Chapter Eight- Growing Closer

The Day After Thanksgiving

Cole looked down at Phoebe, who was fast asleep next to him on the plane.

Cole looked around the plane and grimaced. He hated flying. He much preferred shimmering. However, he knew that that was out of the question.

After all, it would probably tip Phoebe off pretty quickly that he wasn't exactly all he appeared to be. And that would not do.

If it was at all possible, he'd like to keep her in the dark about his true nature throughout their entire relationship. Because, that was not a conversation he wanted to have.

Besides, he doubted that she would take it well. Mortals never did when faced with Demons. No, he would make sure that she never found out what he was.

He pushed that thought out of his head and instead concentrated on thinking about the weekend ahead of them.

Three days with Phoebe with her family on the other side of the country. All was good.

Though, to be fair, Thanksgiving hadn't been as horrible as it could be. To his delight, it was just Piper and Penny.

Prue and Roger had apparently decided to go his mother's house for dinner, which was definitely a good thing.

Dinner was pleasant, though not exactly how Cole would choose to spend an evening.

Still, it had made Phoebe happy, and the benefits of making Phoebe happy were very good indeed...
* * * * *

Raynor smiled at the young woman. She wasn't what he had pictured, but then he hadn't known what to expect.

"It's very nice to meet you." He told her with a smile.

The girl, Phoebe, smiled back. "It's nice to meet you to, Cole's told me about you."

"Oh?" Raynor asked, raising an eyebrow had his protege.

"Only good things." Belthazor said with a bemused smirk.

Raynor nodded, understanding. "Of course. Phoebe, is this your first time visiting New York?"

"Yeah." She confirmed. "But I've always wanted to come here."

"Well, Cole will have to bring you here more often." Raynor told her, having to remind himself to use Belthazor's human name.

"Sounds good to me." Belthazor said, his arm going around her waist.

She smiled up at him. "Sounds good to me too."

Raynor watched the two of them.

It was obvious that Belthazor was deeply attracted to the girl, but thankfully, it seemed that his emotions did not run deeper.

She, on the other hand, it was obvious that the girl had fallen in love with Belthazor and he had to admit it amused him.

She radiated innocence and light, which was probably what had intrigued Belthazor. There had always been something appealing about the innocence that only a mortal woman could possess. Raynor remembered it well from his own youth and found it amusing that Belthazor had finally given in to it.

But he knew it was inevitable. After all, sometimes, even if you were a demon, familiarity was nice for a while.
* * * * *

"What did you think?" Cole asked that night as he and Phoebe returned to the hotel.

Phoebe smiled. "He was very nice."

It was true. James Raymond had been entirely charming and very welcoming. Phoebe had to admit that she had been nervous about meeting him. It was obvious that Cole respected him greatly and she had been terrified that he'd hate her on sight.

"I think it went well." She said softly.

"It did." Cole told her, pulling her close. "I'm glad you liked him, it means a lot to me."

"I know." Phoebe whispered softly.

Cole kissed the top of her head. "So, what do you think of New York?"

"So far, so good." Phoebe told him. "I can't wait to explore."

"Tomorrow." Cole promised her. "I have a meeting with James in the morning, but my afternoon is free."

Phoebe's face lit up. "I'd like that."

"So would I." Cole told her. "But until then..."

Phoebe giggled, as he pulled her towards the bed.

"Got other things in mind, Mr. Turner?" She teased, as she unbuttoned his shirt.

"You better believe it." He growled, slipping her top over her head.

His lips claimed her in a passionate kiss and it was while before any more words were spoken between the two of them.
* * * * *