A/N: A big thank you to all of you who are actually giving this story a chance!

They were packing up for the night. All the associates were eager to get home it seemed. But not Hermione. Truthfully, she was a bit miffed about the way Severus avoided her the rest of the day. He must be regretting the kiss. It was the only reason she could think of. And her heart was sore because of it. She didn't know what was brewing between them but whatever it was she was hoping to see it develop into something. But now it was most likely about to fizzle out completely. Sighing, she stuffed the last of her notes in her suitcase to bring home. She planned on studying the contents over the weekend. It wasn't like she had something else planned. And most of her friends would be busy with their loved ones. Not her. Sometimes Hermione felt like she was destined to be alone.

"Miss Granger, I would like to have a word with you. Are you available for dinner tonight?"

Hermione looked up from her seat, briefcase in hand, about to get up and head out. "I suppose dinner would be fine. Was there something wrong Master Snape?"

He shifted and Hermione frowned. She has never seen the dark wizard lack confidence before. Given what happened earlier that day, it was hard to know what exactly to expect during dinner. Did he plan on firing her? Or just telling her that it was a mistake? Her heart clenched at both of those thoughts. She needed this job. And she found that she loved it as well. And Severus, he was part of that reason. She didn't want to lose either. Especially soon after discovering them. "Nothing wrong. But I figured we should talk and since it's dinner time…." he drawled, leaving her to fill the blank.

"Right," She said nodding. "Well, lead the way Master Snape."

She was surprised that he chose a muggle restaurant, but the prospect of this being business related had diminished. She could only presume that he wanted to talk about their kiss. It must have been a restaurant he regularly frequented because they immediately led them to a secluded booth and took their drink orders. They made small talk at first (another surprise) and while it was enjoyable, Hermione was anxious to get to the real subject at hand. Once her martini arrived she circled the rim of her glass with a finger, a coy smile on her lips. "Okay Severus, why are we really here?"

When his face turned serious and blank her smile faded. "Miss Granger, earlier today I overstepped. The kiss ...I never should have presumed-"

"Stop. I had every opportunity to push you away. I liked the kiss. In fact, I want to do it again. And preferably for much longer," she replied earnestly. Reaching a hand out to cover his, her fingers stroking his skin. "You don't have to apologize."

Dark onyx eyes stared at her searchingly, his hand twitching under hers. For a moment she thought he would pull away but then thankfully he simply threaded their fingers together. "Well then, I should warn you, I'm a very possessive man, Hermione. So there will be no side flings if you are with me."

"Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind. I have a feeling you will be more than enough to satisfy me," the brunette witch reassured, biting her lip as she felt her insides turn into mush at the thought. The way his deep voice coiled around her seductively made it easy to imagine what being in bed with the infamous dark potions master would be like.

Her words seemed to please him because there was a distinct glitter in his eyes. "Well you are the brightest witch. Now, let me introduce you to the decadence that is Japanese cuisine."

It was amazing how life could work sometimes. He had come to Miss Granger with all the intentions of apologizing and going their separate ways. Hopefully they could maintain a civil relationship if a full on friendship was out of the cards. But then the young, bold witch outright laid her attraction to him on the table leaving no room for his self deprecating tendencies. And now he had a curvy witch pressed up against him in the booth. Her pouty mouth wrapped around his fingers as he fed her sushi. "Mmm, that one was spicy," she moaned, her tongue flicking his finger teasingly and sucking on it.

"It's the sauce," Severus explained, pointing to the green substance in a tiny bowl in front of him. "Trust me, a little bit of that goes a long way. Here, wash it down with sake. This one has a hint of melon," he added, fighting back a moan of his own. The little minx must know exactly what effect her tongue and moans were having on him. She was practically in his lap at this point and his cock was straining against his trousers.

It became clear that she noticed this when she rubbed his bulge, while coaxing him in for a kiss. It was nice to know that she was really into him and as the hot, curvy woman straddled him there in the booth, Severus returned her kiss with ferocity. His hands slid down her back to her bum, squeezing it and making her gasp and writhe in his arms. "I think we should go to my place and continue this. This booth may be secluded but not enough to have my way with you," he purred.

Hermione nodded, pecking his lips but then pulling back to gather herself. He did the same, hoping to hide his erection somewhat. "Yes, we definitely need to go then." She reached for her purse, intending to pay half, but was clearly shocked when he whipped out a muggle credit card and handed it to the waiter. "I'm shocked. Not many wizards are so acclimated to muggle life. It's kinda sexy," she grinned, nibbling her lip which made Severus want to kiss her and replace her teeth with his own. Once they paid he led them out of the restaurant, a possessive grip around Hermione's waist as he guided them to a good place for them to apparate.