Moving On

Chapter 14

A/N: My muse has returned in terms of this story too. I was rereading the whole thing, and some of the details sound kinda farfetched. But I hope that this chapter is better. And I hope everyone enjoys it.

Buffy and Angel reached the door of the Finn household, and Buffy cautiously invited him inside. He smiled and nodded, before following her into the house. Neither saw the man step out of the bushes and glare through the windows at the couple. They sat down on the couch together, not knowing what to say to the other. All dinner they had engaged in easy conversation; but now sitting in Buffy's house, where she lived, they were struck by silence. Staring at each other, they both suddenly burst into speech at once.

"Do you want - "

"Can I have - "

They smiled sheepishly at each other.

"Why don't you go first, Angel."

"I just wondered if you would give me a tour of your lovely house. That is, if it isn't too painful for you to show men around." He grinned at the last part to show that he was teasing.

"Sure. Before we start, would you like some coffee? I can start the brewing before the tour so it will be ready after it's over." He nodded his agreement and they headed towards the kitchen.

Outside, the shadow of the man moved around to the kitchen door in order to watch the couple better. After the silence had been broken, they could now talk much more freely with each other. The shadow watched as she laughed while filling up the coffee pot. He slowly opened the back door a creak in order to hear the conversation flowing from within.

"I sure hope that you make better coffee than Cordelia. I mean, she's a great secretary and helper around the office, unless you want a decent cup of coffee. She just can't figure out how to work the machine properly I guess."

"I know. I refuse to let her make it here, and even Xander doesn't let her make it at their own house. If he doesn't make it himself, he'll send her to Starbucks to get them each a cup."

The banter continued back and forth and the shadow quietly closed the door and retreated behind the bushes again. After a short time of watching in the windows, he looked at the watch on his wrist, then turned and walked back to the hotel room he had rented. Because of that, he missed the first kiss between Buffy and Angel.

Now neither person could deny the overwhelming physical attraction they felt for one another. And both had confessed to their respective close friends that they were in love with each other. So it was no surprise that sparks were flying throughout the entire house tour. Subconsciously, the last stop on the tour was Buffy's bedroom. As they stood there looking at the master suite of the house, Angel accidentally brushed hands with Buffy, and that was their undoing. Suddenly, before either could think rationally, they were in each other's arms, kissing as if the world was ending tomorrow. They kissed until they each needed air, tongues dueling for control, lips heating with their passion. Finally, Angel pulled away.

"I, uh, have to go. I have to work tomorrow. And I'm sure you do too. I'll let myself out. I lo – Bye, Buffy."

Angel ran down the stairs and out the door, leaving behind a very confused, and very aroused, Buffy.

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*That was one of the dumbest things you could've done, Angel. Kissing her only a week or so after her husband of five years has been murdered. And then, on top of it, you almost told her you loved her. That would've been a great way to help her solve her husband's murder. Besides, you promised yourself you'd never date another client after what Darla did. But she tasted so good, and she smelled so good too. And she kissed me back, or at least I think she did. Did she? Maybe I'm just imagining things. I better get home.*

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*Way to go Buffy. Scare off the man who's helping you solve your dead husband's murder. How could you forget about Riley so quickly. Falling in love is one thing, but acting on that love only a week or so after discovering your husband's body. Now that's just cruel to his memory. Although he looked so good in a tux. And he smelled so good, a scent I can't even describe. It was like night and moonlight, in a scent. Wow, Buff, getting poetic much. But he tasted just as yummy as he smelled. Oh what's a girl to do? I'll have to decide before tomorrow night. That's the party.*