AN:

This chapter is for my new buddy Meggi. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

~Kelly~

Chapter Ten

"Are you sure you don't mind Grams?" Elizabeth asked for the third time that night. She was still unsure about going on a date with Patrick. Part of her hoped Audrey would change her mind.

"It's fine dear. Just go have a good time."

"Well if I knew what we were doing..."

"Not a chance. I told you it's a surprise." Patrick told Elizabeth smiling at the pout on her face. The last three weeks had not been easy but Elizabeth was finally feeling more like herself. Patrick knew she would be going back to work soon and tonight was a chance for them both to relax. "Thank you for watching Emma."

"It's no problem. That little girl is simply adorable." Audrey said practically pushing Patrick and Elizabeth out the door.

"I guess she really wanted us to leave." Patrick said looking at the closed door.

"Yeah. Grams isn't subtle about what she wants."

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Patrick pulled Elizabeth's chair out trying to hide how nervous he was. He found planning a date with Elizabeth difficult. Not because she was hard to impress. However, as his friend they had already done many date type things.

That's why Patrick chose this particular restaurant. The small seafood restaurant was new to Port Charles and that meant neither had a connection to it. The atmosphere was a strange combination of formal and casual. It also had a small dance floor. Patrick knew Elizabeth loved to dance.

As dinner progressed, the silence between them became unbearable. "This is ridiculous." Elizabeth said setting down her fork. "Why are we both so nervous?"

"Probably because we're trying too hard. I want this to work but right now we aren't being ourselves."

"I guess not." Elizabeth easily agreed.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Elizabeth shook her head and blushed. She had chosen to wear a red and black minidress that, in Patrick's opinion, made her look stunning. "You look amazing."

"Thank you. I would return the compliment but I worry your head wouldn't fit through the door."

Patrick laughed at Elizabeth's teasing. 'Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.' Patrick though to himself. With that joke, it was as if all the tension bled away. By dessert, things were much more relaxed. During the meal, Elizabeth had reached across the table putting her hand in his. "So would you like to have dessert or dance?"

"You want to dance?"

Instead of answering, Patrick stood and led Elizabeth to the dance floor. One hand settled at Elizabeth's waist as the other held hers. Patrick could barely hear the soft music as the rest of the world faded away.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and sighed. She had forgotten how good a simple dance could feel. However, Elizabeth knew that there was nothing simple about the way she was feeling. The night had gone from awkward to nearly perfect. It was getting harder to remember why she thought this was a bad idea.

The couple danced completely wrapped up in one another. They never noticed that across the room a man was watching them closely.

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After dinner, Patrick reluctantly took Elizabeth home. Neither wanted the night to end but Elizabeth was already tired. She knew going back to work was going to be interesting. "Thank you for tonight."

"I should be thanking you." Patrick said looking at their linked hands. He tried not to think about how good tonight felt. "I'm glad you had a good time. I've missed seeing you smile."

"I smile."

"Not like tonight. It makes you look so beautiful." He said caressing Elizabeth's cheek. "What do you think my chances are for another date?"

"I think you're really good." Elizabeth said running a hand down his chest.

Patrick's heart raced at the idea. He could not help but think how right this all felt. Before Elizabeth could react, Patrick lowered his head for a brief kiss. After a moment, Elizabeth deepened the kiss. When he pulled away, Patrick ran his lips over her cheek before pressing a kiss to her forehead. He knew the only way to make things work is to go slow. Reluctantly Patrick stepped back. "Good night, Elizabeth."

"Night." She said going inside. Elizabeth leaned against the wooden door and giggled as she thought about her date.

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Patrick had just finished settling Emma for the night. After dropping, Elizabeth off he went back to Audrey's house to retrieve the infant. It did not take long for Emma to fall back asleep in her crib.

"I take it your date with Nurse Webber went well?"