Disclaimer: Characters are not mine!
As the two reached the beach, Hermione slid her sandals off and carried them as the sand found its way in between her toes.
Draco admired the physical features of her face as they walked hand in hand and his eyes stayed glued to her the entire time. Occasionally, Hermione would glance up and he noticed him looking at her. One of the times she did, she noticed his hair hanging over his eyes.
Hermione then glanced out toward the water. The sun had begun its descent over the horizon and Mother Nature's painting revealed itself in the endless sky. Hermione pulled Draco to a stop and turned toward the endless pool of water.
As she turned, his arms snaked their way around her waist from behind and hers rested over his. The two stood silently observing the symphonic sky and listening to the lullaby of the ocean. His head was adjacent to hers and the temptation to kiss her was almost unbearable.
"Do you have any idea how difficult is it right now to restrain myself?"
"I have an idea of how difficult it is."
"Well, I want everything to be perfect when I do sweep you off your feet."
"You took the words right out of my mouth."
Draco was slightly surprised at her response but remained silent. He was concentrating all of his energy to not making a move on her. Another few minutes passed before he suggested they go.
Draco laced his fingers in hers once again and they made their way to the restaurant. As they approached it, Hermione's thoughts jumped. This is where she had made reservations for her wedding reception and here she would be showing up with another man! Maybe they wouldn't know her or what her fiancée looked like. She only prayed that they didn't.
When they reached the door, Draco held it ajar for her to enter and placed his hand on the small of her back. At this motion, she jumped, not from surprise, but from nerves.
"What's the matter Hermione?"
"Oh-nothing. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, sorry."
Hermione smiled at him to reassure him and he understood silently.
"How many?"
"Just the two of us" stated Draco.
The hostess nodded and led them to a booth towards the right of the restaurant. They took their seats as the hostess placed their menus on the table.
"Your waitress will be with you shortly."
Draco picked up his menu and Hermione did as well. Her eyes glanced down the list and she spotted fresh salmon topped with lemon juice and sautéed vegetables on the side.
Draco began eyeing the baby back ribs. He hadn't had those in a long time. Draco stood up silently without Hermione knowing and he slid in next to her. His arm went automatically around her shoulders and she jumped. Draco hadn't expected her to jump a second time so he asked her again, "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Oh, yeah, I just wasn't expecting that."
"You don't mind, do you?"
"No, not at all."
"Well, relax then."
Hermione nodded to him and the waitress approached the table. Hermione felt an uneasiness rising in her throat.
"What can I get you?"
"Go ahead Hermione."
"I'll have the salmon please....oh and a glass of water."
"And you sir?"
"I'll have the baby back ribs please. Will you also bring us a bottle of red wine?"
"Yes sir. Coming right up."
The waitress walked away and Hermione leaned into Draco's shoulder. His arm grasped her tighter as she sighed of relief. The uneasiness would not leave however until the evening was done.
Hermione heard music in the background and saw people dancing on the distant dance floor.
"Draco, how about we go dance?"
"Really? You really want to??"
"Yes."
"Okay. Let's go" he said with a smile on his face. He extended his hand to hers and led her over to the dance floor.
Hermione let him pull her close to him and his hands slithered around her waist. She let herself mold to his firm body and they fit together like two missing pieces of a puzzle. Her head rested on his shoulder and her arms went around his neck. She longed to let her hands explore his body but they remained motionless upon his shoulders.
Draco's head hung near hers and the fresh smell of her hair filtered through his nose. He yearned to touch her and to love her, but he knew it wasn't the right time. He needed everything to be exactly right.
The two swayed ever so effortlessly to the beat of the music.
"You're a really good dancer" said Hermione.
"It helps that I have a good partner."
Hermione smiled up at him and stared into his deep grey eyes.
"Don't you feel anything when we are close like this?"
Hermione didn't answer.
"It starts right about here" and he placed his finger by her belly button, "and moves this way and that way." He drew a line from her stomach up her torso, between her breasts, and up to her chin, and then started back at her belly button, moving downwards. "And it ends right about here."
Hermione felt pulses run through her body and her body began to tingle. She looked deep into his eyes and propped herself up on her tiptoes. Hermione threw her arms around his neck and pulled his face closer to his. Draco brushed his lips against hers lightly and started to press his lips against hers, but pulled away.
"No...I want everything to be perfect. What would you say if I asked you to go with me to my resort in Hawaii?"
"What do you think I'm going to say?"
"I don't know...that's why I asked."
"Of course."
A smile played across Draco's lips and he pulled her back close to him. He massaged the back of her head with his masculine palm and just led her along the dance floor, their feet just gliding over the wood.
As the song came to an end, they stopped dancing and Draco led her back over to the table. He waited for her to slide in and took a seat next to her. Moments later, their food arrived.
"Here you go. Enjoy!" said the waitress as she placed their meals on the table. "Let me know if I can get you anything."
They both nodded simultaneously and began eating.
"Draco, I'm cold."
"Yeah?"
Hermione nodded and Draco pulled her closer to him. He put his fork down and wrapped both arms around her petite body to warm her up. After several minutes, he asked, "Better?"
"Mmhmm."
"Good."
The two resumed eating until they were done. The waitress made her way over to them and asked, "Is there anything else I can get you?"
"No thank you."
The waitress left momentarily and came back with the check.
"Here you go sir. Tonight we have also chosen you to do a survey for us so we know how we're doing as a restaurant as well. Would you mind giving us five minutes of your time?"
"Sure."
"Great. The manager will be by shortly.
Hermione jumped up at the sound of the manager. She had talked to the manager about their reception and he would recognize her immediately.
Moments later, the manager approached the table.
"Don't I know you?" he asked questioning Hermione.
"No" she lied quickly.
"I do! You came in here for that double wedding reception. And this must be the lucky man!"
Draco sat there with a very perplexed expression playing across hi face.
"Oh no. He's just a friend."
"Just a friend? Right, I got it" he said sarcastically. "On with the survey..."
Hermione was glad he hadn't pushed the topic any farther.
"Did you enjoy your food?"
"Very much so. It's one of the better restaurants I've been to."
"Okay. How was the service?"
"It was excellent. The waitress was very friendly and it would be a pity if you ever fired her."
The manager nodded. "Would you come back here given the option?"
"Absolutely. Hell, I'll even recommend it to everyone I know."
"Thank you for your time."
Draco nodded and he paid for the bill after arguing with Hermione about it for several minutes. She gave him a look of disapproval as the exited the restaurant.
His arm went instinctively around her waist as they walked down the beach. She once again took her shoes off to let the sand sift between her toes.
Draco pulled her to a stop and she appeased. Draco put one arm behind her knees and one behind her back and lifted her up off her feet. Her arm went automatically around his neck and she smiled at him. They stayed still, standing on the empty beach together.
"It's so beautiful out here. I love this sort of stuff."
"Not nearly as beautiful as you and I love you."
Hermione's mind took her to a flashback a couple days before where Ron had said almost the same thing to her. She looked down at the ring on her finger and back up at Draco. Hermione slid the ring off of her finger and placed in it her pants pocket. Draco smiled at her and carried her all the way to her apartment. His grey eyes twinkled at her as she stared back at him.
Droc refused to put her down until she was inside her apartment despite her begging.
"You didn't have to do that you know" she said when they had finally gotten inside.
"I know I didn't, but I wanted to because I love you."
Hermione smiled at him and remained silent.
"I have never cared about anyone in my entire life the way I care about you. It's killing me right now not to take your breath away but I've focused my energy into doing so."
"When we were dancing and you were describing the feelings that you were getting when we were close like that, every one of those sensations pulsed through my body."
"Hermione, I need to go now. If I stay another minute, I'm going to lose all sense of right and wrong."
Hermione nodded and walked over to him. She gave him a warm hug and he returned it. He then turned to leave.
"Remember, after tomorrow, we're on the way to Hawaii...I'll be here at twelve o'clock to pick you up."
"I can't wait."
Draco smiled at her as he left and she closed the door behind him. Hurriedly, Hermione changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and headed for bed. The next day was going to busy for her.
Hermione pulled the covers over her head attempted to sleep. Within twenty minutes or so, her anxiety passed into peaceful dream.....
Six o'clock rolled around and Hermione's alarm clock buzzed loudly until it forced the unconsciousness out of her and she woke up with an irritated expression set on her face.
Hermione slammed her fist down on the snooze button and dragged her feet across the floor to her bathroom.
Hermione stripped herself of her clothes and turned on the taps. As the water emerged, it cascaded down her fair skin and trickled down the drain. She slowly massaged coconut scented shampoo through her long hair and rinsed it out when she felt clean.
Hermione turned off the taps; she towel dried herself off and got dressed for work. With a small *POP*, she appeared in her work office at the Ministry and walked over to clock in. When she arrived back at her desk, she unloaded her briefcase to begin the tedious work of sorting through each case.
As each minute passed, it became harder and harder for her to concentrate on the work she was supposed to be doing. To top it all off, she had to work a couple extra hours of overtime to cover up for what happened yesterday and it seemed as though she would never get out of there.
Slowly however, the 'undone' pile shrank itself as the 'done' pile grew. At long last, Hermione had finished the last case and she glanced up at the clock. It read 6:15.
Hermione sighed with relief because her long shift had finally come to an end. She clocked out and apparated back to her apartment. When she arrived, she put her things down and went into her bedroom where she found Draco on her bed.
"Jesus Christ!"
"What?" asked Draco innocently.
"Don't scare me like that! What did I tell you about that?!"
"Sorry hun. I didn't think it would scare you. Relax."
Draco walked over to her and hugged her. She allowed herself to fall into his arms and embrace her.
"I just had to see you."
"Draco, screw tomorrow! Let's go right now."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Well, let me go home and pack some things quickly and you pack some of your own things. I'll be back here at 9:30 for you.
Hermione nodded and he disappeared.
Draco appeared at his own home and ran around frantically packing. He hadn't expected her to reply with that.
Back at Hermione's apartment, Hermione ran around and threw things in her bag. To quicken her pace, she levitated some things into it.
As she finished, she zipped her bag closed and threw it by the door. She then went back into her room and put on a sun dress that was peach in color and about mid-thigh length. Her shoes were simple flip flops that hit the back of her heal with a tap every time she took a step.
Hermione played with her hair and decided to pull it back into a tight bun on the back of her head. A few tendrils emerged from all angles of it and fell gently down the back of her head.
Moments later, Draco arrived. He was just on time as he said he would be.
"Ready to go?"
"Yup" she yelled from the bathroom.
"Let's go."
Hermione gave herself a once over and stepped out of the bathroom. When she emerged, Draco's eyes looked over her once.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you. You look handsome yourself."
Draco wore a tight blue shirt with khaki pants. All of his chest muscles could be seen and his blonde hair hung in front of his eyes.
Hermione's dress was a low cut one and came about mid-thigh. The top was a halter top and came to a V at her breast line.
"Gods, you better hope you don't bend over too far today."
"I'll try not to."
Hermione winked at him teasingly and pretended to bend over.
"No, don't you even."
Hermione stopped and Draco sighed. He grabbed both of their bags and they walked down to his car.
"Nice wheels!"
"Thanks" Draco said proudly.
In front of the two of them sat a blue BMW Z3. Its convertible top was black and folded back. Draco popped open the trunk and tossed their bags into it.
"Draco, why don't we just apparate there?"
"Well, it would be kind of weird just apparating out of thin air into a crowd of humans, don't you think?"
"I suppose so. Hey, I'm not complaining."
"I figured you wouldn't"
Draco winked at her and opened the car door for her to slide in. Hermione appeased and took a seat in the passenger side.
"Hey, do you think I could drive this?!"
"We'll see."
"Oh c'mon! Don't you trust me?"
"You know I do."
"Then c'mon!"
"We'll see. How about when we get there?"
"Fine."
Hermione smiled at him and he backed out of the parking space. As he accelerated down the road, the air whistled around her. It blew through her hair and it felt so good. The sky was baby blue and not a single cloud lingered.
When Draco and Hermione arrived at the airport a couple hours later, Draco carried their bags inside and checked them in after buying their tickets.
The two waited in the terminal for their numbers to be called to board the plane.
"Rows 1-20!"
"We're next Draco."
Several minutes later, the stewardess called their rows and they boarded the plane. Draco laced his fingers with Hermione's and they took their seats on the plane.
As the two reached the beach, Hermione slid her sandals off and carried them as the sand found its way in between her toes.
Draco admired the physical features of her face as they walked hand in hand and his eyes stayed glued to her the entire time. Occasionally, Hermione would glance up and he noticed him looking at her. One of the times she did, she noticed his hair hanging over his eyes.
Hermione then glanced out toward the water. The sun had begun its descent over the horizon and Mother Nature's painting revealed itself in the endless sky. Hermione pulled Draco to a stop and turned toward the endless pool of water.
As she turned, his arms snaked their way around her waist from behind and hers rested over his. The two stood silently observing the symphonic sky and listening to the lullaby of the ocean. His head was adjacent to hers and the temptation to kiss her was almost unbearable.
"Do you have any idea how difficult is it right now to restrain myself?"
"I have an idea of how difficult it is."
"Well, I want everything to be perfect when I do sweep you off your feet."
"You took the words right out of my mouth."
Draco was slightly surprised at her response but remained silent. He was concentrating all of his energy to not making a move on her. Another few minutes passed before he suggested they go.
Draco laced his fingers in hers once again and they made their way to the restaurant. As they approached it, Hermione's thoughts jumped. This is where she had made reservations for her wedding reception and here she would be showing up with another man! Maybe they wouldn't know her or what her fiancée looked like. She only prayed that they didn't.
When they reached the door, Draco held it ajar for her to enter and placed his hand on the small of her back. At this motion, she jumped, not from surprise, but from nerves.
"What's the matter Hermione?"
"Oh-nothing. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, sorry."
Hermione smiled at him to reassure him and he understood silently.
"How many?"
"Just the two of us" stated Draco.
The hostess nodded and led them to a booth towards the right of the restaurant. They took their seats as the hostess placed their menus on the table.
"Your waitress will be with you shortly."
Draco picked up his menu and Hermione did as well. Her eyes glanced down the list and she spotted fresh salmon topped with lemon juice and sautéed vegetables on the side.
Draco began eyeing the baby back ribs. He hadn't had those in a long time. Draco stood up silently without Hermione knowing and he slid in next to her. His arm went automatically around her shoulders and she jumped. Draco hadn't expected her to jump a second time so he asked her again, "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Oh, yeah, I just wasn't expecting that."
"You don't mind, do you?"
"No, not at all."
"Well, relax then."
Hermione nodded to him and the waitress approached the table. Hermione felt an uneasiness rising in her throat.
"What can I get you?"
"Go ahead Hermione."
"I'll have the salmon please....oh and a glass of water."
"And you sir?"
"I'll have the baby back ribs please. Will you also bring us a bottle of red wine?"
"Yes sir. Coming right up."
The waitress walked away and Hermione leaned into Draco's shoulder. His arm grasped her tighter as she sighed of relief. The uneasiness would not leave however until the evening was done.
Hermione heard music in the background and saw people dancing on the distant dance floor.
"Draco, how about we go dance?"
"Really? You really want to??"
"Yes."
"Okay. Let's go" he said with a smile on his face. He extended his hand to hers and led her over to the dance floor.
Hermione let him pull her close to him and his hands slithered around her waist. She let herself mold to his firm body and they fit together like two missing pieces of a puzzle. Her head rested on his shoulder and her arms went around his neck. She longed to let her hands explore his body but they remained motionless upon his shoulders.
Draco's head hung near hers and the fresh smell of her hair filtered through his nose. He yearned to touch her and to love her, but he knew it wasn't the right time. He needed everything to be exactly right.
The two swayed ever so effortlessly to the beat of the music.
"You're a really good dancer" said Hermione.
"It helps that I have a good partner."
Hermione smiled up at him and stared into his deep grey eyes.
"Don't you feel anything when we are close like this?"
Hermione didn't answer.
"It starts right about here" and he placed his finger by her belly button, "and moves this way and that way." He drew a line from her stomach up her torso, between her breasts, and up to her chin, and then started back at her belly button, moving downwards. "And it ends right about here."
Hermione felt pulses run through her body and her body began to tingle. She looked deep into his eyes and propped herself up on her tiptoes. Hermione threw her arms around his neck and pulled his face closer to his. Draco brushed his lips against hers lightly and started to press his lips against hers, but pulled away.
"No...I want everything to be perfect. What would you say if I asked you to go with me to my resort in Hawaii?"
"What do you think I'm going to say?"
"I don't know...that's why I asked."
"Of course."
A smile played across Draco's lips and he pulled her back close to him. He massaged the back of her head with his masculine palm and just led her along the dance floor, their feet just gliding over the wood.
As the song came to an end, they stopped dancing and Draco led her back over to the table. He waited for her to slide in and took a seat next to her. Moments later, their food arrived.
"Here you go. Enjoy!" said the waitress as she placed their meals on the table. "Let me know if I can get you anything."
They both nodded simultaneously and began eating.
"Draco, I'm cold."
"Yeah?"
Hermione nodded and Draco pulled her closer to him. He put his fork down and wrapped both arms around her petite body to warm her up. After several minutes, he asked, "Better?"
"Mmhmm."
"Good."
The two resumed eating until they were done. The waitress made her way over to them and asked, "Is there anything else I can get you?"
"No thank you."
The waitress left momentarily and came back with the check.
"Here you go sir. Tonight we have also chosen you to do a survey for us so we know how we're doing as a restaurant as well. Would you mind giving us five minutes of your time?"
"Sure."
"Great. The manager will be by shortly.
Hermione jumped up at the sound of the manager. She had talked to the manager about their reception and he would recognize her immediately.
Moments later, the manager approached the table.
"Don't I know you?" he asked questioning Hermione.
"No" she lied quickly.
"I do! You came in here for that double wedding reception. And this must be the lucky man!"
Draco sat there with a very perplexed expression playing across hi face.
"Oh no. He's just a friend."
"Just a friend? Right, I got it" he said sarcastically. "On with the survey..."
Hermione was glad he hadn't pushed the topic any farther.
"Did you enjoy your food?"
"Very much so. It's one of the better restaurants I've been to."
"Okay. How was the service?"
"It was excellent. The waitress was very friendly and it would be a pity if you ever fired her."
The manager nodded. "Would you come back here given the option?"
"Absolutely. Hell, I'll even recommend it to everyone I know."
"Thank you for your time."
Draco nodded and he paid for the bill after arguing with Hermione about it for several minutes. She gave him a look of disapproval as the exited the restaurant.
His arm went instinctively around her waist as they walked down the beach. She once again took her shoes off to let the sand sift between her toes.
Draco pulled her to a stop and she appeased. Draco put one arm behind her knees and one behind her back and lifted her up off her feet. Her arm went automatically around his neck and she smiled at him. They stayed still, standing on the empty beach together.
"It's so beautiful out here. I love this sort of stuff."
"Not nearly as beautiful as you and I love you."
Hermione's mind took her to a flashback a couple days before where Ron had said almost the same thing to her. She looked down at the ring on her finger and back up at Draco. Hermione slid the ring off of her finger and placed in it her pants pocket. Draco smiled at her and carried her all the way to her apartment. His grey eyes twinkled at her as she stared back at him.
Droc refused to put her down until she was inside her apartment despite her begging.
"You didn't have to do that you know" she said when they had finally gotten inside.
"I know I didn't, but I wanted to because I love you."
Hermione smiled at him and remained silent.
"I have never cared about anyone in my entire life the way I care about you. It's killing me right now not to take your breath away but I've focused my energy into doing so."
"When we were dancing and you were describing the feelings that you were getting when we were close like that, every one of those sensations pulsed through my body."
"Hermione, I need to go now. If I stay another minute, I'm going to lose all sense of right and wrong."
Hermione nodded and walked over to him. She gave him a warm hug and he returned it. He then turned to leave.
"Remember, after tomorrow, we're on the way to Hawaii...I'll be here at twelve o'clock to pick you up."
"I can't wait."
Draco smiled at her as he left and she closed the door behind him. Hurriedly, Hermione changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and headed for bed. The next day was going to busy for her.
Hermione pulled the covers over her head attempted to sleep. Within twenty minutes or so, her anxiety passed into peaceful dream.....
Six o'clock rolled around and Hermione's alarm clock buzzed loudly until it forced the unconsciousness out of her and she woke up with an irritated expression set on her face.
Hermione slammed her fist down on the snooze button and dragged her feet across the floor to her bathroom.
Hermione stripped herself of her clothes and turned on the taps. As the water emerged, it cascaded down her fair skin and trickled down the drain. She slowly massaged coconut scented shampoo through her long hair and rinsed it out when she felt clean.
Hermione turned off the taps; she towel dried herself off and got dressed for work. With a small *POP*, she appeared in her work office at the Ministry and walked over to clock in. When she arrived back at her desk, she unloaded her briefcase to begin the tedious work of sorting through each case.
As each minute passed, it became harder and harder for her to concentrate on the work she was supposed to be doing. To top it all off, she had to work a couple extra hours of overtime to cover up for what happened yesterday and it seemed as though she would never get out of there.
Slowly however, the 'undone' pile shrank itself as the 'done' pile grew. At long last, Hermione had finished the last case and she glanced up at the clock. It read 6:15.
Hermione sighed with relief because her long shift had finally come to an end. She clocked out and apparated back to her apartment. When she arrived, she put her things down and went into her bedroom where she found Draco on her bed.
"Jesus Christ!"
"What?" asked Draco innocently.
"Don't scare me like that! What did I tell you about that?!"
"Sorry hun. I didn't think it would scare you. Relax."
Draco walked over to her and hugged her. She allowed herself to fall into his arms and embrace her.
"I just had to see you."
"Draco, screw tomorrow! Let's go right now."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Well, let me go home and pack some things quickly and you pack some of your own things. I'll be back here at 9:30 for you.
Hermione nodded and he disappeared.
Draco appeared at his own home and ran around frantically packing. He hadn't expected her to reply with that.
Back at Hermione's apartment, Hermione ran around and threw things in her bag. To quicken her pace, she levitated some things into it.
As she finished, she zipped her bag closed and threw it by the door. She then went back into her room and put on a sun dress that was peach in color and about mid-thigh length. Her shoes were simple flip flops that hit the back of her heal with a tap every time she took a step.
Hermione played with her hair and decided to pull it back into a tight bun on the back of her head. A few tendrils emerged from all angles of it and fell gently down the back of her head.
Moments later, Draco arrived. He was just on time as he said he would be.
"Ready to go?"
"Yup" she yelled from the bathroom.
"Let's go."
Hermione gave herself a once over and stepped out of the bathroom. When she emerged, Draco's eyes looked over her once.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you. You look handsome yourself."
Draco wore a tight blue shirt with khaki pants. All of his chest muscles could be seen and his blonde hair hung in front of his eyes.
Hermione's dress was a low cut one and came about mid-thigh. The top was a halter top and came to a V at her breast line.
"Gods, you better hope you don't bend over too far today."
"I'll try not to."
Hermione winked at him teasingly and pretended to bend over.
"No, don't you even."
Hermione stopped and Draco sighed. He grabbed both of their bags and they walked down to his car.
"Nice wheels!"
"Thanks" Draco said proudly.
In front of the two of them sat a blue BMW Z3. Its convertible top was black and folded back. Draco popped open the trunk and tossed their bags into it.
"Draco, why don't we just apparate there?"
"Well, it would be kind of weird just apparating out of thin air into a crowd of humans, don't you think?"
"I suppose so. Hey, I'm not complaining."
"I figured you wouldn't"
Draco winked at her and opened the car door for her to slide in. Hermione appeased and took a seat in the passenger side.
"Hey, do you think I could drive this?!"
"We'll see."
"Oh c'mon! Don't you trust me?"
"You know I do."
"Then c'mon!"
"We'll see. How about when we get there?"
"Fine."
Hermione smiled at him and he backed out of the parking space. As he accelerated down the road, the air whistled around her. It blew through her hair and it felt so good. The sky was baby blue and not a single cloud lingered.
When Draco and Hermione arrived at the airport a couple hours later, Draco carried their bags inside and checked them in after buying their tickets.
The two waited in the terminal for their numbers to be called to board the plane.
"Rows 1-20!"
"We're next Draco."
Several minutes later, the stewardess called their rows and they boarded the plane. Draco laced his fingers with Hermione's and they took their seats on the plane.
