He took her hand and escorted her to the car. Neither of them said a word until they reached the lobby and then she turned to him, feeling incredibly awkward. "Um, Jimmy… Maybe I should just go. I had a nice time. Goodnight."

She headed for the elevator but was stopped by his hand on her arm. "Wait… Why don't I escort you to your apartment? It's the least I can do."

She smiled and nodded and they got into the elevator. The short ride to her floor was agonizing and the relief she felt when the doors opened was immeasurable. She could feel her heart racing as they walked to her apartment. "Well, here it is. But you already knew that because you… never mind. Goodnight, Jimmy."

"Goodnight, Annie."

Tears slid down her cheeks as she faced her door, trying her best to insert her key into the lock. Damn keys, why do they make them so rigid? She mumbled. She gasped in surprise when she felt his hand covering hers, gently turning the lock and the door floated open.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Well… Goodnight Annie. And I'm sorry for ruining your evening. It wasn't my intention. I just… wanted to show you an enjoyable evening because I really, really like you. But I ruined everything, so I should just be going. Goodnight."

She sniffled, watching him turn to walk to the elevator and push the button. In seconds he'd be gone and she may never see him again. And her heart refused to let that happen. She tossed her purse into the doorway and turned to run to him. "Jimmy!"

He looked up, his mouth opening in surprise. "Annie…"

Just inches from him, she stroked his soft cheek with her fingers. "You didn't ruin anything, Jimmy. I'm sorry I got so emotional, I-."

Her arms wrapped around him and her lips were on his kissing him tenderly. She could hear him gasp in surprise and his hand touched her back. The kisses seemed to go on forever, but when she noticed someone in the hallway, watching them, she reluctantly pulled back. "Come on."

"What?"

Her smile grew mischievous. "Just come on."

She'd been through this scenario before, bringing men over to her apartment after a date and it always ended the same way. By morning the man would be gone and she would have little recollection of even having been with him, much less remember his name.

But now she wanted it to be different. She wanted Jimmy to stay… for as long as possible.