Chapter 1

Jessica sighed as she turned side to side in front of the mirror trying to decide if this was the dress or not. She looked at her bed which was overflowing with clothing to the closet where only a few items still remained on their hangers. Well, it was this dress or the granny dress that covered her like a radioactive thermal suit. She loved Asa, she really did, but Grandfathers just shouldn't buy their Granddaughters clothing.

She sighed again shrugging her shoulders. "It looks like this is the one Jessica. The only one."

It actually wasn't that bad. It was black and you could never go wrong with anything in that color. She had a date tonight with Antonio and Jessica really wanted to stun him with the way she looked. They had been slowly dancing around each other, sharing a few kisses, some hugs, and lots of lust filled glances.

This evening though, she had the feeling that something was going to happen. When she had seen Antonio earlier at the diner, there had been a light in his eyes and a weight seemed to have been lifted off his shoulders. He was happy again, in a way she hadn't seen since before Keri's death.

When they had spoken, he was completely focused on her. He had taken her hand in his own and had gently rubbed his thumb back and forth against the sensitive skin of her inner wrist as he asked her to spend the evening with him. Shivers had been running down her spine and she could tell that he knew the effect he was having on her by the glint in his dark eyes and the half smile gracing his lips. His gaze had been searching and had never left hers. It had been a quick conversation, but it left her with one impression: Antonio wanted her.

Well that's good, because I wouldn't want to be the only one feeling this way.

The conversation and the current passing between them had been enough to push her into stopping off at Victoria's Secret for a fast spending spree to buy the garments now concealed under her dress.

"This is as good as it gets Jess," she told her reflection before reaching for her purse and leaving her bedroom. As she neared the stairs, she could hear her mother and Antonio speaking quietly.

Jessica took a few minutes at the top of the stair way to stand in the shadows and observe him. He truly was a beautiful man. The light shirt he wore was tight against his body and showcased his muscular torso to perfection. She remembered the pool party and how the shirt he had worn had been slightly unbuttoned, revealing his tan skin and the slight covering of hair. More than anything she had wanted to reach up, undo his shirt, and slide her fingertips along his skin before tasting his warmth beneath her tongue. Unconsciously Jessica licked her lips before looking up into his dark smoldering eyes. She hadn't realized how long she'd been staring until a smirk passed his lips.

Two can play at this game.

Jessica tossed her hair back and smiled sexily in return before moving down the stairs. As she came closer, throwing in an extra sway of her hips, she heard Antonio gasp as he saw her. She watched his eyes as they made their way down her body, over her breasts, her hips, stopping briefly on her exposed, tan legs before wandering back up to meet her gaze with his. If possible, his eyes had grown even darker. Heat spread across her skin and she felt as if his fingers had caressed her. Jessica's breath hitched in her throat as she read the sensual promise evident in his eyes.

Oh good Lord, what am I getting myself into?

"Jessie sweetie you look beautiful," Viki said breaking the tension filled silence. A person would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to miss the intention behind Antonio's stare and the answering one in her daughter's. She wasn't sure she liked it, but there was nothing she could do about it. Besides Antonio was a good man and her daughter was a responsible young woman. "I hope you both have a wonderful time tonight."

"Thanks Mom, I'm sure we will." Jessica smiled in return.

"Have a good evening Mrs. Davidson," Antonio murmured as they watched Viki excuse herself leaving the two of them alone together.

Jessica glanced back at Antonio and felt herself flushing when she saw him looking at her with the same intense stare as when she walked down the steps.

Antonio moved over to where she stood and raised his fingers to wander the plains of her face before they came to rest on her bottom lip, gently rubbing. He smiled when he felt her breathing increase before he lowered his head gently replacing his fingers with his mouth. It was a slow tender kiss filled with a future promise that sent a jolt down to her toes.

"You look amazing," Antonio said after he raised his head.

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," she replied eying him up playfully.

He smiled in return. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah," she said grabbing her coat. "So, are you going to tell me where we're going?"

"Not a chance," he answered while helping with her jacket.

Jessica frowned in mock irritation. "Come on Antonio, that's not fair. You can't leave a girl in suspense like that."

Antonio chuckled before opening the door and ushering her out. "Of course I can."

"Antonio-" Jessica started in a wheedling tone only to be cut off by him.

"Jessica I'm not going to tell you," he said opening the car door. "Tonight is about you. The whole evening is for you."

"Really?" Jessica asked as she settled into the car. "I like surprises," she told him once he was in the driver's seat.

Antonio leaned over and gently kissed her cheek. "Well, I hope you like this one."

"As long as I'm with you, I know I will," she murmured before leaning back into the seat.

Their eyes briefly meshed before he switched on the ignition. "I feel the same way Jessica." His hand reached out for hers and they intertwined them as Antonio drove them to their destination.

Maurizio's Restaurant

Jessica looked around her at the upscale Italian Restaurant Antonio had taken her to. It had just opened up and was booked solid for the next several months. Jessica had heard the food was excellent, but even the name Buchannen couldn't get her into this place. Asa had tried and if he couldn't get in, there was no way she would have been able to. She had been stunned when they had gotten out of the car and walked through the doors. Jessica had been about to explain to Antonio about the waiting list, when a short round man bounded up to Antonio, heartily shaking his hand. She came to find out that he was 'Maurizio' and he ushered them to a private table overlooking the lake.

After they were seated, Jessica had turned to Antonio and demanded an explanation. Antonio laughingly explained that he knew Maurizio from Statesville. Maurizio was a great cook and worked in the prison kitchens. He had some problems with a couple of the other inmates and Antonio had stepped in to help him out. From that day on, Maurizio was his best friend, whether he wanted him to be or not. The man stuck to his side like glue and promised Antonio that when he got out and opened his restaurant, that Antonio could have the best table and all the free Italian cuisine and wine he wanted. Antonio hadn't believed him, but sure enough, two months ago Maurizio had visited him at the police station, doggy bag in hand, and invited him to come to his new restaurant where the long forgotten jailhouse promises would be kept. And since then, Maurizio was once again Antonio's best friend.

Jessica had burst into laughter as he explained his connection with the little restaurant owner. Asa, one of the most wealthy and prestigious residents of Llanview couldn't get into this restaurant, but Antonio could on account of his prison connections. The atmosphere was wonderful and the food was absolutely heavenly, which Jessica assured Maurizio of on his numerous trips by their table.

She was having a great time tonight. First Antonio had taken her on a horse drawn carriage ride through the city park before going to Llanview's most renowned jazz club. In Jessica's mind, her date was the best part of the evening. Being with Antonio made her happy and she felt safe in his presence. Everything else faded away when she was with him. He was smart, sexy, funny, but most of all a good person. It amazed her once again at how wonderful a man Antonio was. Even after spending years locked up, he hadn't let prison taint him or what he stood for. Maurizio was proof of that.

"Would you like to dance," Antonio asked her breaking the quiet. He stood and held out his hand.

Jessica smiled in return as she placed her hand in his. "I would love to."

She was surprised when instead of leading her onto the dance floor Antonio led her outside to the deck that sat on the water. The night was beautiful and clear with the stars shining down on them from the heavens and the faint sounds of violin music wafting out to their ears. Antonio gently enfolded her in his arms as a new song started and they slowly began to move together.

Jessica looked up into his eyes and found that she couldn't break the connection. Antonio smiled gently as he leaned down and captured her lips with his own. The kiss started out softly at first but progressed rapidly to passionate. Antonio slowly raised his head to allow her to catch her breath. "Are you ready to leave?"

Jessica looked up into his soulful eyes once more, hearing the hidden meaning behind his words. A shy smile curved her lips as she whispered softly. "I'm ready Antonio."