Best Laid Plans-Ch 43

Over the next several weeks both Derek and Penelope had healed and gotten even closer than ever, even though they both wanted each other nothing had happened other than some cuddling and kissing. Tonight was the new couples first date and both were excited at the prospects of moving their relationship to the next level.

After work they drove back home to get ready for their date, Penelope got dressed upstairs and Derek downstairs as time slowly ebbed by for them. Derek was dressed and standing in front of the fireplace waiting when Penelope glided down the stairs.

He turned around and said, "wowwwwww, you look amazing", she giggled and turned around and said, "why thank you kind sir and might I say that you clean up nicely yourself"?, he gave her his famous Derek Morgan smile and said, "why thank you baby girl" as he leaned in and gently kissed her lips.

She sighed happily as he held out his arm and said, "shall we"?, she intertwined her arm through his and said, "we shall" as they strolled out the front door and down the steps. He opened the car door for her and smiled as she sat down and put on her seatbelt.

He then walked around to the drivers side and climbed in, he put the key into the ignition and put his belt on before starting the car. Derek quickly glanced over at the beauty sitting beside him and said, "are you ready for a night of romance Derek Morgan style"?, she grinned and said, "bring it on hotstuff, I believe that this all seeing and all knowing oracle can handle it".

As they pulled away from the curb he said, "we shall see goddess, we shall see", she then swallowed nervously as her heart raced at the thoughts of what the night could bring for them. A few minutes later they pulled up in front of the restaurant.

He got out and walked around to her side of the car and opened the door, he then held out his hand and smiled happily as her smaller hand slid inside his. They walked hand in hand toward the door as their first date continued.

Once inside they were led to their table, he pulled out her chair and she grinned as she sat down and watched as he sat down across from her. They placed their drink order and then looked at the menu as they tried to decide what they wanted.

The waitress walked back with their drinks and took their dinner order and as Derek watched her walk away he reached over and intertwined Penelopes fingers with his. She looked down at their hands and smiled lovingly.

Derek brought her hand to his lips and kissed it and said, "you look so beautiful", Penelope blushed and said, "t t thank you", he grinned at her and said, "you're not nervous are ya"?, she said, "you have no idea how long I've wanted this night to happen".

He gently sighed and said, "I've dreamed of this night baby girl, I've dreamed of it for years and now that it's finally here I plan on enjoying every second of it". She nodded her head and said, "me too handsome, me too".

Derek stood up and said, "would you like to dance"?, she felt her heart racing and she said, "I would" as she slid her hand in his and let him lead her across the room to the dance floor. He pulled her into his arms and said, "you feel so amazing here in my arms".

Penelope laid her head down on his shoulders and said, "it's like I was destined to be in your arms", Derek kissed the top of her head and said, "that's because you were baby girl". She looked up at him and smiled, he then leaned down and kissed her lips gently.

As they pulled apart he whispered, "I love you", she rested her forehead against his and said, "and I love you" causing smiles to grace their lips as they continued their dance.