THE DATING GAME
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HARM'S APARTMENT
Harm went straight to the shower when he got home. He soaped up and rinsed down quickly, and then he went to his closet. At first he thought of wearing a pair of slacks and a jacket, he then changed his mind and picked a suit. It was navy blue with a pale blue shirt and matching tie. He admired himself in the mirror and decided he looked good, the colors really brought out his eyes. He grabbed his keys and went to pick up Mac. He was about a block from her place when he realized that he needed to bring her something. He made a quick u-turn and found a florist. Running in to the shop, he asked for a dozen red roses. As the florist picked the stems, he stopped her and asked for white, blue and pink Camellias.
MAC'S APARTMENT
Mac got home from work and headed right to the shower. She needed to get the office smell off of her before her date with Harm. My date with Harm, Mac sighed. She went to the closet and opted for something simple and classic. She picked an angora sweater and light wool skirt. She put the items on the bed and then picked her lingerie. Once she had her lingerie on, she went to the bathroom to fix her hair and apply make-up. Opting for a natural look she lightly applied color to her cheeks, a light coat of mascara and gloss to her lips. She then reached for her perfume. She was just about to spray when she remembered Harm's comments about her natural scent. She put the bottle back and went to get dressed. Donning her clothes and shoes she went into the living room to wait for Harm.
Mac became nervous when she heard the knock at the door. She quickly jumped up to answer and then stopped. She counted to ten and then opened the door.
"Good evening," Mac said with a smile.
"You look beautiful," Harm said walking in.
"Thank you," Mac said. "You look wonderful."
"Oh, these are for you." Harm said handing Mac the flowers.
"Harm, you didn't have to." Mac said with a lump in her throat.
"I know I didn't have to," Harm smiled. "I wanted to."
"What kind of flowers are these?" Mac asked.
"They're camellias," Harm said. "The colors have significance."
"Well are you going to explain?" Mac asked.
"Maybe," Harm smiled.
"Let me go put them in water," Mac said taking the flowers, "Then we can get going."
"Mac," Harm called after her, "I don't know about you, but I'm really nervous."
"You are?" Mac said returning with the vase, "I'm glad you said that, because I am too."
"Why is this so weird?" Harm asked. "We've been to dinner a million times."
"I know, but this time is different," Mac sighed.
"Hey, this time is better." Harm said and held out his hand. "Your chariot awaits."
ZOYA'S APARTMENT
"Hi Eliza, this is Zoya Nassar. You're mom is my cleaning lady." Zoya said into the phone.
"Hi Zoya, I have heard all about you." Eliza laughed. "I think my mom has adopted you."
"Ya think?" Zoya laughed. "Listen, your mom set me up again tonight…"
"I am so sorry," Eliza interrupted.
"Well, it's her thing. Anyway, there is this guy I work with. I would like you to go out with him." Zoya stated.
"Is this pay back for my mother?" Eliza asked.
"Sort of," Zoya laughed. "He's a nice guy, good looking, sexy, smells great."
"Why do I want to go out with him?" Eliza asked.
"I'm so glad you asked," Zoya laughed.
Twenty minutes later Eliza had agreed to meet Webb. Zoya then picked up the phone and called him.
"Hello," Webb said answering.
"Hey there, how are you?" Zoya asked.
"Fine, except the Pillsbury dough boy threw up on me." Webb said sarcastically.
"Sorry about that," Zoya giggled. "I am going to make it up to you."
"How are you going to do that?" Webb asked.
"I am going on a blind date tonight." Zoya announced.
"Congratulations," Webb said. "How does this help me?"
"Well, you are going on one too." Zoya said.
"I don't think so," Webb replied.
"Come on, we will call a truce for the night." Zoya begged.
"Why me, don't you have friends?" Webb asked.
"Actually no, thanks for reminding me. Now do you want me to order you?" Zoya asked.
"You've been spending too much time with AJ," Webb said.
"Will you do it?" Zoya asked.
"No," Webb said.
"Please," Zoya whined. "Look, she may end up being the woman of your dreams."
"Countess, if I wanted to see the woman of my dreams I would just take a nap." Webb replied.
"Your dreams aren't going to keep you warm on a cold winter's night," Zoya said.
"I think I am beginning to understand why you have no friends," Webb said sarcastically. "You are a lunatic."
"Clay, look at it this way. If we both end up with losers we can pawn them off on each other." Zoya said.
"Oh so you're setting me up with a loser?" Webb asked.
"I didn't say that," Zoya replied. "Come on, please."
"I really don't think this is a good idea, first that Harold thing and now this." Webb stated. "Zoya, what do you want from me?"
"I want a partner I can count on, on and off duty." Zoya said. "Will you do it?"
"Why are you doing this?" Webb asked.
"You are single, you're not bad looking and you're single." Zoya replied.
"You said single twice," Webb stated.
"It bears repeating. All work on no play makes Clay a dull man." Zoya said. "You need some excitement in your life."
"Countess, over the last year I have had more excitement that I can stand. Besides, I am happy with the way my life is." Webb informed her.
"Come on, it will be fun." Zoya said.
"Promise me one thing," Webb stated.
"Anything," Zoya replied.
"You will never use baking products as a weapon again." Webb said.
"You got it," Zoya laughed. "Meet me at the L'Enfant's Lobby Lounge at 6:45."
"You are going to owe me for this, partner." Webb stated.
"I know," Zoya said. "Thanks Clay."
"You're welcome Countess. I'll see you at 6:45." Webb said and hung up.
WEBB'S APARTMENT
Webb was amazed that he agreed to Zoya's favor. He didn't go on blind dates. He didn't go on dates. He tried to remember the last time he actually had a date, something that didn't involve work or someone from his mother's circle. He was glad to be back in Washington, but began to wonder what he was getting himself into as Zoya's partner. Neither had ever worked with a partner before. Why now? He thought back to meetings where both were in attendance. Zoya usually blew him away in those meetings with her insightfulness and grasp of situations. She was brilliant and serious, but he felt she had a very mischievous side to her. This was confirmed over the last few days.
He decided to get ready for his date. He was relieved that Zoya had not been to his apartment. His little piece of paper was still in the door when he got back. He went to his bedroom to get ready. He undressed and put on his robe. He then went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. He went back to the bedroom and to his walk in closet where he picked his clothes. He was going for casual, slacks, a button down and jacket. He went to pick a shirt and noticed that one of his shirts was facing the wrong way. Upon further inspection, he noticed that several shirts were out of place. He quickly fixed them, and went to pick a jacket. He noticed his jackets were also not in the correct order. He chalked it up to quick unpacking and didn't think anything more of it. He laid his clothes on the bed and returned to the bathroom.
After his shower he stood in front of the mirror to shave. Blindly he reached up for the shaving gel. As he went to dispense the foam he noticed he had his deodorant in his hand. He put down the deodorant next to his bottle of cologne.
This is weird, how did this get on the sink? That crazy nut was here. He put everything back where it belonged and got ready.
If she wants war, she's got it. Webb laughed as he drove to L'Enfant Plaza. He then remembered Zoya called a truce for the night. Truce tonight, death tomorrow, Webb thought.
1789 RESTAURANT- GEORGETOWN
Mac and Harm entered the restaurant and were greeted by a cheery hostess.
Harm gave her his name and was told that there table would be ready in about 15 minutes. She invited them to wait in the Pub Room. Mac and Harm walked through the renovated 19th century brownstone admiring the antiques and prints that added to its romantic atmosphere.
They ordered beverages and waited to be called for their table.
"Mac, how did you find out about this place?" Harm asked.
"Bobbie Latham told me about it," Mac replied.
"You talked to Bobbie, when?" Harm asked.
"Oh it was a while back, I haven't talked to her in quite some time. It's a shame. I really thought she and Sturgis might have something." Mac replied.
"I agree, he won't even talk about it." Harm said. "But let's not talk about that."
"What do you want to talk about?" Mac smiled.
"Us," Harm said with a huge grin.
"That's a pretty broad topic," Mac replied. "Care to narrow it down?"
"Sure, you, me, the future…" Harm began, "Oh, and what to order."
"Let's start with what to order," Mac laughed.
Harm motioned the waiter over and they placed their selections. Once that was done, it was time to have a conversation.
"So, when are you going to tell me about the meaning of the Camellia colors?" Mac asked.
"You really don't know?" Harm replied and turned red.
"Why are you turning red?" Mac asked.
"I thought you knew," Harm stated.
"And that makes you blush?" Mac asked confused.
"Oh no, it's just that I didn't think I would have to explain it." Harm replied.
"Well you do, so tell me what do the pink, white and blue Camellias mean?" Mac asked.
"The white means you're adorable, the blue means you're a flame in my heart." Harm said looking down in sudden shyness.
"Harm, what do the pink ones mean," Mac asked softly.
"They mean I am longing for you." Harm said and met her gaze.
"Harm," Mac mustered out.
"I've embarrassed you." Harm said quickly.
"No, you haven't." Mac smiled.
"I mean it Mac," Harm said.
"I don't know what to say," Mac stated. "No, I do know what to say."
"Do I want to hear it?" Harm asked.
"Harm, what took you so long?" Mac asked.
"I don't think I should answer that." Harm laughed. "But I will say this, I'm sorry it took me so long."
Their salads were served and the picked at them.
"Is something wrong with your salad?" Mac asked.
"It's fine, what about yours?" Harm asked.
"It's good." Mac said taking a small bite. "Harm…"
"I know," Harm said and motioned for the waiter. "I'm really sorry, may we have the check?"
"Is something wrong?" The waiter asked.
"Everything is perfect," Harm said as he smiled at Mac.
The confused waiter presented the check which Harm promptly paid. He and Mac quickly left the restaurant, retrieved the car from the valet and headed to Mac's apartment.
MAC'S APARTMENT
Harm and Mac made it back to her apartment in record time. The entire ride they were holding hands and smiling.
Arm in arm they walked to the door with much haste. Fumbling for her key, she finally opened the door. They crashed through and no sooner was the door closed, they were locked in an embrace. Without taking a breath, they found their way to the bedroom where they removed each other's clothing with very little ceremony.
Harm stood there admiring the view. He reached out and began to run his hands over her body. Mac instinctively placed her hands on his chest and could feel his heart beating beneath her hands. He leaned down and kissed her again and then pulled her close.
"Are you sure?" Harm whispered.
"I've never been more sure of anything." Mac said.
That was all he needed to hear. He picked Mac up and placed her on the bed where he joined her. Using all his strength to take it slow, he was fighting the urge to be one with her immediately. Gently they began to explore and caress until they could no longer hold back. As they joined together, they cried out each other's names. When they came back to earth, they laid wrapped in each other and drifted off to the most contented sleep any two have ever had.
