(Enjoy your last chapter Holly-free. This chapter is extremely swoon worthy! My daughter kept asking what was wrong, and I had to keep telling here that the chapter was just so romantic. I don't feel I can adequately describe what I see in my mind, but I did try. Enjoy!)

At exactly 6:45 that evening, Kate pulled into the parking lot of Ruth's Chris Steak House. Shane's eyes became as enormous as saucers. This is a place she had heard about for most of her life, but never had she set foot in such an elegant restaurant. She studied her black dress and began to smooth invisible wrinkles from it. In truth, Shane was beginning to have second thoughts about this evening.

"Well, Shane, this is it," Kate offered. "Aren't you going to get out? I'm sure Oliver is waiting for you."

Shane reluctantly shook her head. "Kate, I can't do this."

"You can't do this? You can't do what?"

"Kate, I have never been to an elite restaurant like this in my life. I'm sure I'm not dressed appropriately, and there is no way on earth that I can let Oliver foot the bill for-"

Kate seized Shane's hand firmly. "Shane McInerney, you cannot be serious! No matter what you feel right now, are you actually going to stand up the man you love more than anything else on earth? Okay, so Oliver's rich. I think you already knew that. This is his favorite restaurant, and you will irreparably break his heart if you don't show up. Have you ever stood up another date?"

Shane somberly bowed her head. "No, Kate, but this is different. I-"

"Furthermore, you need to tell him about your salvation experience. He has no idea that happened to you, and if you thought he struggled to not divulge his feelings to you before, guess how much harder it will be when he hears that. You don't want to miss out on that, do you?"

"But, Kate, I know nothing of proper etiquette. What if I use the wrong fork or insult the chef in some other way? Kate, I have never traveled in fancy circles in my life. If I embarrass him-"

"-he will not even notice since he will have the pleasure of enjoying your company," a male voice outside the car completed.

Shane turned to Oliver who was positioned outside her car door, and her cheeks instantly reddened. "Oliver, how much did you hear?"

"Enough to know that you are worried about things that do not matter to me," Oliver said while opening her car door. He extended his hand to her. "Come, princess, it is time for our first date."

"Unofficial date, Oliver," Shane corrected while accepting his hand. "We can't really date until you're free."

He kissed her hand. "Yes, I do believe you are right, Miss Mcinerney."

Kate called, "I'll see you two in the morning. You have the key, right?"

They both nodded, and with that, the car disappeared into the night.

"Shane, I have missed you so much," Oliver stated, as he examined her from head to toe. "And you look absolutely stunning."

Shane bowed her head in embarrassment. "Thank you, Oliver, but-"

Oliver gently lifted her chin so she was looking at him. "My dear, I have no idea what is troubling you, but I want you to know that there is not a thing in the world that you could do to diminish what I feel for you. I do not care about being societally correct, politically correct, or any other similar issues. I only care about you, and I plan to savor the night with you, sweetheart."

"Goodness, Oliver, you make me feel so faint," Shane whispered, as she steadied herself against him. "I have never swooned in my life, but I feel like I could."

"That is exactly what I wish to hear," Oliver whispered into her ear. "Come, Shane, let us go inside."

He offered her his arm, and she took it with a smile. Together, they entered the restaurant, almost unaware of anything but each other. As they entered, the host checked their reservation, took their coats, and led them to the private dining room that Oliver had reserved. They were seated, and then they were alone again.

"Oh, Oliver, I had no idea you had planned all this for us," Shane gushed. "And I had no idea you were wearing a tux. Goodness, how am I supposed to contain myself?"

Oliver grinned as he took her hand and kissed it. "Princess, do not suppose that you have no effect on me. Your dress is absolutely sumptuous as is everything about you. I am immensely gratified that you are unable to see the thoughts churning inside my brain."

Shane giggled softly. "Oliver, I'm sure I can imagine. As much as we would like to call this a non-date, be both know it technically is one."

"Now, Shane, why is it that you were so apprehensive about coming in?"

"Oh, Oliver, I guess everything hit me at once. I know you're rich, but I guess I don't think about it when we're at the DLO. It boggles my mind to think that you continue to work rather than just sit around and waste your money like so many rich people do."

"Shane, I never aspired to be like that. I suppose my parents did instill a work ethic within me. For that, I will be ever indebted to both of them."

At that moment, a waiter arrived with a two champagne glasses filled with something that was decidedly unusual. Oliver indicated that the waiter was at liberty to deliver the drinks, and Oliver quickly thanked him as the man left the room.

"Uh, Oliver, what exactly is in this glass?" Shane asked with a perplexed expression. "I know that's not champagne or wine or any cocktail I've ever seen. Granted, my knowledge of alcohol is quite limited, but-"

Oliver quickly took her hand and squeezed it. "Shane, I will be honest. I do not drink. Alcoholic drinks, that is. Actually, I never developed a taste for them, and it seemed much more invigorating to try unusual non alcoholic drinks. I do hope you do not mind."

"I don't mind at all, Oliver. Drinking is something I have only done minimally, but that's merely a personal preference. However, I would expect a restaurant such as this to have a fine selection of wines, cocktails, and such."

"Yes, but this is one time that the name O'Toole does have its benefits. I was able to request and receive exactly what I desired. It is that name that reserved this private dining room. My father used to give this restaurant much business when he was entertaining important people in the Microsoft corporation. The owner of this restaurant has never forgotten. that. Therefore, to answer your question, I believe I would ask you to try it before I tell you what it is."

"Why? Is it made up of some kind of weird insect juice or something disgusting like that?"

"No, Shane, I promise," Oliver laughed. "There is nothing veritably unusual in this drink. Go ahead and try it."

Hesitantly, Shane picked up the glass. She prayed as she began to put the glass to her lips that she would like whatever concoction she was about to drink. The last thing she wanted to do was offend Oliver.

As the first drops of liquid touched her tongue, her fears were instantly allayed. The taste was robust with some coffee, chocolate, and almond flavor. She had to stop herself from downing the entire glass since it was so refreshing. She gently set the glass down in front of her and met Oliver's eyes.

"So, Shane, did you find the drink acceptable?" Oliver asked.

Shane thoughtfully replied, "Let's see. How can I put this?"

"You did not enjoy it?" Oliver's face had somewhat fallen.

Shane smiled and kissed Oliver's hand. "Of course, I liked it, Oliver. I was just trying to think of the best way to share that with you. I nearly drank the entire contents in one sitting. I had to force myself to stop."

"Really? You honestly like it?"

"Oliver, I could easily drink a gallon of it, it's so good. But I doubt my figure would survive that."

"Any guesses as to what it is?"

"I know there were coffee, chocolate, and almond flavors. It was also fizzy. So what is it?"

"You actually are not too far off. It is called Chocolate Amaretto Creme."

"So, I was closer than I thought."

"Indeed."

"Well, then , I will have some more." Shane took the glass withfull intention of drinking more, but Oliver put his hand on hers. She looked at him strangely, and he shook his head.

"What is it, Oliver?" she asked.

At that moment, music began playing. Shane was somewhat surprised, and Oliver smiled at her.

"Oliver, did you-"

He nodded and stood. He extended his hand to her, and inquired, "Miss McInerney, may I have this dance?"

Quite charmed, Shane replied, "I would love to, Mr. O'Toole." And with that, she took his hand.

For a few brief moments, Shane and Oliver gazed at each other as only two in love could. In the back of her mind, Shane was attempting to figure out the song that was playing. She knew it was a 1970's tune, but she hadn't been able to place it yet.

Oliver took Shane in his arms, and they began to dance. She was amazed at how smoothly he was gliding across the floor, and it seemed as though his style had improved even over what it had been a few short months before.

"Oliver," Shane chanced.

"Mmm?' Oliver murmured.

"How is it that you have become an even better dancer than I recall?"

Oliver met her eyes with a grin. "Oh, I have my ways."

"Oh, come on, Oliver, that's no answer, and you know it."

Oliver drew her closer and put his lips next to her ear. "What do you think I did in the evenings by myself at home?"

Shane pulled away slightly and eyed him strangely. "Did you take more lessons?"

"That is something I did today. On those lonely evenings by myself, Shane, I practiced."

"By yourself?"

"I realize it sounds bizarre, but yes. And today I visited a dance teacher in town to cement my skills."

At that very moment, Shane heard the following lyrics:

I don't want clever conversation

I never want to work that hard

I just want someone that I can talk to

I want you just the way you are

Suddenly, Shane stopped dancing and looked at Oliver in surprise. "Oliver, how on earth did you know that this song is one of my favorites? I know I never told you."

Oliver gazed at her with a sly grin. "It is possible that I called Miss Rita Haywith today and discovered your favorite songs."

Shane threw her arms around Oliver and practically knocked him down. He regained his balance and held her tightly. For a brief moment, they stared at each other. It was clear that they were ready to go to the next level. And it appeared that they were ready to throw caution to the wind.

As their mouths began to seek for each other, Oliver broke away. Shane shook her head a few times as if to snap her out of this dream she was having.

"Shane, I am so sorry," Oliver apologized as he sat back down. "I should never have chanced that."

Shane sat across from him and tried to take his hand. "No, Oliver-"

"No, Shane," Oliver said as he stood and turned his back to her. "I knew exactly what I was doing. I knew what Iwanted. I prayed all day long that God would give me the strength to resisttemptation. I was so certain that I would not try to push us any further. And then there you were in my arms. And, Shane, I decided that I did not care about what was right. I wanted you, and I was going to have you no matter what."

"Oh, Oliver, don't be too hard on yourself." She got up and put her arms around him from behind. He closed his eyes in an attempt not to weep. "Oliver, please, don't do this to yourself. You picked out a beautiful Billy Joel song-one of my all-time favorites-and I'm the one who threw myself at you. Don't beat yourself up. It's not all your fault."

"But, Shane-"

"Oh, but Shane, nothing. Come on, Oliver, turn around." Shane forcefully turned him to face her. He tried to avoid her eyes, but she refused to allow him to do so. "Now, let's recognize the important thing. God stopped us before we could go too far. I wanted to go too far, and you wanted to go too far. And thanks to the prayers you prayed and the ones I prayed this morning and afternoon, nothing happened."

"I expect you are right, Shane, I-" Suddenly, Oliver's head shot up. "Wait a minute, Shane. Did you say God? Did you say you were praying? Are you merely patronizing me?"

Shane smiled at him. "Think for a moment, Oliver. Have I ever talked like that before?"

"Not that I recall."

"So the logical conclusion would be-"

"Shane McInerney, have you become a Christian?"

Shane nodded. Oliver threw his arms around her and twirled her around a few times. Shane implored him to set her down.

"Oh, Shane, I could kiss you right now," Oliver exclaimed. "But I will not. At least not like I wish to." He kissed the top of her head and released her. "So, my dear, how was this accomplished?"

"Oh, you mean my salvation? You can thank Kate for talking with me this morning. But don't discount your role. I have been seeking for a while, and she merely reaped what had been sown."

"I have to say, Shane, that this is the most marvelous information I could have received tonight."

"Kate told me you might be pretty excited. She even hinted that you might struggle to contain yourself. I am guessing she was right."

"The woman knows me quite well."

"But just to set your mind at rest, and I'm being serious right now, no matter what ultimately happens between us, I'm not backing out on my commitment to God. I know it would be hard if things didn't-"

Oliver placed his finger on her lips to quiet her. "Well, we need not discuss that this evening."

For a brief moment, an impish though crossed Shane's mind, and she decided she could not resist in spite of the palatial surroundings.

"Ouch!" Oliver shouted as he quickly withdrew his finger from Shane's mouth. "What on earth?"

Shane merely giggled in response. "Oh, I'm sorry, Oliver. I had no idea I had accidentally bitten your finger. I was only trying to kiss it."

Oliver looked at her quizzically, attempting to conceal his amusement. "Right, Miss McInerney. And you expect me to believe that balderdash?"

"Balderdash? Why, Oliver, what cause would I give you to doubt my sincerity?"

"My dear, I realize this is not the time nor the place to get even with you, and trust me, I have several ideas I would act on in a heartbeat. Mark my words, Miss Shane Mcinerney, I will reimburse you adequately for your antics."

For a brief moment, Shane worried that she had overstepped the line. "You don't mind, do you, Oliver? I really didn't hurt you, did I?"

Oliver grinned and captured her hand steadily between his own. "No, Shane. It was a shock more than anything. And I believe that under other circumstances, it could have led to much more."

"You know I am only having fun and-"

"Shane, this is no problem. If anything, I appreciate the levity you bring to our times together. I believe it dissipates the tension between us. And I believe you know to what tension I refer."

"Yes, Oliver, I do."

"I promise that if I believe you ever go too far to the point where I am uncomfortable, I will let you know. And the same is true for you. Are we agreed?"

"Yes, Oliver."

"The most massive problem I have is that I cannot react the way I would like to every time. And this is one of those times."

Shane turned away in order to conceal her grin.

Oliver folded his arms and studied her with a wary glint in his eye. "All right, Miss McInerney, whatever do you find so amusing now?"

"I'm sorry, Oliver, I was merely thinking about how very few would have ever dreamed that such an animal lived inside of you. You appear so calm and collected on the exterior, and I don't think anyone would believe anything differently, dear."

"I do hope, Shane, that you know it is your fault."

"My fault? Why on earth would it be my fault, Oliver?"

Oliver smiled and clasped her hand. "Come here, Shane. You are so far away."

Shane allowed Oliver to position her on his lap. He held her snugly as she melted into him. It was so tempting to take things too far yet again, but both of them were leaning on the Lord for strength and guidance.

"Oliver," Shane whispered.

Oliver kissed the back of her neck. "Yes?"

"Oliver, you know that drives me crazy!"

In response, he kissed the back of her neck again. "Are you asking me to cease?"

"Oliver, it seems that I was going to say something, but you put all those thoughts out of my mind."

"That is my plan, princess."

"Oh, I remember what I was going to say. Oliver, are we going to be eating any time soon?"

"Shane, I have all the nourishment I need right here in my arms."

Before Oliver could do anything else, Shane jumped out of his arms. "No, Oliver, you know I can't handle that. As much as I would love it."

"I know, Shane, I realize I should not tempt you like that. I apologize."

Shane smiled. "Now, Oliver, there is no need to apologize. I'm glad you don't hold back completely. If I ever can't handle it, I'll let youknow. However, I have to admit that I'm hungry, and I think I would do better with some nourishment. Fromfood."

"Oh, Shane, I greatly anticipate the day I do not have to reign in my basest desires."

"Me, too, Mr. O'Toole. But right now-"

"Dinner. Yes, indeed, Shane."

Throughout the rest of dinner, Oliver and Shane were much more sedate. It appeared that both were in deep contemplation, and they also were relishing their time of just being together. Once the meal was complete and dessert was imminent, a silence fell upon the two of them that neither seemed very willing to break.

Finally, Oliver chanced to speak. "Shane?"

"Yes?" Shane said as she expectantly peered into his eyes.

"Do you mind if I move this chair closer to you? I have not minded sitting across from you while we were eating, but-"

"I'll do you one better, Oliver." She stood and nestled into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her.

"You do realize, Miss McInerney, that you are in a somewhat tenuous position?" He whispered into her ear.

"I'll take my chances, Mr. O'Toole."

"Was the food acceptable?"

"Absolutely delicious, Oliver. Possibly the best steak I have ever eaten."

"I do hope you saved room for dessert."

"I can think of more than one way to work up an appetite."

"Shane, be careful. I may not be able to restrain this animal within me."

They both laughed, and Oliver kissed her ear.

"Oliver, caution," Shane warned. "Don't get too carried away."

"My dear, I am already carried away. Your charm has overwhelmed me," Oliver stated.

"Goodness, Oliver, what a swoon worthy statement."

"I am not finished as of yet, sweetheart. I believe Shakespeare said it best. 'Hear my soul speak:

The very instant that I saw you, did My heart fly to your service.'"

Shane leaned back and laid her head on his shoulder. "Oh, Oliver, I never want this night to end. I am absolutely consumed by you."

"Actually, Shane, as much as I could have devoured you, I did contain myself. I have no doubt you would be a rare morsel to sample."

"Oh, you," she scolded him as she tried to swat at him. Instead, he captured her hand with a smile and kissed it.

"Miss McInerney?" Oliver breathed.

"Yes, Mr. O'Toole?" Shane responded.

"Before we have our dessert, would you do me the honor of dancing once more with me?"

"I would be delighted, oh prince of my dreams."

"Goodness, Shane, you are not the only one who may be reeling due to high-octane romance. I would say your charm is quite alluring."

"Glad to know it, Oliver."

At that moment, another of Shane's favorite songs began playing through the speakers. She smiled and rose to her feet in anticipation. Oliver stood and bowed to her, and she responded with a captivating curtsy. They began swaying to the music, and Shane even found herself softly humming along.

"Pleased to see I was able to provide another of your preferred songs," Oliver commented.

Shane sighed contentedly. "I'm so glad that Rita has a photographic memory. It has been so long since I've heard this song. Celine Dion is indeed a master when it comes to romance, in my humble opinion."

"I was not familiar with either song, but they seem quite fascinating, even though this music is out of my comfort zone."

Oliver drew Shane closer to himself as the music swelled.

You were always there for me, the tender wind that carried me

The light in the dark shining your love into my life

You've been my inspiration, through the lies you were the truth

My world is a better place because of you

On the last words of that line, a dark shadow passed before Oliver's eyes, and he abruptly stopped dancing. He backed away from Shane with a confused look. Sensing potentially debilitating dizziness, he sat down and placed his head in his hands.

At once, the distressed Shane came to Oliver's aid. "Oliver, what is it? Are you all right?"

"I have absolutely no idea, Shane. None. I merely feel dizzy."

"Have you ever had that happen before?"

"Not of which I am aware."

The song concluded, and Oliver was no longer woozy. He looked up at Shane and said, "That is one of the strangest experiences I have ever had. Now that the music is completed, I am no longer feeling ill."

"Really? That is very peculiar and troubling. Are you sure you don't need to go to the doctor? I don't want you to have another episode. Are you sure you're okay?"

Oliver considered his physical well-being for a moment. He was never one to experience fainting spells, and there seemed to be no reason for this unusual incident. Inwardly, his mind seemed to indicate that the music that had just completed had a degree of negativity associated with it, but he was certain that he had not previously heard that song. How on earth could-never mind.

"Shane, you may have a point. Do you mind if we skip dessert?"

Shane went back to her chair to retrieve her purse. "No problem at all, Oliver."

Oliver stood up and noted that he felt perfectly normal. "Shane, it would appear that all is well now. I am completely perplexed, but maybe I just go too hot. I do apologize for cutting our evening short."

Shane kissed his cheek and whispered, "I really don't mind, Oliver. My figure will thank you. And in truth, I am quite tired. I can imagine that you are as well. No matter what, this was an amazing first non-date."

Oliver encircled her waist with his arms and held her tightly. "Princess, tonight was the beginning of what I sincerely hope will be an amazing experience in the future." He kissed her forehead. "Shall we go?"

She accepted his proffered arm. "Yes, indeed, my treasured prince."

Oliver stopped and gave her a smoldering look. "Oh, Shane, you are playing with fire now."

"I'll try not to get burned."