"I think you deserve a kiss for coming to my rescue. Unless you have an objections with me kissing you, Ian?" Vicki grinned as she asked, tightening her hold on his hands just in case he decided to flee. He started to answer but no words were uttered. Still a bit taken a back by the simple gesture of a kiss. He looked into Vicki's pleading eyes. Clearing his throat he said, "What kind of gentleman would I be to decline such an offer from a beautiful woman? I would be honored, my lady." Everyone around the table anxiously waited for the 'kiss'.

Sara was shocked to hear Ian accept Vicki's brazen offer. 'What the hell is he thinking?!' She angrily thought. She on the other hand wasn't the only one becoming jealous. The blade began to grow brightly on her wrist. The red glint caught Jeni's attention. She stared down at the bracelet then to Sara, who now was too caught up staring daggers at her friend and Ian. Movement from the corner of her eye had averted Jeni's attention from the fickle bracelet and its owner.

Jeni's eyes widen as she watched from the sidelines. She was amazed how smooth and charming Ian was. Oh, the man was working it and doing it very well. She held her breath as she seen him lean in closer Vicki.

Not sure, on what to do Ian gladly relinquished his control and trustingly handed it to Vicki. As Ian lowered his head, Vicki reached up capturing his face between her hands. Slowly, guiding his head and lips closer to hers. The three women around the table leaned forward as well, wanting to see the 'kiss' take place. The closer they got the more nervous Ian was becoming making it quite obvious to Vicki. She smiled up at him, a hint of amusement running through her eyes. Ian closed his eyes, their lips a mere breath apart.

What happened next was truly unexpected. Vicki spoke, her breath brushing against his lips, "Thank you, Ian, for coming to my rescue. And you have my permission to do what ever you want to Sara." Ian's eyes shot open from her whispered consent. At the last second, Vicki, turned Ian's head and placed a gently kiss against his bearded cheek. Vicki let her hands drop down to her lap. It took a moment for Ian to realize what just happened. The 'kiss' was just a ruse to help push Sara even further over the edge. After recovering from his stunned stupor Ian smiled and whispered back, "Thank you, Victoria."

"Don't get me wrong, Ian. I enjoyed every minute of that." Vicki winked back. She reached around grabbing her glass and took a nice slow sip. Before pulling back, Ian leaned in and kissed Vicki on her cheek. A rush of heat ran throughout her whole body and it wasn't the affects of the alcohol, either. "Hey, you can rescue me anytime and when ever you need to make Sara feel jealous you just call me." Ian nodded his head as he straightened up.

He stood there staring at Vicki. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. As he opened them, Vicki gave him a reassuring wink and continued to enjoy her drink. There was just one person left at the table he needed to address. Lara's words continuing in his mind as he turned to Sara.

..Alright the next and final step will be Sara. Relax, be confident, and don't be nervous. Take things nice and slow. Make eye contact; capture her in your trance because, sweetie, those mesmerizing eyes are your best weapons. Must I remind you to relax?..

Ian walked over to Sara and stopped in front of her. He held his hand out and asked, "May I?" He was surprised at Sara's expression. There was no evidence of the angry woman that had confronted him earlier. The line of her pursed lips, those fiery green eyes reflecting her mood, narrowed on him. Was Sara jealous? The very thought of her being jealous was already adding to his confidence. Making him less nervous and much more relaxed. More of Lara's directions ran through his mind.

..Ask for her hand..

"May I?" He stuck his left hand out, waiting. She cocked her brow at him. As she, none so gently, place her right hand into his there was also a lift of her chin, nearly daring him to try and pull something with her, to tell her things as he had done with her friends. 'I accept' he told himself. He always did enjoy a good challenge.

He stared deeply into her eyes, pulling her into his trance. Sara could see the desire and longing coursing through those chocolate eyes of his. Without breaking eye contact, Ian raised her delicate hand into his mouth. His devilish mind already improvising with what Lara called his trademark greeting. She sucked in a breath as his tongue darted out to touch the back of her hand just seconds before his soft lips followed. She swallowed the lump in her throat, suddenly feeling very, very hot. However, she wasn't sure if the blade caused her reaction. It was now glowing like crazy the moment their hands touched.

Ian let his lips linger a second longer then usual. The soft bristles of his beard were prickling her skin as he smiled against her hand. Sending a shiver up her arm and down to the center of her. "Why can't he to do that with me?" Came Vicki's whispered voice. "Down, woman, down!" From behind, Jeni lightly admonished as she fanned the flushed woman with her tray. Lee just sighed as she watched, elbow propped up on the table, face resting in her hand.

Sara's brows were raised in utter amazement at what just happened. She started to move her mouth, her lips forming words yet nothing but short breaths were escaping. Ian smiled at himself ecstatic at Sara's reaction. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glazed with what Ian hoped was desire. And all of this from a simple kiss on the hand, albeit, with a little tongue action. For the first time Sara couldn't wait to hear him speak in that deep, rich, velvet voice of his. Just what will he say or tell her?

..With a pert nod say, 'Detective Pezzini' and leave. Don't look back!..

Which was exactly what Ian did. Lacking the enthusiasm and passion Sara was hoping for as he acknowledged the 'Detective' and spared her no second glance. He politely excused himself, "Ladies," and left not once looking back. The stunned women around the table, especially Sara, watched him walk away. Ian's actions thus far have been highly unexpected but this definitely took the cake in Sara's view. Sara was speechless, unable to understand what just happened. How could he do that to her? How could he just up and leave with out saying a word, well besides her damn name. Why? Why? WHY?

"Hey Pez, if you don't want him I'll gladly take him off your hands. Then maybe we can fulfill that pirate fantasy of mine." Vicki teased.

"You and every women here, Vicki." Lee said as she giggled.

"A man like that I'll tie up to the bed and never let him go." Jeni added with a sigh.

It finally got to her as she watched Ian leave. Remembering how jealous she got when other women showed interesting in him, how furious she felt when her own friend offered a kiss, listening to them talk about Ian Nottingham like he was some sexual God, and not to mention the disappointment she felt as he left. She liked him, Sara admitted, she really liked him. Now, all that was left was to act on it before someone else took him away, permanently.

Sara didn't bother to reply to Vicki's comment. She got off from her seat and started walking towards the bar. "Sara, where are you going?" Lee called after her. "Just realized I still owe Nottingham an apology," she threw over her shoulder, a grin across her face.

"Its about time." Jeni exclaimed.

"Here, here!" Vicki and Lee toasted, raising their glasses in the air, and drank.