Chapter 11: Amanda and Lee

Amanda couldn't help but feel somewhat despondent as she walked into her house. Lee's conflicting behavior had her so confused. On Saturday, he had told her that he wasn't going anywhere, with his usual manner, but since then; he'd seemed different, distant even. This morning, he'd given her a flower and had been quite pleasant, yet still a little distant with her and then now at the end of the day it was the same as that morning.

Well, Amanda King, what did you expect? You were the one that said you were afraid; Lee probably doesn't know what to do with you right about now. And to make things worse, you had sex—no, made love with him and then you turned and ran when you saw that he was going to propose! What woman in their right mind does that, with someone like Lee? Well, you started this; you'll just have to see where Lee goes with it from there.

Amanda was elated to see that her mother was working on dinner and that the boys were setting the table when she walked in. "Mother, sorry I'm late. I got caught up with some paperwork." She walked over and kissed her on the cheek, then turned to the boys. "Hello, fellows."

The boys greeted Amanda as she ruffled their hair with her fingers.

"It's okay, darling, you do look exhausted. Dinner is almost ready but you have time to take a quick shower if you like."

"I think that's a great idea. You sure you don't need me to help with anything?"

"I'm sure, dear."

"Thanks Mother."

/

As Amanda was stepping into the shower, she could have sworn she heard the doorbell. She showered quickly, enjoying the feel of the hot water against her skin as her mind unconsciously drifted to thoughts of Lee. She was rather surprised that he hadn't asked her what her plans were for dinner tonight with the boys and her mother. Although, she got back from lunch a little late, Lee didn't comment on why she'd gone out for lunch after she'd told him she had brought a sandwich. She couldn't exactly put her finger on it, but she'd gotten the distinct impression that he'd been out himself for lunch and that he was hiding something.

As she got out of the shower and dried herself off, she was aware of a fourth voice in the house; one that could only belong to one person. Amanda dried off quickly, slapped on some lotion and got dressed quickly. She then quickly ran down the stairs to see if she was correct, but slowed down as soon as she saw Lee standing between the couch and the kitchen.

Amanda stood there for a few minutes and looked at Lee. He was so handsome in his snug blue jeans and his polo shirt; she always thought he looked his handsomest in blue. He was holding a bouquet of flowers and his face was lit up revealing his award winning smile and dimples.

"Amanda," Dotty's voice broke in on Amanda's thoughts, "the boys and I are going upstairs to wash up for dinner. We will be back down shortly." She glanced around at the two of them and smiled as she headed up the stairs, the boys behind her.

"Oh, okay, Mother!"

"Hi Amanda, these are for you," Lee walked over closer to Amanda and handed her the flowers.

"Oh, Lee! Thanks; they are simply gorgeous."

"Not as gorgeous as you," she was dressed simply in a pair of jeans and a cream sweater; her hair was slightly damp from her shower.

Amanda blushed, "I didn't know we had plans tonight—I wasn't expecting you—"

"I said I'd see you later," he replied and gave Amanda a great big smile, revealing those dimples she loved so much.

"Yes, you did say you'd see me later..." She smiled back and as she did so, inadvertently touched his hand.

"It is Monday night…"

"Yes, it is Monday night."

"So, what's for dinner?"

"Honestly, I don't know. After I got home, I went in the shower, Mother was finishing up things. How about we see?"

They walked over to the stove where there was fresh pot roast, carrots, potatoes and corn bread.

"Looks good, what do you want me to do?"

"Just sit down."

"But Amanda," Lee began, but Amanda cut him off.

"You can help with the dishes, like you always do."

Always do, Lee liked the sound of that.

"I'm really glad you came over tonight," Amanda said.

"So am I."

/

Dinner was pleasant and amicable as usual except for the occasional bickering between the boys. Later, the boys were pleasantly happy to spend time with Lee and afterwards, they insisted that they play at least a few hands of UNO.

"Okay, boys, it's time for bed," Amanda said. "Say goodnight to Lee and I'll come up and say goodnight in a minute."

"Why don't you two go out for a walk?" Dotty suggested. "I can get the boys settled for you."

"Mom, can you and Lee come up and say goodnight?" Philip asked.

"Yeah, Mom, please?" Jamie chimed in.

"If it's okay with your Mom, we could both go up and say goodnight and then we can still for a walk?"

"Sure!"

Once Amanda and Lee had gotten the boys upstairs and settled in, they headed downstairs.

"Okay, you two, head on out for your walk and I know that you two have work tomorrow, but don't rush back on my account." Dotty replied as she ushered them towards the door as she reached in the closet, grabbed their jackets and thrust them towards Amanda and Lee.

"Mother!"

"Thanks, Dotty!"

Amanda glanced at Lee; that was probably the first time he'd said Dotty without starting to say Mrs. West first.

/

Amanda and Lee had walked about a block from her house, when Lee asked, rather seriously, "Amanda, can I hold your hand?"

"Lee, why would you ask that? Of course you can hold my hand."

"I feel as though we are in new territory. I don't want to do anything that would make you feel uncomfortable."

"Lee Stetson, you and I made love a few days ago; I think it would take more than your holding my hand to make me feel—well uncomfortable."

But just as she said that, he placed her hand up to his lips and lingered there for a moment before letting them go.

I take that back. Amanda thought to herself as they continued to walk.

"Good, I mean, I'm glad you don't mind if I hold your hand."

They continued to walk and as they did so, they talked about work and what each of them had done that day.

"I got all the back filing done; now when we start a new case; we'll be starting at square one."

"I finished up the last of my paperwork; at least the paperwork I can do without you. There are two cases where I need your help; a few loose pieces of information that you may remember."

"Okay, I'll look at them tomorrow."

"So, how was lunch today?"

I wondered when you would get to that. Amanda thought to herself. "It was great."

"Oh, I thought you had a sandwich for lunch, but I saw that you went out; just wondered where you went."

"Well, if you must know, Francine and I went out for lunch and….then for some chocolate."

"Oh, who had a taste for it, you or her?" Lee smirked.

"What would you say if I said we both had a craving for it, Mr. Stetson?"

"I would ask you what kind you got."

There was a pause as they continued to walk.

"Seems to me you were gone out somewhere yourself-do you care to elaborate where you were?"

"Met a friend for lunch."

"What friend was that?"

"Just a friend; they're helping me with something of a personal nature."

"A personal nature? Well, what are you doing for lunch tomorrow?"

"I don't know what am I doing for lunch tomorrow? Unless you plan on eating that sandwich you left in the fridge."

Lee stopped and looked at Amanda and she returned his stare.

Lee reached out and placed his hand on her cheek; caressing it as his other hand went out and reached out to her waist as he began to pull her in towards him. Amanda's eyes were intent on Lee's, their lips just inches apart and were just about to touch when out of nowhere the sound of barking, and several bonding feet against the pavement from behind them caused them to pause and quickly move back as they watched a large dog and two small boys run down the street. "Hey, come back here!" One of the boys shouted as they ran trying to catch up to the dog.

Lee and Amanda both laughed at the sight of the two little boys running after the large Grey Dane. They remained there on the sidewalk for a few moments before Lee took Amanda's hand again as he said, "I guess we better head back to your house."

"Agreed!"

Back at Amanda's house, Lee walked Amanda to the door. "Well, I better go, we both have work tomorrow," Lee sad, but lingered in the doorway.

"Would you like to come in for some coffee? Decaf?"

"Sure." This was what he wanted—for her to still want and need to spend time with him. As long as he continued to help her see how great and special things were between them; then he'd surely be able to get her to that next level—of seeing that marriage was obviously the next step.