An alarm blared in Nancy's ear. Frank groaned and rolled over and shut
off the alarm on the Ipod. Frank rolled back over and snuggled into
Nancy.

Nancy opened her eyes. Frank had his arms around her his eyes were
closed. He seemed more asleep than awake.

"Frank." she called softly.

"Mmm." He mumbled and just moved closer to her.

Nancy smiled to herself. She thought Joe was the difficult to wake.
She looked at him sleeping peacefully. She was struck how ridiculously
handsome he was. She still had trouble believing he was here with her.
He was hers and she was his. She smiled as remembered earlier, and her
effect on him.

She looked at the clock on the night stand. It was 9:30PM. He was
sleeping so peacefully she almost didn't want to wake him. Now that
she'd had a nap, she really wanted to go out with Frank.

She was looking forward to hearing some good music, and maybe some
dancing with Frank. She decided it was time to wake Frank.

She snuggled closer to him. He hugged her closer sighing in his sleep.
She ran her hands across the stubble on his cheeks and smiled. He was
going to need a shave before they went out for the evening.. She
followed her hands with her lips. She smiled as she watched him come
awake.

Frank became aware of Nancy kissing him gently on his lips. This was
the second time she'd woken him up this way. It was without question
the nicest way he could think to wake up. He couldn't help the smile
that formed on his lips.

He rolled over taking her with him. Nancy yelped in surprise as he
rolled her on top of him. He raised his head and returned her kiss.

She smiled and kissed him in return. They both came up for air after a
few minutes.

"Time to wake up Hardy." She smiled and ran her hands gently down his
face. He grabbed her hands and kissed them.

"I like it right here." His voice was husky with sleep.

Nancy laughed and kissed him again. " So do I, but you promised me
some NY nightlife."

Frank smiled. " You sure I can't convince you to stay here a minute
more?" He asked her between kisses.

She kissed him back teasing his ears and face. "I could be
persuaded later." She promised him as she moved away.

She rose from the bed." Besides where else would I wear my little
black dress?" She asked batting her eyes at him coyly.

He laughed and got up." OK. It better be one amazing dress." He teased.

Frank got up and told her about the clubs he'd found near the condo.
They were all a 15 minute walk or less.

"I need to change and get ready." Nancy said grabbing her dress
heading for the bathroom.

Frank headed for the bathroom in the other room. Frank smiled as he
stepped in the shower at the thought of Nancy in any little black
dress. He had seen her dressed up on previous cases, and he always
found Nancy in evening attire stunning.

In truth in the past he often had trouble keeping his eyes and hands
off her. It was nice to know tonight he didn't have to watch his eyes
or hands. He could look as long as he wanted. He could hold her freely
as he had always longed. He didn't have to worry about who would see
him or what they would think. Frank relaxed and smiled as he shaved
and finished getting ready. Frank finished up and went to wait for her.

Nancy looked at herself in front of the mirror. She put on the little
black dress she had promised Frank. She topped off the tank dress with
a short pale green jacket. Bess had picked it for her. She hadn't
planned on trying to impress Frank. Bess usually had good taste with
these things. She put on finishing touches and slipped into a sling
back set of black pumps.

She looked at the effect in the mirror. She thought Bess had chosen
well. Green was not a color she normally favored, but it worked well
off the dress and her reddish hair.

She stepped out of the bathroom, and saw Frank sitting on the couch.
He turned when he heard her approach. He stopped stunned. She looked
amazing, and all Frank could think to do was stare.

She smiled to herself secretly pleased. That was exactly the reaction
she had hoped he'd have.

"Close your mouth Hardy" She laughed.

Absolutely stunning was an understatement. The little black dress she
promised actually stopped right above her knee. It sheathed every
curve of her body perfectly. It was far sexier to Frank than any
little mini dress ever could be. The dress and jacket left just enough
to the imagination. The outfit was definitely a case of less is more,
and Frank instinctively wanted to explore what was underneath.

"Sorry." He said still having trouble taking his eyes off her.
Mentally shaking himself to get his mind out of the gutter. " You were
right it was worth the wait." He smiled rose and kissed her deeply.

Nancy was surrounded by a masculine yet subtle scent of cologne or
aftershave. She took in the whole effect. With a jacket, pants and
dress shirt, Frank looked outstanding. She remembered in their youth
the few times she had admired him dressed. He had filled out and
filled his clothes well. His shoulders were broader making his waist
slimmer. The overall effect was very pleasing.

She returned the kiss with pleasure. They both stayed together
embracing and enjoying the feel of each other.

"This is nice." He mumbled against her lips.

"Hmmm?" She replied knowing he was talking about more than the kiss.
"You look pretty good yourself." She commented.

Frank grabbed their coats from the couch and helped her put hers
on."Come on we'll never get out of here if we don't get going." He
guided her toward the door.

She turned and gave him a questioning look.

He smiled." That dress has my mind running into thoughts that have
nothing to do with jazz." He commented slightly guilty.

Nancy laughed saucily." Good then it's doing it's job. Don't want to
make it too comfortable for you."

Frank's cocked his head and gave her an amused look." You're playing
with fire Drew?" He warned.

They walked out the door heading toward the club.

She moved closer as he put his arm around her and pulled her into him.
Simply being held by him as they walked down the street made her feel
warm and secure all over. In the past she would have worried about who
might see them. It was liberating to just be, no mystery or anyone
else between them. Nancy took in the flavor of the area. All the glittering marquees,
people watching, and just being in the minute was exhilarating.

She looked up at him smiling. "What?" He asked confused.

"It's nice just to be with you. No mystery just us." She answered.

He smiled and pulled her closer and gave her a quick kiss. "Not bored
yet with just me and no mystery." He teased.

"Don't you dare jinx it." Nancy teased and scuffed him on the back of
the neck.

They rounded a corner, and Frank led her to an entrance that went
below street level.

Nancy looked up at the sign, Johnny's Blue Note, as they waited in line. Everyone was
dressed similar to them, and despite the slightly dingy exterior it seemed popular The
bouncer at the door carded them and then took their money for the show.

They entered the club and Nancy smiled. Frank had picked exactly what
she had been imagining. It was dimly lit with a small wooden dance
floor in front of the stage. There were intimate wooden booths and
tables on the side and around the stage.

They were led to s booth near the stage bordering the dance floor. The
band was between sets. Nancy smiled it was perfect.

A waitress came over and handed them a drink and food menu.

Frank placed his arm around her drawing her close to him. " How's
this?" He asked hoping this club was what she wanted. Van and Joe had
taken him here on break a couple years ago. Joe had complained, but
he had really enjoyed it.

The musicians here were usually up and coming. Several very famous
acts had broken out after playing here, so the music was usually
outstanding. The setting was small and personal exactly what he wanted.

"Perfect. Did you find it on the Ipod?" She asked curious.

He shook his head no. " I've been here before. The music was really
good last time. It's close to the condo, so I took a chance. The band
here tonight got good reviews. It's a bit more swing, but you said you
wanted to dance." Frank explained. "Also they have good martinis."

Nancy smiled. Yet another surprise from Frank Hardy. He was hardly as
staid as he first appeared. At least when he wasn't
studying his brains out or buried in a mystery. She was surprised he'd
like jazz or swing.

" So , you like to dance to swing music. What other secrets have you
got hidden in there?" She ran her fingers through his hair, and gave
him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Frank laughed." It's not my usual choice, but it's good for a change.
The dancing part...well that's more Joe's thing. I'll try not to
embarrass you in the dance floor. I can't promise much more than that."

She was about to comment when the waitress appeared. Frank ordered a
martini and Nancy ordered a house drink called the electric blue
note. Frank just shook his head and laughed. He ordered some
appetizers as well.

"What were you saying before the waitress came?" Frank asked her
curious.

"I was going to say I've seen you dance. You're a decent dancer Frank
Hardy, so don't you dare try to weasel out of dancing with me." Nancy
demanded.

Frank took her hands in his. " I manage usually not to step on my
partners toes. I'm not sure I'd call that good. Still, I'd love to
dance with you." Frank promised.

She smiled and squeezed his hands back. The waitress brought the
drinks and food and the band was starting it's second set.

Nancy leaned back into Frank sipping her bright neon blue drink.
Despite the color it was good. She offered him a sip and he just shook
his head eating taking a sip if his martini.

They both sat back and relaxed listening to the music. He was right
the band was excellent. Swing didn't really describe it. If you could
throw swing, jazz, and a bit of blues together, and make it danceable
that might describe it. Whatever style you called it, she really liked
it.

Frank held her intimately, and gently nuzzled her neck with his lips.
Nancy looked at him slightly surprised, as she remembered his
uneasiness at public displays.

She smiled at him."Don't stop on my account." She said into his ear as
she kissed him back. The booth was intimate, the venue dark, and the music sultry.

It was perfect as they both got lost in each other and the music.