Chapter 10

At the meeting with the delegates from Herker, Aria had to interpret for Picard because part of their language included visual signs and hand gestures. It was a chance for him to meet with the Herkers and learn of what they have to offer the Enterprise when they were in need of supplies and of shore leave and in their sector. Herker was a nice planet that was trying to gain a reputation for large ships, thus the purpose of their meeting.

They both knew that when they were in uniform, things were to be strictly business. There was no room for a romantic relationship within the confines of their uniforms. They were professionals and knew their jobs and the requirements that went with it. Neither had no desire to destroy their reputations over it.

On the way back up to their rooms, Aria told Jean Luc about her plans for her time off. All she wanted to do was to enjoy the sun and wonder the shops. They agreed to spend most of the day at the beach and parted to ready themselves.

Inside Aria's suite, she finally had a chance to herself since she left Jean Luc's arms. It amazed her, reviewing the events that had happened the previous night. She felt bad for Scott, ending things so quickly with him, but she had a real chance of a future with Jean Luc and knew that Scott would not be devastated by her decision. Aria changed out of her uniform and put on a very skimpy two-piece suit that she had been planning to wear since she found out about the conference on Malrata. She then covered herself up using a large, gauzy scarf that tied into a dress.

While she pulled her hair into a ponytail, there was a knock at her door. It was her new admirer, not so secret any more, waiting to escort her to the beach. Picard wore loose, blue shorts, a tan cotton shirt and sandals. He greeted her with a kiss that made her feel like a true woman. Aria had never seen him dressed so casually before but still thought of him as a very handsome man. She gathered a few things in a bag and they headed off to the beach.

They two arrived at the water's edge and found a quiet place to relax. They had gotten lounge chairs provided by the hotel and Jean Luc set them up close together. After they both spread out their towels over them, Jean Luc removed his shirt and sandals. Aria was pleasantly surprised by his muscle tone that lay hidden under his shirts for all that time. She fiddled around with some things in her bag, tossing a tube of sunscreen onto her chair and finally removed her cover up to reveal how little she really was wearing. She could feel his eyes, now hidden by sunglasses, going over every curve of her body. It was nice that he almost seemed surprised by her true appearance. All of her running really did pay off as she had amazing muscle tone and only enough extra to give her curves that seemed to draw his attention. Sitting down with her back towards him, Aria liberally applied the sunscreen to her body. Over her shoulder she timidly asked Jean Luc to apply the lotion to her back. Quickly obliging, his hands were caressing it into her skin. When he was finished, she lay down on her back and enjoyed the sun's rays warm her body, wishing she had a larger back so that she could continue feeling him massage her.

They both lay there quietly in the sun for a while. When she rolled over, their bare legs touched for the first time. It sent shivers through her but she did not pull back. Aria propped herself up with her arms and looked over to her companion. He turned his head to look back at her. She reached over and touched his face. He had such a strong jaw and he reached up and took her hand and kissed it gently making her head swim with desire. Lying now on her side, facing him, he reached out and touched her naked arm. It was softer than he expected and did not want to stop, but a waiter came by to see if they wanted anything to drink.

When he left, Aria said, "The sun is so hot, I am going for a swim to cool off. Will you join me?"

Jean Luc quickly agreed and they headed off to the cooler waters. The waves were calm at this time of the day and the water removed the growing heat from the sun, but not from Aria's desires. They swam out to where the water was well over their heads, keeping their distance from each other. They were both very good swimmers and were having fun splashing the other and laughing when Aria dove down into the water and came up behind him. At first he did not know where she was until she splashed him again. She thought it funny to see the water run off his face. He returned the favor and splashed her back. They were both laughing and playing. Jean Luc chased her towards the shore. She stopped where she could stand but still be covered with water, ducked down and let him pass over her. When she came to the surface, he was standing in front of her. They weren't joking any more and looked deeply into the other's eyes. Slowly, cautiously, he pulled her close to his body. Her skin was slippery and cool from the water and her lotion, but his grip was firm enough so that she could not slip away even if she wanted to. She kissed him with much desire and she could tell through their embrace that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. They cautiously explored the other's body, admiring each other's physical condition.

After much exploration, Picard finally stopped her. "Aria, you are driving me crazy. Things are moving a bit fast and I want to enjoy every second with you. Why don't we head back before things get out of hand."

Aria agreed and the two walked out of the water together. A few feet before their chairs, he took her hand for the world to see. It was a very brave gesture for both of them. He knew that Aria was concerned about her reputation, and wanted to respect that. All of this was so exciting and terrifying for both of them. The rush of the new relationship made everything so much more intoxicating.

After lounging in the sun for a while, Jean Luc asked, "Do you have dinner plans?"

"I was hoping for an invitation from a handsome Starfleet officer," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Will you have dinner with me tonight, and every other night?"

"Yes. I would like that."

"Good. I was thinking we could go to this little restaurant I saw yesterday, if that is okay with you."

"Certainly," she said as gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

He smiled at her. "So that we are given a quiet night, I'd better see to a few things. I want to let Captain Peterson know that I will not be able to meet with him tonight. So I will take my leave of you. Until tonight," he told her as he kissed her hand and left her alone on the beach.

Aria lay there in the sun for a while longer. She almost dozed off; when she noticed something was blocking the sun. She looked up to see her old friend, Gaza Petrill.

"Gaza? Is that you?" Aria asked.

"Yes, what are you doing here?" her friend asked.

"Trying to relax in the sun."

"No really, are you here for the conference?"

"Yes, I am Captain Picard's interpreter. I got a transfer from Starbase 12 to the Enterprise three months ago. What are you doing here?"

"That's great. The Enterprise, wow that must be exciting. I'm Admiral Lackey's assistant. He finally let me have some free time. I don't have to check on him until tomorrow. What are you doing for dinner?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I already have plans for tonight. But I was thinking of going shopping if you would like to join me?"

"Yeah, you will have to tell me about all of your adventures on the Enterprise."

Aria got up and covered herself up. "I've been assigned as the interpretor and protocol officer and when we get back, I have to begin going through applications for my new staff."

"Really, I applied for a position as an assistant interpreter there, but I didn't know it was for your staff. Your career seems to be moving in the right direction."

"Yes, did I tell you, with my transfer I also got promoted to Lieutenant?"

"That is great. I figure I am about a year from that."

The two ladies left the beach and walked to the shopping district. Aria was looking for a new outfit, specifically for that night. There were so many beautiful things there. With her friend's help, she found a vivid printed purple skirt that wrapped around her slim hips and a white shirt that had a generous neckline. She also found a beautiful scarf for her mother and necklace that sparkled. It was so nice seeing her friend again and being able to share some time with her. They were staying at the same hotel and made arrangements to have lunch together the next day as they headed back to the hotel, carrying their purchases with them.

A few blocks from the hotel they bumped into Captain Picard, who seemed to be on his way to the market.

Aria stopped him, "Captain Picard, I would like you to meet Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gaza Patrill. We were at the Academy together."

"It is nice meeting you Lieutenant Patrill," he told her as they shook hands.

"Thank you, sir," Gaza looked excited to meet him.

"Lieutenant Swenson, I see you are finishing up that shopping you told me about."

"Yes, Sir. At least for today. And you?"

"Just looking. I do have to get going, Lieutenant."

"Yes, Sir. I will see you at the conference," Aria said to him.

"It was nice meeting you Lieutenant Patrill."

"Thank you, Sir. I hope you enjoy your stay here," Gaza said.

"Thank you," he replied with a smile on his face and left the two ladies alone again.

"Aria, you get to serve with him? You are so lucky."

"Yes, I am. I really like being on the Enterprise. It really feels like home."

"That's not what I mean. Captain Picard, he is very charming. What is he like?"

Not knowing exactly what to say to her friend, she said with hesitation, "He's very professional, but I have enjoyed collaborating with him on a few projects."

"Is he involved with anyone?"

Trying to get off the subject quickly, "Not that I am aware of, so tell me about your assignment with Captain Lakey."

They talked all the way back to the hotel and then parted, both going their rooms. Back in her room, Aria took a shower to remove the salt from her hair and body. After toweling off, she laid down on her bed naked. She thought of Jean Luc and the way it felt when he touched her. Her hands touched her body, where only the sun had, thinking of how good it would feel when he touched her. She decided, since she had the time, she would try to take a nap, because something told her that she wasn't going to be sleeping much that night.

When she awoke, someone had slipped a note under her door. She opened it and read it:

"Aria,

I look forward to seeing you tonight at a seven.

Yours,

JL"

Aria held the paper against her chest and thought of him. She looked at the paper again and studied his handwriting. It was strong and firm, just like the man she was getting to know. She slowly dressed, taking care to not forget a single detail, down to the powder that made her skin so soft and silky. At seven o'clock, exactly, there was a knock at the door. She called for him to come in and could hear Jean Luc enter her suite, while Aria finished getting ready in her bedroom.

She brushed her hair one last time and exited her bedroom. He stood there waiting for her. He looked stunning in a pair of off white pants and a soft white cotton shirt. She walked towards him.

"I cannot believe that you can look more and more beautiful every time I see you," he said to her as he greeted her with a kiss.

"You are too kind," she replied as they held hands.

"I am just glad to finally be able to tell you."

They left her suite and headed down the hall. He offered her his arm and she gladly accepted. Jean Luc held her close to him as they chatted the whole way to the restaurant, not caring who saw them together.

Arriving at the restaurant, they were seated at a small table that overlooked the water. There was a soft breeze coming from the water that blew Aria's hair around a bit and Jean Luc could smell whiffs of her perfume. It was the same perfume that she always wore, one that lingered in his mind and had made him think of her when he was alone. He smiled at his date from across the table. Neither said much, they didn't have to. All they did was stare into each other's eyes and hold hands on the tabletop. Jean Luc ordered for both of them and the food came quickly.

Across the room, a small band had set up and played familiar songs for the patrons, most of them being Starfleet.

When they were finished eating, he asked her, "Would you like to dance with me?"

"Are you sure? There are some familiar faces here."

"Aria, I don't want to dance with them. I want to dance with you." Jean Luc's eyes stared deeply into her eyes.

"Nothing would make me happier," she replied as he helped her with her chair and lead her out to the dance floor.

With the music swirling around them, he took her gently into his arms and guided her around to the rhythm of the music. There were several other couples on the floor with them. As the slow song they were dancing changed to an upbeat mambo, Jean Luc was able to change pace and twirl her around to the Latin rhythms. Aria wore a look of complete joy on her face as the two drew attention. She knew how to dance but had never been so successful at it as she was with Jean Luc. It was like they had dance together for years.

Several fast paced songs later, they returned to their table to catch their breath.

As Aria took a long sip of her water, Jean Luc asked, "Are you having a good time?"

"Oh, yes. This has been simply wonderful. I have to admit that I was very nervous about tonight."

"So was I. What would you like to do? We could stay here or go somewhere else if you want."

"How about we go to that club that we went to that first night?" she asked, looking for approval.

"Your wish is my command," he told her as they settled up with the waiter and exited for the loud dance club.

The club was filling up and the music was already almost too loud to talk over. They quickly found themselves on the dance floor again, this time with the loud pumping beat of the dance music. Even though there was room on the dance floor, he held her close. Aria held on tightly with one hand on his shoulder and the other was left free to sensuously explore. Jean Luc only needed to keep on hand on the small of her back to keep her close to him. There was something primal about the way they danced with each other, as if they were making love right there on the dance floor.

Being so close to Jean Luc made Aria ache in ways she didn't think were possible. All she wanted was to feel a release from the building heat inside of her. It almost felt like she was itching from the inside for him. Aria knew that she wanted to make love to him, to feel him inside of her and be brought to unknown levels of pleasure, but she did not want to go too fast either.

The two of them grew sweaty and their hands explored their partner's body. They realized that if they did not stop they would find themselves bordering on the edge of inappropriate behavior. It was agreed that they should sit down for a while. They found two seats at a quiet end of the bar and Aria excused herself to freshen up in the ladies room.

From inside one of the stalls in the ladies room, she overheard two women talking about some of the men at the club.

"Why does it seem like all the good looking guys are taken by obviously younger women?" one of the voices said.

"I know what you mean. It is so hard to find a nice guy that isn't a troll," the other lady said.

"Did you see Captain Picard with that little young thing? She was all over him."

"Some girls have all the luck. I have heard some stories about how wild he gets at events like this."

"Yeah, me too. I wonder how long this one will last? Not long I would assume."

"Maybe he'll be done with her before he leaves. I would not mind being the next one in line for that. You ready to get back out there?" Aria left her stall after she heard the ladies leave. As she fixed her makeup in the mirror, she wondered how true the description of her date was or was it just two women talking trash. Have I already ruined my reputation as a credible Starfleet officer with this one-day with Jean Luc? With much of her confidence deflated, she headed back to their table where she could see the two women circling her date.

Aria took her seat next to Jean Luc and he took her hand and gently kissed it. She smiled at him. How could this gentle, sensitive man be the kind of man the two women were describing in the bathroom?

"Is there something wrong, darling?" he asked her, focusing all of his attention on her.

"No, how could anything be wrong? I'm just a bit tired," she replied.

"Do you want to get out of here then?"

"Sure, that would be nice."

He helped her to her feet and they walked for the door. Outside, the air had cooled off and there was a light nip in the air. Aria rubbed her arms, trying to keep the chill off of them. Noticing that she was trying to keep warm, Jean Luc put his arm around her and held her tightly against him. Jean Luc walked her back to her door of her suite.

"I hope you had a nice time tonight. I certainly did," he told her as he held her gently around her slim waist.

"I did have a really good time, thank you," she told him, looking into his eyes. What she saw was the tender and kind man that she had known all this time and not the philander that she heard of in the ladies room. "Would you like to come in for a little bit?" she asked him.

"I would love to, but I am afraid that we might do something that we both would regret doing too soon. Aria, I love spending time with you but I want to take my time with you. You are too special for me to rush things."

"All I was asking is if you wanted to come in and talk, not hop into bed," she giggled. He was getting way to serious for her.

"I know Aria, but we have all the time in the world to be together," he told her as he gently stoked her cheek. She reached up and held his hand in place as she began to kiss it. Jean Luc moaned and told her, "Aria, you are intoxicating. I must say good night." And he entered into his own suite.

Aria watched Jean Luc disappear behind his door before going into her own suite. It was so lonely inside and it was such a large room for just her. She picked up a shawl and went over to the balcony and leaned up against the railing, taking in the night's cool air. The planet was so beautiful, she was so glad that she was able to be there and discover that her Captain did have the same feelings for her that she had for him all this time. She could barely believe that her mother had been right all this time.

After standing on the balcony for a few minutes, she heard a noise coming from the balcony next to her. It was Jean Luc, who had the same idea. She walked over to the edge of the balcony closest to his.

"Hey, it looks like you have a lot on your mind," she said getting his attention.

"Aria, are you okay?" he asked getting as close to her as possible on his balcony.

"How could I be any better? I am on a beautiful, tropical planet and staying in an amazing suite and have just returned from the best date I have ever had."

"I am glad you are enjoying your stay here," he said with a smile of satisfaction.

"How about you? Are you okay with all of this?"

"Darling, Aria, this has been one of the best days of my life. Last night I thought I had scared you off forever. I was scared that you were not coming back to me and that I had ruined our friendship as well. When you showed up at my door this morning, I was able to cast aside all of the questions I had been pondering all night."

"It did take me all night to weigh my decision, but I know I made the right choice. I wish we never had to leave here. I am scared of how things will change when we return to reality."

"Try not to worry about that."

"I know. We still have five days and four nights here to enjoy."

"Yes, and I want to make them the most amazing five days and four nights you have ever had."

"So what do you have in store for us?"

"You'll find out."

"It sounds like you aren't quite sure yet. Am I right?"

"You know me too well. But I do think we will find things to do."

"I could lie on the beach or wonder the market the rest of our time here and be happy."

"I know. I just want to be able to show you a good time before we had to go back to our regular life with no sun or beach."

"How could our life on the Enterprise be regular? Even before Malrata?"

"You've seen nothing yet."

"Jean Luc, this is silly. Come over here and we will just talk. I'll order us some tea and we can enjoy the night together, without having the rest of the hotel hear our conversation."

He thought for a moment and then told her he would be right over. She called down to room service for the tea. Just as she finished placing her order, there was a knock at the door. She went to answer it. Her jaw dropped when she saw who was standing there.

"Scott, what are you doing here?"

"Happy to see you too. Mind if I come in? I would like to talk to you."

"Yes, I do mind, but come in any way. We can't talk in the hallway," she let him in unsure of his intentions.

"I wanted to know why you came to my room so early this morning."

"I already told you that I am not the woman for you. I really did enjoy the time we spent together, but I need more than either one of us are able to give." Just then there was another knock at her door. She really hoped it was not Jean Luc. Aria opened the door and saw Jean Luc standing there, waiting for her.

"Jean Luc, I …"

"What's the matter? You look so surprised to see me," he said as he kissed her on her cheek. She stood there, not moving, not knowing what to do. Looking over at Aria's visitor, Jean Luc asked, "And who are you?"

"This is Commander Scott McKinney, second officer of the Intrepid. Scott, this is Captain Jean Luc Picard, of the Enterprise," she said as she introduced the two men to each other.

"You're the reason then, Sir," Scott said to the Captain of the Enterprise.

"The reason for what?" Jean Luc replied staring him down, knowing exactly what the Commander was speaking about.

"The reason why Aria showed up at my door early this morning, in tears, telling me why she would not see me anymore."

"That choice was Aria's to make."

"And the fact that you are her commanding officer had no weight on the matter."

"I do not like what you are insinuating about Lieutenant Swenson. What she does on her own time is completely her decision. I think you have taken up enough of her time. Good evening Commander."

"Like you said, what she does on her own time is her own decision." Scott turned to Aria and said, "Do you want me to leave?"

"Yes, Scott. Our business is done. We never had a future together and we never will. I think we both knew that from the beginning. Now I would like you to leave," she replied as she opened the door for him.

"I never thought that you were this weak," Scott said as he began to leave.

"Scott, you are the weak one. I made the decision, now be a man and accept it. Good night."

"Good night Aria. You know where I am staying when you come to your senses," Scott replied. Aria shut the door in his face with a dramatic slam.

"I am so sorry about that," Aria said to her invited guest.

"Don't be. This Commander McKinney was making an attempt to win you back, that's all. I would of fought for you much harder if you had chosen him over me."

"I am so glad that you showed up when you did. Thank you for being here with me," she told him as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He kissed her back as he held her against him, as if he was afraid to let her go. The kissing became more passionate and their bodies grew hotter. The way her body molded to his, it was like were meant to be a matched set. Aria thought that everything with Jean Luc was so right as if it was her destiny to be with him. She wanted him so badly, to feel his warmth inside of her, to know his intimate touch.

Just then there was another knock at her door. Jean Luc tore himself away from her and answered the door. This time it was the tea that she had ordered earlier which he signed for and sent the delivery boy away.

"I thought all we were going to do was talk?" he asked her as he began to carry the tray out to the balcony.

"I did not know that you would have had to come to my defense. Thank you."

"It was the least I could do for you. You are worth defending. I would do it every day if I had to."

"I hope you don't have to. Let's try to put this all behind us."

He put the tea tray down on the table and he helped her into her seat. From behind her, he gently kissed her on the cheek, sending shivers down her body. He sat down in the other chair, across the table from her. She poured the tea for both of them and they talked like they used to during the meetings on the Enterprise, but with out the tensions that were present before their trip to Malrata.

It was a chilly night and Aria was still covered in the wrap from their earlier balcony conversation. Although she sipped hot tea, the chill in the air made her shiver. Noticing her discomfort, Jean Luc got up out of his chair and went inside the suite to get her a blanket, so that she could keep warm. When they were both finished with their tea, they got up to admire the view. Still amazed by the simple but exotic view that lay in front of her. In the darkness, she could hear the waves crashing against the shore and could see the froth churning up from the rocks below. She closed her eyes and let the sound of the waves and the salt air carry her away, no thoughts ran through her head for once.

Jean Luc placed his arm around her back and held her close to him. He was so warm and strong. Lying her head on his shoulder, at that moment things were perfect. They stood there, with no outside opinions of the two of them being together, just a man holding a woman, a woman he cared deeply about. Standing there, Aria was not his interpreter and he was not her commanding officer. He wished that things would always be as simple as this moment, but deep down he knew things were going to be challenging as their relationship continued in the reality of the Enterprise. She was worth the challenge and he wanted to protect her from all the evils of the universe, the rumors, the innuendo, the whispers and looks that he knew was bound to follow upon their return home.

Standing there, in the moonlight on the balcony, remembering the earlier confrontation with Commander McKinney. Scott was willing to fight for her, but gave up so quickly. Jean Luc knew he would never back down and would always fight for her, for her love and companionship. With that thought, he stiffened up. He was in love with her? He could see having a family with her, having children, having a future with this woman he held so close. This was all new to him and he was not sure how to react to his realizations.

"Is something the matter?" she asked him, reacting to the change in his body and picking her head up off his shoulder.

"No, nothing at all, my darling," he responded.

"Come here," she beckoned as she took his hand and led him over to the oversized lounge chair. Aria sat down and motioned for him to sit next to her. Covered by the blanket and having his arms wrapped around her, she asked, "Something is the matter. What is it? You can tell me anything."

"I was just thinking about Commander McKinney," he responded.

"What? Why him?"

"I was thinking that he backed down to easy. If I was in his shoes, I would of fought so much harder for you. You are worth so much to me. I haven't gotten through a single day since you came aboard with out thinking about you."

"I had no idea you had been thinking of me so much. I would not worry about Scott. I think that the great Captain Picard of the starship Enterprise scared him off. He doesn't want trouble, and between the both of us we could get him in a lot of trouble."

"Aria, I wish I could protect you from what will probably come when we leave here. It may not be easy for both of us. Are you ready for all of that?"

"As long as I have your support and you by my side, I know everything will be fine. I don't want to go a day without being with you, if only for a brief moment. Things will be different when we get home, but the way we feel for each other should not."

"I could see my feelings changing?"

"What do you mean?" she said staring straight out into the night, her body growing stiff.

"I can only see my feelings for you growing stronger and deeper for you. What did you think? That I would cast you aside once I was board with you?"

"Honestly, I was a bit unsure. I heard some women in the ladies room talk about you and your reputation at events like this. They were wondering when you were going to cut that 'pretty young thing' away so they could have a chance with you."

"Oh, really. Is that why you were so quiet when you got back to the table?" She nodded yes. "Aria, you should know me better than that by now. Oh, darling Aria. How could I ever leave you? It is true that I have been with a few women, but I have never felt such intense feeling for any of them as I do for you. I want to be with you and only you. All I could hope is that you want that as well. I want you to be open and honest with me as I am with you."

"You are too good to be true."

"For you, only the best." He bent down and kissed the top of her head and held her tightly. They said no more, and just sat there; enjoying the time they had alone in this magical place. Slowly, Aria's eyelids grew heavier and heavier until she could no longer keep them open. In his warm embrace, she fell asleep in his arms. It was one of the best night's sleep she had ever had.

The following morning, they both awoke as the sun made its early appearance. Breakfast was ordered and was quickly delivered. Aria was a bit surprised that he took charge of getting the morning started, but he was the Captain and was used to being in charge. She didn't mind, in fact she was excited by his strength that was about him. He always knew exactly what he wanted and was able to get it.

For dinner that night, Jean Luc wanted to surprise her with their dinner plans. They had spent much of the day snorkeling in one of the planet's coral reefs and were fairly tired from swimming in the sun. Aria then went back to her room for a quick nap and to freshen up for their dinner together. She dressed in a floral printed wrap around dress that showed off her legs nicely.

Jean Luc showed up at her door at six o'clock, just as the sun was beginning to set. He waited for her in the sitting room as she finished getting ready.

She called from the other room, "So what are we doing for dinner tonight?"

"I'm not telling. I want to surprise you," he told her.

"Oooh, I love surprises."

He opened the door to her room and led her out into the hall. He unlocked his door and put his hands over her eyes. She giggled with excitement as he guided her into his suite. When the door had closed and she was in the right place, he removed his hands from her eyes to reveal his surprise. Jean Luc's room had thousands of candles lit and soft music playing. She saw that they lead out to the table on the balcony was set for the two of them.

"Oh, Jean Luc. It is beautiful. No one has ever done this for me before. Thank you."

"Not nearly as beautiful as you," he told her as he held her in his arms and began to slowly dance with her.

It was like a dream for her, swaying to the music close to one another. Once they were done dancing, he led her out to the balcony, where he pulled the chair out for her and took the seat across the table from her. They ate their dinner, but didn't really pay attention to what they were eating. There was a light breeze blowing Aria's hair and blowing the neckline of her dress open enough for him to catch a glimpse of her bosom. Once finished with their meal, they stood up and Aria went over to the railing, looking out into the night's sky. He came up behind her and put his arms around her waist and just held her, looking over her shoulder. They didn't say a word. They didn't have to.

Aria stood there for a long time. Eventually she turned around to face her admirer. "Thank you," she finally said.

"For what?"

"For opening the door for me yesterday. I am so lucky to have you in my life."

"Things can't be like this when we get back to the Enterprise, although I wish they were going to be."

"I know. It would be pretty hard to take all of this with us,"

"I wish we could. Things have been perfect these few days."

"Yes, but why waist time worrying about that and let us enjoy these stolen moments we have now." Aria leaned forward and kissed him. He felt so warm and strong as he returned her kiss. She loved the feel of his arms holding onto her and how she felt when he ran his hands over her body.

Things got more and more passionate. Aria was getting very excited by Jean Luc's caresses and she could tell that he was as well. Her head was swimming with desire for him. She had never felt this strongly for a man before. Finally, she had found the one man she had dreamed of connecting with. Everything felt right; there was no awkwardness, no uncertainty.

"Jean Luc," she purred. "I want you to make love to me all night long."

He stopped kissing her and looked her straight in the eye. Brushing a few strands of hair off her face he said, "There is nothing more I want to do right now, but don't you think we're moving a bit fast?"

"Not one bit. I want to feel you, close to me, inside me," she replied as she reached up and kissed him wantonly on his lips. They spent several moments, kissing each other more and more urgently when Jean Luc picked her up in his arms and carried her off to his bedroom, kissing her the whole way. The room was lit by hundreds of white candles and there was an ice bucket filled, chilling a magnum of Champaign and two crystal flutes.

"All this, for me?" she asked.

"All this and so much more," he said as he gently laid her down on the oversized bed and kissed her neck as he lay almost on top of her.

She let her hands run over his chest and slowly undid the buttons on his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. He was so strong and powerful but was able to be so gentle when he touched her. Jean Luc cautiously untied Aria's dress and let it fall open to reveal her naked breasts. He stopped to admire her beauty. Being this exposed to another person would normally make her self conscious, but she surprised herself with how comfortable she was with him. He took one of her very perky nipples into his mouth and gently rolled it around with his toung. Aria squirmed under him as she began to moan, louder and louder.

"Please, Jean Luc, please, make love to me."

He lifted his head to see her eyes and said, "All in due time, my dear. All in due time."

There was a cooling breeze blowing in from the water that cooled their hot bodies. He pulled her dress the rest of the way off her body while she swiftly undid his pants. He seemed so confident; kissing her in his underwear that hugged all of his manly curves and let her know how interested he was in her. She lay there, with only her silk panties on, as Jean Luc began to kiss every inch of her body and she stroked any part of his body she could reach.

When he returned to her face, they both were breathless, wanting the other so badly. Staring into each other's eyes, they swiftly removed the last shreds of clothing they both wore. Their hands exploring the other's body as they kissed with more passion than either one knew they had in them. Finally, when Aria could not take anymore waiting, Jean Luc skillfully slid inside of her, meeting with only a bit of resistance. A gentle push and he filled her completely. As he did this, she took a quick breath and then sighed with relief. He began to move inside of her, slowly at first but then increasing his speed, as her moaning became louder and louder. Aria clutched his strong shoulders and let him bring her to levels of pleasure that she never knew before. As she began to climax, she looked deeply into her new lover's eyes. He watched her climax for the first time.

"Are you okay, my darling?" he asked as he watched her face finally begin to relax.

"Everything is perfect," she replied as she kissed him deeply and he began to move again. She quickly began to climax again, but this time meeting each thrust, adding to the intensity of their lovemaking. As she met the pinnacle of pleasure, she felt him explode inside of her. Soon, he lowered himself onto her chest, both gasping for breath. He rolled over and held Aria in his arms; quietly they stoked each other's arms as they rested.

Later, Jean Luc rose to open the bottle of Champaign for them. He poured two glasses and brought them back into the bed, settling down next to her.

He raised his glass to her and said, "To the woman compliments me so well. I hope that every time we make love, it will be as magical as our first time." He took a sip and gently kissed her.

Aria replied with a similar gesture. "I hope every time is as special and intense as my first time. You…."

He cut her off, "You mean you have never been with another man?" The news shocked him that she was a virgin until just a few minutes ago.

"Yes, this was my first time making love. I am glad it was with you."

"I am amazed that a woman as beautiful and confident as you never… I mean, that it surprises me that you haven't before tonight… been with another man," he fumbled with the words.

"I was just waiting for someone special. I hope I was okay."

"Darling, you were incredible, so much that your inexperience surprises me."

"Well, I guess you have a thing or two to teach me. If you are willing."

"I am more than willing. I want you to feel all the pleasure I can give you," he replied as he gently took her glass from her and began to kiss her again, with renewed passion.

They made love several more times that night. Aria had quickly lost count of the orgasms she experienced. Completely exhausted, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

They awoke the following morning, still holding on to the other.

"Good morning, darling. Are you okay?" he asked her with great concern.

"How could I be any better? I couldn't be any happier than I am right now. If only we could stay like this, forever."

"That would be perfect," he said as he brushed her hair away from her face.

"All I want is for you to make love to me, over and over again."

"We can certainly try to do that," he replied as he kissed her with renewed passion.

122