Hutch couldn't believe his luck, the restaurant wasn't busy and when he requested outdoor seating, they were immediately ushered to a table on the balcony. There were no other diners outside; they were alone at the dimly lit table. Hutch watched as the candle light danced in Libby's eyes and the slight breeze off the ocean played with her hair.
They weren't in a hurry and started with a glass of wine. Hutch shifted his chair closer to her and they sat in contented silence. They were relaxing just enjoying the view and sounds of the tide as it lazily slapped against the rocks below. Their conversation moved from the frustrations of the day to their dreams for tomorrow.
Hutch refilled their wine glasses and took her hand in his. He gently brought her hand up and kissed into the middle of her palm. They intertwined their fingers and stared into each other's eyes.
Hutch felt his heart beating in his chest; he knew he was in love. He didn't remember it happening, but the more he saw Libby, he more he was certain she would be the women with whom he could share the rest of his life. He reached out and caressed her cheek and she in turn closed her eyes and reached out toward him.
"Hutch".
He felt her hand on his shoulder, and he reached out taking her by the waist to pull her closer. He felt her breath tickling his ear then he felt the sting of his hand being slapped. He opened his eyes widely in surprise and found himself staring into his partner's cobalt blue eyes.
"Quit goofing around will ya and wake up." Starsky snapped, "You've been holding my hand for the last ten minutes".
"Huh?", Hutch shook his head and took a couple deep breaths finally realizing he was sitting in the Torino in front of Venice Place.
"You're home sleeping beauty. Go crawl into bed and continue your dream buddy. Judging by the smile on your face it must have been a good one."
Hutch let out a soft chuckle, "It was, thanks". He slowly exited the car, stood and stretched while he estimated the number of steps he'd have to walk before he could collapse into his nice soft bed. He moved around the Torino and noticed Starsky rolling down his window, "See you tomorrow".
"Hey Hutch, a little advice?"
"Ya?"
Starsky winked, "Don't grope her like you groped me, you'll get farther", then revved the Torino and took off with a squeal of his tires. Starsky chuckled and watched in the rear view mirror as his partner stood in the middle of the street watching his tail lights disappear. That'll give him something to wonder about.
Hutch trudged up the stairs to his apartment trying to recall his dream and what he might have had done to his partner to warrant getting his hand slapped. His thoughts took him back to the restaurant and Libby. He made a mental note to call her the next day to see when she could go out and to make reservations for a cozy table for two on the balcony.
Then Hutch slipped between the sheets and allowed his mind to wander back to the dream he had started earlier in the Torino.
