Chapt. 17

The reflection that stared back at her invoked a jolt of surprise, even after two months. She'd decided on a new hair cut, her curls only served to remind her of Worf and her children and so, after some negotiating with Mott, she now sported a much shorter and straighter style. Her hair reached just below her shoulders and had been dyed in a light-brown color. It was much easier to deal with than her natural, unruly curls and felt a lot lighter.

She tugged her burgundy dress straight and smoothed the fabric over her stomach. She retrieved a pair of silver pumps from her closet and wiggled her feet into them, making a last stop at the mirror to finish her make up.

With an intentional slight smile Deanna strode into the quarters of Captain Riker for another dinner by candlelight. Ever since he'd pushed through the barriers of her mind, four months ago, he'd been cordial and easy going, but slowly the friendly dates evolved into less harmless, more flirting events, Riker made sure she didn't feel pushed.

Perhaps tonight that would change.

She still felt some guilt, but after eight months she felt she needed to pick up her life again. Will stood near the view ports across the room, his face enlightened just enough for her to distinguish his beard and eyes from the darkness around him.

"You look amazing" he said quietly, never taking his eyes off her as he called for light and lead her to the table.

"You look quite handsome too, Captain" she responded as she sat down and eyed the food. She had long since learned not to ask what it was, no matter how suspicious it looked. Will returned from the replicator with bottle of wine and two flute glasses. Deanna couldn't tear her mind away from his as he filled the glasses. His emotions were like music to her soul; hope, love, contentment and desire all woven together in a blanket of tenderness.

"To an amazing woman." He toasted with sparkling eyes, daring her to counter his words just like the many times before.

Only she didn't.

"Something wrong?" He couldn't help but become concerned at her silence and studied her more carefully. She looked wonderful, better than she had in a long time, in fact. For the first time since her family's disappearance she seemed completely at ease in his company and when he gently reach out with his mind he found that all her barriers were down.

Ground had been gained.

"Not at all. I'm here with you, aren't I?" She looked at him from under her lashes, her gaze lingering at his half-bared chest before moving up to his lips and finally his eyes.

The hints were overly clear, but still Will hesitated. And even when Deanna pushed herself to her feet and placed herself within easy reach, he still couldn't bring himself to move.

"Dea? Are you sure?" Not the most romantic thing to say under such circumstances, but he had to make sure she wasn't just overwhelmed by emotions and that she wasn't going to regret this the next morning.

~Shut up and kiss me Will Riker~ She sent him, intentionally repeating what she'd said to him so long ago.

And who was he to disobey?