The following Sunday evening found Amanda at Alan's apartment, drinking lemonade and watching Die Hard With A Vengeance. She looked up as he entered, looking much more comfortable in a dark gray button-down and black slacks. He smiled darkly at her, sitting down on the end of his bed next to her. "So?"

"So."

He yawned. "You, um.want to practice?"

"Have you gotten any information on the scene yet?"

"Nope. I just have to kiss the woman. I don't know how."

"I meant when."

"Oh, well.no."

"It's almost the end of production."

"Tell that to my producers."

She smiled. "Whatever. But yeah, sure. I don't mind."

This widened his smile. With that Alan took his cue and tuned out the sound of Bruce Willis's voice, pressing his lips very gently to hers. It was a familiar taste and feeling, being as they practiced his scene quite often. He was shocked that a girl of her age and appearance would like to.

"Wait." She paused him. "Is this supposed to be regular or French?"

"Well, it is set in Paris, I think. Or something like that."

"You don't sound French."

"Whatever." He imitated her carelessness.

Amanda then placed her lips delicately on his once more, letting him choose his favorite moment. At that point, which came soon, he gently opened her lips with his tongue and played a little cat-and-mouse with hers. She found she enjoyed the feeling. She wished Tom would do this for her.

Tom?

"What about your little boy toy?" Alan paused again.

"I have an idea."

She pulled a pen out of her purse and a stray Post-It note. "Here. Write 'practice scenes with professional at professional's discretion' and I'll stick it on my contract when I get back home."

Now he felt stupid. "Wow, nice thinking." He did as she asked.

She flopped back on the bed and he embraced her, continuing, as gunshots from the TV rambled in the great distance, ignored by both. She smiled blissfully, knowing she'd never get home. Instead she felt certain she'd rather wake up in his arms-fully clothed-a couple hours too late.