Unfortunately I still don't own Chuck

Sarah looked at Chuck's card several times over the next few days, but couldn't bring herself to do anything about it. While meeting him had been magical and she couldn't deny the chemistry between them, she was convinced that, once real life set in, them getting together would be too complex.

He was CEO of a company. His sister a neurosurgeon. And what did she offer to him? An ex-con with a criminal record and a sister she needed to support. And a stripper to boot.

Every time she looked at the card perched on her dressing table she thought of him. Every time she went to the VIP, she thought of his foot massage and not a night had gone by in the last five when she hadn't thought about what he would do to her body if he was lying next to her in her bed.

But, while Sarah had really liked Chuck, she wasn't ready to deal with his rejection once he found out how much baggage she came with. He'd have enough on his plate once he came to Toronto, with moving his life and setting up a new company, to have to deal with a stripper girlfriend and all her other issues.

So Sarah had left the card on the dressing table, choosing instead to remember the great night they'd had together. That was until Thursday night the week after she'd met Chuck. She'd arrived at the club a little early; she thought she'd make a good impression since she'd had to cancel at short notice last night after Molly had been ill. She'd had to sit up most of the night with the girl on Tuesday and she'd not been well enough for Sarah to leave her alone last night, although she was well enough tonight.

Sarah wasn't too worried financially since Wednesday's weren't great business anyway. Carina was the first person she saw as she walked into the dressing room. She dropped her bag into her locker and began to strip out of her street clothes.

"Hey Blondie! How's Molly?" Carina asked. Even though her friend was totally wild, she had a heart of gold and had become like an aunt to Molly.

"Oh fuck," Sarah sighed. "It's been tough, but she's better tonight."

"I hear you girl," her friend replied. "You're gonna need some good make up to cover those panda eyes!"

"Screw you Red!" she exclaimed, although Carina wasn't wrong.

"Maybe just go with it and try the gothic look?" Carina suggested. Actually it wasn't the worst idea ever, Sarah thought, as she contemplated it. Her dark blue dress could handle dark makeup. She started to put the dress on.

"Maybe," she considered.

"Oh, by the way," Carina said, as she started on her mascara. "That guy, Charles, he was here last night."

"Chuck?" she gasped. "The guy from last week in the Red Room?"

"Yeah," her friend confirmed. "He was asking after you."

"He was?" she asked.

"Yeah, he recognized me and asked for a dance. Get this," she confided, "he asked me to keep my clothes on!"

Sarah wasn't surprised.

"He only wanted to talk about you though," Carina continued. "I said you had a family emergency and you'll never guess what he said!"

"What?" Sarah queried.

"He asked if Molly was OK?" Carina replied, fixing her with a stare. "How did he know about Molly? You've only met him once haven't you?"

He'd asked about Molly? "Yeah," she replied. "Just that night. Did he come in on his own?" she asked.

"Nah," Carina replied, "He was with a group again. But when he heard you weren't here, he left almost straightaway."

"He left?" she asked.

"Yeah, he gave me a nice fifty buck tip, took me back to the group and just apologized to the head guy and said he was tired and he was gonna head off. He asked me to give you his best though." Carina's eyes drilled right into her. "What's up with this guy?" she asked.

Sarah smiled uncomfortably. "We just had some amazing chemistry," she admitted, adding in a small voice, "And he left me his card."

"Why don't you call him then?" Carina asked, puzzled. "Just go on a date with him, see how it feels outside the club?"

Sarah grimaced. "Come on, he's gonna run a mile when he finds out I'm an ex-con."

"Look Sam," Carina said. Sarah looked up. Carina only called her Sam when she was dead serious about something. "You're making too much out of this. Did you like the guy?"

Sarah couldn't help smiling. "Yeah, he was sweet," she replied.

"So call him and ask him on a date," Carina told her.

"But-"

"If he runs off then he's not right for you. How will you ever find Mr Right if you don't even date?" She knew her friend was exasperated with the fact that she didn't get out and meet more people.

"I can't date," she said. "What about Molly?"

"What about Molly?" Carina asked plaintively. "Molly's fifteen now. It's been nearly three years since Emma died. You've been here for two. She's got loads of friends and she's grown up a lot. She's in a much better place and she's old enough to understand how the world goes round. You can't use Molly to justify you not having the guts to go forward."

"Is that what you really think?" she asked Carina, slightly hurt. "That I'm scared?"

"Look Sam," Carina said. "It's highly unlikely that you'll find Mr Right on the first attempt. Realistically you're gonna have to kiss quite a few frogs before you find your prince. The sooner you get started on that the sooner you'll find him. And," and here she paused for effect, "Charles would be a good place to start. He's a genuine guy and he's kind. If he doesn't want to go out with you, he won't blank you. I reckon he's honorable enough that he'll let you down gently."

She looked at her friend doubtfully. Could it really be that easy?

"Sam," Carina attracted her attention away from her thoughts. "It's time to take the training wheels off." The fact that she unconsciously echoed Sarah's words the night she'd met Chuck sounded like an omen.

She thanked her friend and went back to getting ready, but that night a tall, brown-eyed, self-proclaimed nerd didn't stray far from her thoughts.

The phone rang and rang. She was just going to hang up when he picked up.

"This is Chuck," his voice said. His voice was guarded as though he was busy.

"Chuck, this is Sarah," she replied.

"Sarah!" his voice went from guarded to excited straightaway and she couldn't suppress the thrill that shot through her at his evident pleasure in hearing from her. "Just give me two secs," he said, and she could hear him talking in the background. There was a further pause and then his voice came again. "OK, I'm out of the meeting, we can talk now." A pause. "How are you? And more to the point, how's Molly?"

Who was this guy? "Molly's much better thanks Chuck, and I'm fine thank you."

"That's great," he replied. "I was disappointed to miss you the other night, but I'm glad she's better."

"Yeah, it was a bit of strep throat. We got her some antibiotics and she got better quickly," she explained.

"That's good," he repeated, pausing. "I'm really pleased you called Sarah," he exclaimed. "I wasn't sure you would."

"I wasn't sure I would either Chuck," she replied, "But Carina read me the riot act."

"I'll have to thank Carina next time I see her then," he said, and she could hear the grin in his voice.

"And will that be soon Chuck?" she asked.

"I'm afraid not," he said sounding a little sad. "I flew back to LA early." Her heart sank at hearing this. She'd left it too late. Damn.

"That's a shame," she said, "I'm sorry I left it so long Chuck."

He obviously heard the disappointment in her voice because he volunteered, "But I'm gonna be back in Toronto in a few weeks to help Ellie move in. Maybe we could meet for a meal or a coffee then?"

"That would be great Chuck," she said, still disappointed that her screwing around meant that she'd missed him.

"So whatcha up to today Sarah?" he asked. "Are you working on your course or are you taking some time off?"

She was surprised that he was interested in what she was doing, but maybe she shouldn't be. He'd shown he was interested in her that night. "I'm gonna take it slow today Chuck," she replied. "I lost a lot of sleep earlier in the week staying up for Molly, but I do have an essay due in for my course next week, so I guess I'll do some reading for that."

"Sorry about that Sarah," he replied. "I'm sure you look beautiful, even with panda eyes!"

"How do you know about panda eyes Chuck?" she exclaimed, surprised.

"My sister is a doctor, Sarah," he replied. "She basically had constant panda eyes for five years!"

She crinkled a smile as he continued. "So, did you go for concealer or the gothic look?"

"I normally use concealer," she explained, "But last night Carina suggested the gothic look."

"And did that work for you?" he asked.

"Not so much unfortunately," she replied, "I only made a few hundred bucks."

"I'm sorry Sarah," he said.

"Yeah, it hasn't been the best week so far," she found herself saying, "What with missing Wednesday and then a tough Thursday."

"I'm sure you'll do well on Friday and Saturday," he said. "You're such a beautiful woman. But, for me, you should stick to as little make up as possible. You looked so beautiful the other night. You don't need makeup to draw attention to you, and you don't have any blemishes."

"Oh Chuck," she couldn't help gasping. Real compliments were rare in her life, but this guy kept giving them to her. "Thank you."

"It's the truth Sarah," he said mildly.

"What are you up to today?" she asked. "I'm sorry I disturbed your meeting. Was it important?"

"Ah, I was just catching up with my team on what projects we've got on the go at the moment. I'm speaking to my lawyers this afternoon. I found a company I like the look of in Toronto so I'm doing some DD on them."

"DD?" she asked.

"Oh sorry, Due Diligence," he replied. "Basically checking everything's above board in the information they gave me and thinking about how I can integrate them into my business."

"I get the impression that your business is pretty big Chuck?" she asked.

"It's not that big Sarah," he replied, "I've got about fifty people working for me. We basically do the design and the programming. I tend to outsource the distribution. But I'm pretty excited about the Canadian company; it's working in an area that I've always wanted to get into but never had the time."

"Oh, what's that?" she asked.

"They do educational software," he replied. "It's not a big money spinner, but I believe that it could be."

"So is that education for children or for adults?" she asked.

"Good question," he replied. "And it's for both. I see adult and professional education as the money spinner and it could subsidize children's education."

"It sounds exciting," she said.

"It could very well be, Sarah," he replied, sounding excited. "We'll obviously stick to what we do here as well, and we'll be able to sell that product into Canada too, but the US educational market is huge, and we'd like to sell their product into the US."

"That's great Chuck, I'm happy for you," she replied.

"And happy that I'll probably be moving to Toronto?" he asked.

"Of course I'm happy about that," she replied, although recognising it was early days.

"Obviously it's early days Sarah," he said, and she was shocked that they were both thinking the same thing, "But I've got my fingers crossed about us."

"Me too Chuck," she replied. And her toes as well.

They talked about a few other things and then both signed off, her feeling both disappointed that she'd missed him but enjoying having talked to him.

She was surprised to receive a text from him on Saturday morning. "How did last night go?"

That was really sweet, she thought. "Better thanks. I made about 600 bucks."

His text came back a little later. "Is that a good night?"

She replied. "A bit light. I need a little more to make up for Weds and Thurs."

"Well, if Canadian men aren't blind I'm sure you'll do it. Just believe in yourself. You're gorgeous – inside and out."

She couldn't help but blush at that message and she made sure to save it down. She sent back "Thank you Sx".

The next day she received a similar message. This time she'd been waiting for it. "How was last night?" he asked.

"Did well. Some LA nerd told me I was beautiful, and it gave me confidence. Thank u Chuck." In fact, she'd made well over a thousand bucks. It hadn't been that busy but his confidence in her, his reassurance, had buoyed her and made her more confident. Normally she had to work herself up to approach people. Last night she'd managed it easily.

"Welcome. Glad the most beautiful woman in Toronto had a good night. Enjoy ur w/e. Cx"

And she really did.

But the best surprise came later on Sunday. "Will be back in Toronto next Mon-Tues. Any chance of meeting up? Lunch? Cx"

She called him straightaway.

"Hi Sarah!" he sounded pleased she called.

"Hi Chuck!" she replied, "I saw your message."

"Yeah, Ellie and Devon finally gave me their dates," he said. "They're leaving next Saturday. I said I'd help with the packing and unpacking. They're gonna take four days to get there, so if I fly on Sunday I can have a few days in Toronto before they get there."

"And what were you planning on doing here?" she asked.

"Well, I can pretty much fit anything else around when you can see me Sarah," he replied, making her insides go a little mushy. "I thought during the day is probably best, when Molly's at school, but I don't know if you've got any commitments on those days?"

"That would work for me, Chuck," she said, grateful for his foresight. If she saw him during the day she wouldn't have to leave Molly on her own in the evening. "Monday is probably best. We could meet for lunch if you like?"

"Yeah, that's great," he practically gushed. "Where do you want to go?" he asked. "We can meet in town or if you've got a favourite neighbourhood place you prefer to hang out at…"

She wasn't one for eating out, preferring to save money instead. "Probably easier to meet in town," she suggested. "Shall I ask around for a recommendation?"

"Nah, that's fine," he replied. "I'll ask the guys at the company and text you the address. Is there any food you don't like?"

"Just olives," she replied. "Love Italian and Greek food though. I just don't eat olives."

"Good to know," she could hear the smile in his voice.

"Cool, leave it with me and I'll let you know. You have a good week now, y'hear?" he said.

"I will now Chuck," she replied. "Looking forward to next Monday."

"Me too Sarah, take care."

"Bye Chuck".

The appointed Monday morning rolled around, and she was nervous. Molly even picked up that she was nervous, although she hadn't told the girl why. Carina was the only one who knew that she was going out with Chuck, and she'd simply told Sarah. "About time."

Sarah had been through her wardrobe wondering what to wear. The place he was taking her was in the Parkdale neighbourhood to the west of the financial district. It was an Asian fusion restaurant which was renowned for its patio, which was coming into demand at this time of the late spring. It wasn't the smartest place, but was well-known for its food, or at least that's what the internet had told her!

Most of Sarah's outfits were either bumming around the house clothes, running clothes or evening dresses, so it wasn't easy to come up with something to wear, but between her and Carina they'd managed to pick something out. She'd borrowed a white blouse with blue buttons from Carina and matched it up with dark gray pants, medium heels and a dark faux-leather jacket. She'd arrived in the neighbourhood early for their planned meeting at 12.30 and ended up having to walk around to burn off her nervous energy. Finally she decided to head to the restaurant. It was only 12.15 but she figured she could sit at the table.

The server led her to the table and she saw it was already occupied. "Sarah, hi!" he clambered to his feet looking excited but nervous as well. She hadn't been sure how she was going to greet him, but he swept her up into a tight hug and she enjoyed the feeling of being cradled against his chest.

"I see you didn't want to be late either," he said as he pulled back, still holding her upper arms. "You look beautiful," he said, examining her minutely. She'd not worn much makeup, just a little eye shadow and mascara but she'd done her hair in rolling waves and she was pleased he seemed to like it. "I love the blouse," he said. "The buttons match your eyes." Given that was why Carina had recommended the blouse, she was pleased.

"Thanks Chuck," she replied. "You look quite handsome yourself." He was dressed in dark green trousers, white shirt with blue stripes and a charcoal sports jacket.

He made self-deprecating motions and then led her to her chair, holding it out for her. Once he'd made sure she was comfortable he went back to his.

"Do you want water, wine?" he asked. "I thought maybe a carafe of wine, but it's up to you."

She grinned. Anything alcoholic at this stage would be good to settle her nerves. "Wine would be great," she agreed. "Can we have some water as well?"

They agreed on the colour (white) and then he picked one out while she pored over the menu, trying to find something affordable.

He obviously saw her slightly worried look because he said. "My treat Sarah."

"No, it's fine Chuck," she told him.

"I know it's a little old-fashioned these days, but I asked you out so I think I should pay. I want you to relax and enjoy your meal and you can't do that if you're worrying about prices." He reached out for where her hand was on the table and squeezed it gently. "Please Sarah, if it's important you can name the place and take me out next time."

The contact was warming and reassuring and she cracked a small smile. "So you think you're gonna get a second date then Mr Bartowski?" she teased.

"Fingers crossed I'll pass my audition," he grinned. "Will it be a second date or a third?"

"Good question," she said. "Ask me after lunch."

He grinned too and asked what she was thinking of. "The duck looks good to start," she mused, "and the green curry looks nice too, but I also like the look of the salmon."

"How about if we share our dishes?" he suggested. "That way we both get to try a little more."

"I like the way you think Mr Bartowski," she told him.

They agreed on food and after that the conversation flowed freely. Just like at the club, he was interested in her and what she was doing and what she thought of things, but he was also an interesting conversationalist. As in the club she ended up telling him a lot more about herself than she expected to or indeed usually did. He was an open book and told her a lot about his life. His best friend Morgan who didn't work for his company because of his "mad" work avoidance skills and more about Ellie and Captain Awesome. She nearly spat out her wine when he gave her the line about why Devon was so awesome. "Flossing!" she giggled. She never giggled.

The food was great but for her it was a means to an end. She was so entranced by Chuck and his funny stories and his warmth and, more than that, his interest in all things Sarah, that she didn't really notice the passing of the courses until dessert.

She'd hemmed and hawed over desert. She didn't normally do desserts; she already had to run most days to keep herself in shape and dessert would add to that but she really liked the look of the toffee and chocolate fudge cake and he persuaded her to have it. And that was a good piece of work on his part because she was unable to control the moan when she bit into it for the first time.

He looked up from his rice pudding. "Should I leave you and your chocolate cake alone for a while?" he grinned.

She was embarrassed but grinned back. "It's lovely."

"You know I'd be delighted if I managed to make a lady make noises like that," he said with a raised eyebrow.

"You already did Chuck, don't you remember?" she said, giving him a raised eyebrow.

He turned bright red. "Ah, yes," he stuttered, going back to his pudding.

"Maybe you'll get the chance to do it again?" she flirted.

"You want another foot massage?" he shot back at her deadpan, and she burst out laughing as did he.

"Watch it Mr Bartowski, or I may take you up on that," she told him.

"The offer's always open Sarah," he replied, smiling at her. "Even though you haven't been dancing for three hours and you've only been sitting on your ass!"

"Are you saying I'm lazy?" she joked.

"No way!" he exclaimed. "This from the guy who sits in front of a computer all day. There's no way I could dance for five hours a day. I struggle to go to the gym for an hour!"

They talked on a little longer and eventually it was time to pay the check. He put his card on the table and she threw hers down as well.

He picked it up. "We agreed Sarah," he handed it back to her, looking at it. "Or is it Sam?" he asked.

She took a deep breath. "My name is Samantha Walker," she explained, "And that's my legal name, but I picked up the nickname Sarah and that's what everyone calls me."

"OK, Sarah it is then," he said, smiling. "I don't really see you as a Sam."

She was sad that the date seemed to be winding up. She'd had a great time, and he seemed to be trying to prolong things as well.

"Chuck?" she asked. "Do you have to be anywhere soon?"

"No," he replied. "The day's all yours Sarah."

"I have until five," she said. "Molly has after school soccer club on Mondays so she won't be home til about six. I wondered if you fancied coming for a walk with me in High Park?"

"That would be great!" he exclaimed.

And so began a brilliant afternoon. They strolled arm in arm and then hand in hand throughout the park, admired the ducks and geese, enjoyed a number of cups of coffee and he gave her a foot massage to die for.

Afterwards he said. "Did I pass my audition?"

"Yeah," she replied. "I rather think you did. What shall we do for our third date?"

"Third?" he said.

"I made my decision," she confirmed. "Third." She paused. "When are you leaving?"

"I've actually got some meetings in town on Friday and Saturday," he replied, "So I'm gonna move back from Ellie's and stay in town Friday night, leaving Saturday evening. I know you're working Friday, but any chance we could meet for a light dinner before you go to work?"

There was actually every chance because Molly was staying with her friend Jodie that evening, which she told Chuck straight away. "Where are you staying?" she asked.

"Same place, about two blocks from the club," he replied. "Here's an idea – why don't you grab a takeout and we can eat in my room. That way you don't have to worry about getting all dolled up." He paused, obviously working out what that sounded like in his head. "Not that I don't love you all dolled up, but I just thought it's easier for you if you can chill out before work."

She grinned. It was really sweet, but that didn't mean she wouldn't yank his chain. "Are you sure you didn't just want to vet me in chill out clothes as well, to make sure I'm not a slob?"

He grinned. "Busted." It was one of the things she liked about him; that he was willing to laugh at himself. In her experience few men were. "But in all truth Sarah, you could be wearing a dustbin bag and you'd still be beautiful."

She couldn't help herself then and wrapped him in a hug. "You keep that up Mr Bartowski and you're going to get more than you bargained for."

He reached over and pushed a stray wisp of hair behind her ear, running his hand through her hair. His touch was electric. "I certainly hope so Miss Walker." His face was very close to hers and she wanted to kiss him very hard just then. He hadn't pushed anything all day, being very respectful of her space and letting her set the pace. But she was ready.

She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his mouth. He seemed surprised but she could feel his lips turn up in a smile and he kissed her back. His hands went to her cheeks and he cupped them gently, rubbing them with his thumbs and then she was opening her mouth, tongue demanding entrance and suddenly the kiss turned steamy as he opened his and their tongues rubbed together.

"Mmmmmm," she moaned as his hands went to her back and started massaging there. He was a brilliant kisser and she lost herself in the experience until the need for air became too much and they had to separate.

"Wow!" he said and that was kind of her feeling as well.

"Yeah, wow!" she gasped. "Where were you hiding that Chuck?"

"It's all to do with the partner," he said, grinning. "You made me up my game!"

She gave him a hug for that. He deserved it.

"I never thought I'd be able to compete with that chocolate cake though!" he joked.

She smacked him on the arm, embarrassed. "Keep that up and I'll have to go back to the chocolate cake," she snarked.

He grinned. "Perhaps I can give you a little reminder of what you'd be missing," he said turning into her again. "Calorie-free, don't forget."

She returned the smile, "I suppose there is that." The second kiss was just as good as the first and they lost themselves in one another for a few minutes.

But then they disengaged, and she reluctantly looked at her watch. "I have to go," she said sadly.

"Can I walk you back to your car?" he asked, and she let him. It was an excuse to spend a little longer together.

At the car they parted with a final kiss. "Text me to let me know when you're coming Friday," he told her. "No need to get dolled up. Just wear what you'd wear to go to work."

She smiled and got into the car. "Bye Chuck."

"Bye Sarah," he said. "Thanks for a magical afternoon." Then he waved and walked off.

Thanks for all the reviews and supportive comments.