to savor this moment, for as long as it lasted. He took his time, trailing soft kisses across her face and neck as he rocked into her. He was exceedingly gentle, as he felt her grow used to him, and only then did he pick up the pace a little. Becca nuzzled and kissed him wherever she could, wrapping her legs around his waist, which brought him deeper inside her. She loved it when he groaned, or hissed in pleasure, as he pulled soft moans and whimpers from her lips with his loving attentions. He filled her, over and over as her warmth held and milked him, two bodies rocking together, slowly at first, in their dance of love and desire. When Billy increased his pace again, Becca moaned his name, running her fingers of her right hand through his hair. Hearing his name on her lips, Billy groaned as he rocked into her, and called her name softly, kissing her as he could.

Slow turned to a faster pace and left both of them gasping as they gave to each other, everything! Becca cried out Billys name, over and over, which inflamed him and made him kiss her deeper or thrust harder into her. And when Billy called her name, Becca growled and nuzzled him, nipped him, begged for more while giving him all she was. Pace begot pace, till it was hard to tell where one began and the other ended. The bed rocked and squeaked with the passions of their lovemaking, voices called out louder and louder, unafraid of who heard. Hands touching, encouraging, inflaming. Lips working against the other, soft groans, and moans filled the air till they both reached their peak! Crescendoing high and loud together, as both found release among the Heavens together. Tangle of arms and legs, they lay together, basking in each other and the new emotions and feelings between them. Billy rested lightly over Becca, smiling a true smile down at her as she held him in her arms. She didn't mind, he wasn't heavy and she liked his closeness. He kissed her gently, sighing softly in contentment.

"I love you Rebecca." He said softly as soon as he caught his breath. So soft, she almost missed it. He raised a hand to push himself up off her and nuzzled her gently as he rolled to his side, pulling her against him. "I love you."

"I love you to Billy." She replied back, her eyes dancing, her smile bright. She shivered as he pulled out and curled up in his arms as he pulled her to his side. She rested against his chest, just staring at him, into his eyes. "I have loved you for a while now. You are something special, and you mean so much to me." She said, meaning every word she said.

His smile was bright, his eyes finally clear of the storm but still reminded her of a sea at rest. "I was lucky, the day we met. An angel dropped out of Heaven and into my arms." He kissed her forehead, closing his eyes as he did so. Nuzzling her as he opened them again to gaze down at her. "You are an amazing woman, Rebecca. In so many ways, and don't you ever forget it." His voice had that gravelly purr that made her shiver again. He seemed to know just how to affect her.

They spent the rest of the night in each others arms. For once, the night would pass and find them together with the rising of the sun. Becca fought sleep for as long as she could. She wanted to enjoy this moment, for as long as she could. Billy drifted off first but she wasn't far behind him. He was so beautiful. So charming and so sweet. Becca was hopelessly, deeply and irrevocably in love with Billy Drago, and he in love with her.