Additional Disclaimer: The Corrs own the song in this chapter, it's "Breathless."

2

The bedroom was lovely the dominant color in the room was provided in splashes of crimson and gold.  The crimson velvet curtains were pulled back from the floor to ceiling high window with a braded gold cord, revealing a gossamer drape.  The bed was done in a matching crimson spread and its pillows were large fluffy looking scarlet confections with crimson satin trim.  An old fashion wind up alarm clock sat on the night table beneath the shade of a bold based lamp.  All in all the room was immaculate.  Even the desk and its small book shelf were in perfect order.  Still Phoebe didn't see any of it as she went to her closet and pulled out the single evening dress she'd brought.  It was longer than most she owned, with spaghetti straps and a sweeping neckline.  Next she pulled out her black velvet covered pumps since they too were all of the fancy shoes she'd brought. 

Heading over to the walnut vanity she reached in the top drawer and pulled out the bag containing her jewelry.  She found herself extracting a pair of diamond ear rings.  It hadn't even occurred to her until now that they were the same ones Cole had given her on her birthday that first year.  Now though she smiled for some reason she had brought them and she was going to wear them.  Maybe it was time. 

Taking out another bag she headed into the large bathroom and ET them on the sink lip. 

The bathroom was a match for one out of Good Housekeeping.   it's walls were the same pallid as the bedroom but it's matching tiled floor made it seem some how from another world.  The tub of coarse was not an average matter instead having a large pool like shape and enough room for at least two people.  The fixtures were gold and the only real color in the chamber came from the towels resting on the warming rack.  They were a deep burgundy to match the bedroom. 

With out a thought she filled the tub with jasmine scented bubbles and then stripped and climbed in.  She knew there was still some time.  She didn't mind though, she could use a nice leisurely soak. 

Twenty minute later she climbed out, slid into one of the hotel's robes and pulled her hair up in a towel turban.  Once she finished she applied her makeup and then proceeded to blow dry her hair. 

Stepping back into her bedroom she was moving for the stereo.  She needed a little music.  She was in an oddly happy mood so she wanted a little happy music. 

Go on go on

Leave me breathless

Come on [echo...]

Phoebe froze in zipping up the back of the dress as she remembered the time she'd seen the Irish group perform this particular song.  It had been after that demon had put him under that spell.  He'd killed a witch.  God, was it insane that she couldn't get him out of her system?  Maybe she wanted him back in it.  She didn't' now anymore, she didn't know anything anymore. 

The daylight's fading slowly

But time with you is standing still

I'm waiting for you only

The slightest touch and I feel weak

I cannot lie, from you I cannot hide

And I'm losing the will to try

Can't hide it (can't hide it), can't fight it (can't fight it)

"Phoebe?"  The voice called and she frowned, was that Richard?  What had he misplaced Paige? 

"In here!"  She called. 

"Hey Paige told me about your mystery date."  He said moving to stand in the doorway.  In truth he'd heard Piper tell her sister but since he knew what had happened with Jason he just wanted to be sure she'd not get hurt.  In the time since had and Paige had started dating he'd come to think of Phoebe as a sister so he was going to watch out for her. 

"Hmm, I decided to take a chance." 

"Are you sure it's what you want?"  Richard asked coming into the room to stand beside Phoebe. 

"I have to; I am a woman, not a coward."  She said adding.  "Besides maybe the guy will be hot and hmm…" 

'Well, as long as your sure here."  Richard said holding out a small blue vile. 

""What a potion?" 

"Incase you get into any supernatural trouble. 

"Thanks."  She gave him a little smile preying she'd not need it.  She'd like to have a nice evening

So go on, go on, come on, and leave me breathless

Tempt me, tease me, until I can't deny

This loving feeling (loving feeling)

Make me long for your kiss

Go on (go on), go on (go on)

Yeah...

Come on

Yeah...

After thanking him Phoebe moved to get dressed, the song filling her mind.  Man it had been so long since she'd last heard it.  Still she could feel as she'd that night.  She knew too that like what had happened back then the incidents with the source was no more Cole's fault than what had happened with the witch.  Still it wouldn't help her, he was gone, and off to a place she'd never know. 

Phoebe knew she could scribe for him but what if he'd gotten over her and never wanted to see her again?  God, she just didn't know anything these days. 

And if there's no tomorrow

And all we have is here and now

I'm happy just to have you

You're all the love I need somehow

It's like a dream

Although I'm not asleep

And I never want to wake up

Don't lose it (don't lose it), don't leave it (don't leave it)

Going over to the dresser Phoebe put in her earrings.  Good, they were just right, she thought of adding a necklace but she'd not thought to bring one so she'd just have to make due.  All in all as she stepped back from the breakfront she knew she looked just fine.  It was not as if she was really trying to impress this Mr. Benson but why not do it for herself.  How long had it been since she'd had a real reason to go all fancy? 

Besides if he was not a bad guy maybe…  God, what was she thinking?  Hadn't' she thought of swearing off men? 

So go on, go on, come on, and leave me breathless

Tempt me, tease me, until I can't deny

This loving feeling (loving feeling)

Make me long for your kiss

Go on (go on), go on (go on)

Yeah...

Come on [echo...]

Right, her swear off men?  Never, she was a glutton for punishment.  But if it were Cole what a punishment…  What was she thinking?  Paige would kill her.  Hadn't Cole tried to kill and drive her insane?  

Phoebe closed her eyes, why couldn't just once a relationship work out?  Was she just cursed after all?  The one man who made her insane and yet loved her beyond anything was the one she'd made leave because of what evil had made him do.  She'd known then that Jason wasn't right for her; she'd tried to pretend she was.  Why had she been so stupid?  He'd been hurting too, why hadn't she let herself do what a big part of her had wanted?  Sure he'd hurt her but that was part of love, just a little harder in their situation though. 

, yeah, yeah-ie, yeah...

And I can't lie

From you I cannot hide

And I've lost my will to try

Can't hide it (can't hide it), can't fight it, (can't fight it)

No sense in dwelling on it all, there was no way she'd be able to go back.  She Phoebe knew it was time to move forward and so she preyed and arch of perfume and walked underneath it. 

So go on, (go on) go on, (go on), come on, leave me breathless

Tempt me, tease me, until I can't deny

This loving feeling (loving feeling) Make me long for your kiss

"You're ready."  Phoebe glanced over at Piper standing in the doorway. She was not all that surprised to see her there.  Not after the visit from Richard.  After all Richard was less her family than Piper. 

"Yep, so you and Leo staying in?" 

"Actually no, Paige and Richard are going to watch him so Leo and I can go out and relax a little." 

"Oh, that's nice.  You two should have time together." 

"Yeah, hey are those the ear rings Cole gave you?" 

"Um hmm, you know it's funny I've been thinking about him ever since this afternoon and I didn't' realize they were from him until I was getting ready." 

"Well at least your comfortable wearing them."  Piper smiled at her younger sister.  It was funny how much her sister had grown up since the whole incident with the source. 

"Piper?"  Phoebe asked. 

"Yeah honey?"  The elder girl asked. 

"You know I was thinking and it wasn't really his fault that the source took him over."  Phoebe murmured solemnly and Piper could have grinned, yes Phoebe was definitely growing up. 

"I know honey.  I figured it out a while ago." 

"You did?"  Phoebe asked a little surprised. 

"Yes, he left for you didn't he?"  The chief pointed out and Phoebe nodded and on impulse threw her arms about her sister. 

"Yeah, I just wish now…"  Phoebe mumbled pulling back slightly. 

Presently there was a knocking on the door out in the lounge.    And they shared a single knowing look before Phoebe started out of the room. 

Go on, (go on) go on, (go on) come on, leave... me breathless

Go on, (go on) go on, (go on) come on, leave... me breathless

Go on, (go on) go on, (go on) come on, leave... me breathless

Go on... go on!

TBC 

*** 

Wonder if Phoebe will like her date?  Well just stay tuned and we'll all find out. 

Also PLZ R&R and let me know what you think about this chapter.