Note: This is what happens when you listen to sappy love songs while you write. Thanks for the reviews!

***

"Are we there yet?"

"Almost."

"Did we really have to park so far away?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because the exercise is good for us." John looked down at his date walking beside him. "And because I wanted to drag this out as long as I possibly could."

Abby groaned and rolled her eyes playfully. "You'd better be careful…. First dates can make or break a relationship." A small smile played on her lips as she winked at him.

John laughed quietly as he shook his head, tightening his grasp on her hand and bringing it closer to his chest. They continued walking in silence for a few moments.

"John?"

"Hmm?"

"Are we there yet?"

John took his cue and stepped in front of Abby as he stopped. She wasn't prepared for his move as she halted abruptly, her body swaying towards him. She looked up at him, stunned. "What?"

"We're here."

"We are?"

John nodded and ticked his head to the left, indicating the building across the street. Abby followed his gesture and her eyes grew wide when she realized they were standing outside 'Sergio's', Chicago's newest fine dining establishment.

"Oh… Wow! How?"

John smiled proudly. "I have my ways."

Abby sighed shook her head. "You never cease to amaze me, Dr. Carter." She looked at the restaurant across the street and then back up at John. "Shall we?"

He nodded and held his arm out for her, which she accepted with enthusiasm as they stepped off the curb, leaning into him as they made their way inside.

"Welcome to Sergio's!" The hostess greeted Abby and John as they entered the restaurant.

"Hi. Two for Carter."

The hostess looked over the reservations list. "Carter, Carter…. Ah yes! Here we go." She looked at John.

"They're just setting your table now. It'll be a few minutes."

John nodded. "Thank you." He turned his attention back to Abby, who was trying to peer around the corner into the dining room. "See anything you like?"

Abby looked up, slightly embarrassed. "I don't think I've ever been any place this fancy before."

John raised an eyebrow. "Really? Not even with…"

She shook her head. "Nope."

"Well, then… I guess this night really is about firsts."

Abby smiled at John's response and the two shared a long, silent look.

"Excuse me, Mr. Carter… I'll show you to your table now."

John and Abby tore their eyes away from each other long enough to be led through the dining room to a small table set for two near the back. The waitress set their menus in the middle of the table and turned back to the couple. "Your waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy your evening."

The hostess walked away, leaving Abby and John alone at their table. Noticing that Abby was starting to slip off her jacket, John was instantly behind her, taking it to put on the chair. She turned to face him and he was slightly thrown off by the beautiful woman in front of him. Her dress was simple – yet stunning. Black and sleeveless, the straps complimented her toned and tan shoulders perfectly, the front high enough to ensure sophistication, yet low enough to make any man's heart race. John did his best to hold back a sigh as he smiled at her.

"You look…. Amazing."

Abby blushed and returned his smile. "Thank-you. You don't look too shabby yourself."

He shrugged. "I try."

John pulled out her chair, and Abby sat down. He rounded the table to his side and took off his own jacket before seating himself across from her.

"So…."

"… Here we are."

"Yes."

They exchanged another look as John plucked the menus from their place in the middle of the table and handed one to Abby. She opened it immediately and started to read it. John mimicked her actions with his own menu, glancing up more than twice to watch her.

Abby shook her head in wonder. "It all sounds incredible..." She let out a short gasp as her eyes traveled over the price list. "Incredibly expensive!" Abby looked at John, her eyes wide. "Did you know this?"

John nodded as a coy smile played across his lips. "It's a special night, Abby. Let me treat you."

Abby laughed as she shook her head. "Don't spoil me, John. I might get too comfortable with this high lifestyle."

He raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe that for a minute."

Abby stared at him for a few moments. She bit her lip and looked back down at her menu. They continued reading in silence for a while, until the waiter showed up at their table.

"Good evening. My name's Maurice and I'll be your waiter tonight."

Abby perked up and smiled at him. "Good evening, Maurice."

"Is there anything I can get you to drink while you look at your menus?"

"Umm…" Abby looked at John and shrugged.

Maurice looked at John, too. "Have you had a chance to check out our wine list?"

John looked from Maurice to Abby and back to Maurice as he cleared his throat. "That's alright. We don't need to." He looked at Abby again. "Do you want a club soda?"

She smiled. "I'd love one."

"Two club sodas, please."

"Great. I'll go and get them while you continue reading your menus. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Thank-you." John watched as Maurice left the table and headed over to the bar. Turning back to Abby, he put on a sympathetic face. "I'm sorry."

Abby shook her head. "Don't be." She gave him a reassuring smile. "Please."

John returned her smile and watched as she went back to reading her menu. He followed her actions, trying to focus on the choices in print rather than the living, breathing choice sitting across from him. A few moments later, he heard her sigh and close her menu, placing it in her lap. He looked up.

"Finished already?"

Abby nodded and took a sip of water.

"That was fast."

She shrugged. "I'm hungry. Somebody…" She stopped and leaned on the table in an attempt to get closer to him as she lowered her voice. "Somebody told me to bring an appetite."

John shook his head, amused by her playful nature. He glanced back down at his own menu for a few more seconds before he closed it, placing it on the table in front of him.

Abby raised her eyebrows. "Finished?"

"Yup. I've decided I'd rather look at you."

Abby smiled and reached across the table, laying her hand on his arm. "You know you're saying all the right things tonight, don't you?"

John placed his left hand over hers. "I just hope it continues."

"Me too."

***