Okay, just so we are clear, I do not own Passions or any of the characters,
they are owned by NBC.
Authors Note- I just wanted to say that I have wanted Hank to have a better story line for like forever, and if this is a way to give the character more of a role, then so be it!
Please Read and Review my story! I hope that everyone likes it!
Chapter 10- The best date ever
Kate hurried down the stairs, late, as usual. She had been looking for Fox for the last twenty minutes, to tell him that their friends were coming to visit. She hadn't seen Dylan in over six months, he had been touring the South Seas, and she wasn't used to not being in the same time zone as Audrey, they had been joined at the hip since they had adjoining rooms at Saint Andrew's Prep School ten years ago in Ireland. She was her best girl friend. They were shopping buddies, and partners in crime, along with Fox and Dylan Banning, who had lived across the hall from Fox at Saint Andrew's.
She flew out the door and down the drive to the garage. She met Fox halfway there. "Fox, call Audrey, she and Dylan are coming to visit next month! I would fill you in but I have a date, and I am already late for it! Bye!" She called over her shoulder before she got into her car and sped down the drive and down the road to town.
"I cannot believe that I am late!" Kate scolded herself. "I was doing so well on time too. I hope that he doesn't think that I stood him up! She turned onto Main Street and found a parking space. Putting some change in the meter, Kate scurried across the street, and looked around. Not seeing him anywhere, she stamped her foot in frustration.
She flopped onto a nearby bench and silently berated herself for her tardiness. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down, when someone whispered in her ear, "You're late."
She whirled around to find Hank leaning on the back of the bench. "I thought I missed you!" Kate exclaimed, so happy that he hadn't given up on her.
"I figured you were like every other girl in the world, and would be running a bit late, so I went to go and get you this." He pulled a white rose out from behind his back. Kate was touched by the gesture.
"Thank you." She said, accepting the rose. "I am so glad that you didn't leave, I was on the phone with a friend who is out of the country, and just got caught up with the phone call." She explained, omitting that she had been running around looking for a guy for nearly half an hour.
Hank nodded. "So, I thought that we could go to see a movie, then get a bite to eat, and maybe end the evening with a walk on the beach. Does that sound okay to you? He asked.
She nodded. She was definitely glad that she had taken Audrey's advice and worn what she did. Both the dress and the other pants and top would have been all wrong for a date with this guy. He seems very relaxed, very comfortable in a life that he had created here in this little town.
She took the arm that he offered her and they walked down the street towards the movie theatre. They looked at the movie selection, and decided to go and see the Alfred Hitchcock movie that was playing. Kate loved old movies, all old movies. They were so much better than most of the movies that Hollywood was turning out now. And besides, she could always use the scary movie as a means to get close to him.
"Why don't you go and get some popcorn, and I will go and find us good seats." Kate suggested to him, seeing the long line at the concession stand. "Could you get me a regular Pepsi, please?" She gave him a smile and walked through the doors into the theatre.
Hank was impressed. Usually the girls he went out with were so worried about weight that they always got water, or diet soda, but this girl was different. She was like no one else he had ever dated. She was special He could feel it.
~*~*~
Kate was searching around the theater for the best seats, but there wasn't much to choose from. She finally found two together in the middle of the theater. She watched the door so she could signal Hank when he came in. Several minutes later, she saw him come in, and she waved to get his attention. He maneuvered around all the groups and couples who were in the theater with them.
"Whew!" Hank said as he finally sat down in the seat next to her. "I thought that I would never get off that line. There were so many people, but then again it is a Saturday night, so everyone is out." He smiled at her. She smiled back.
The theater lights flickered, and the people who were standing in the aisles were moving to their seats. The lights faded and the screen came alive as the movie started.
As the opening credits came on, Hank and Kate both reached for the popcorn at the same time, and their hands grazed the others. It was like electric, the attraction that they had. Kate felt her skin come alive when his hand touched hers, even if it was only for a moment.
Hank couldn't believe how attracted to this girl he was. Her touch was electrifying. He wanted to get closer to her, he just had to bide his time until the right moment.
Kate knew she had to get closer to him. She had seen this movie while in Prague at a film festival, so she knew what she was waiting for. Grace Kelly was walking down the dark hallway, and then-
The audience screamed. Kate buried her face into Hank's chest, feigning fear. He put his arm around her, and she thought- mission accomplished.
Mission accomplished, Hank smiled. This was going exactly the way he hoped.
~*~*~
Hank and Kate came out of the theater, laughing. The girls in front of them had gotten so scared during the last few minutes of the film, that one of them had thrown her popcorn in the air, showering them with the kernels. It was so funny, that they had to leave the theater because of all the dirty looks they were getting from the other patrons.
"Wait, hold still, you still have popcorn in your hair." Hank said, pulling a few fluffy pieces out of her hair. He stared into her eyes, and put his hand on her cheek. She smiled up at him, and they leaned in, and their lips met.
It was the most incredible kiss that Kate had ever experienced. She had never had any man kiss her with so much passion, so much emotion, she could barely breathe. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and hoped that this kiss would never end.
The kiss deepened, and Kate ran her fingers through his hair, and pulled out another kernel of popcorn. She tried to hold it in, but it was impossible, she burst out laughing again. Hank pulled away, a little confused. This was not a normal reaction when he kissed a woman. When she held out her hand, he saw the kernel she had removed from his hair and he laughed too.
"Dinner? He asked, taking her hand. She nodded, and he led her down the street towards the little café.
~*~*~
"So, you're really a cop?" Kate asked. "Have you ever shot someone?" She took another bite of her pasta, which was just as good as anything that she had had in Italy. It had genuinely surprised her about how good the food here was.
"Yeah, I did," Hank admitted. "I shot someone to save a friend of mine, who was about to be killed. I knew that I couldn't let that happen. At the time, I thought that I loved her, but she was in love with my best friend, so I stepped aside. That was a long time ago, though."
Kate nodded. "So what do you do?" Hank asked her. She hesitated, and slowly chewed, and decided to just tell him the truth.
"I work at Crane Industries." She said. "I start on Monday. So, have you lived in Harmony all of your life?"
"Well, I grew up here, and then after high school, I moved around a lot. I moved back here to be closer to my family about six years ago. My brother is the Chief of Police here, and my nieces are here, as well as my best friend and his family. What about you; where are you from?"
Kate took another bite, not quite sure how to answer this one either. She decided again to go with the truth, just omitting certain facts. "I was born here, but when I was old enough I was sent away to go to boarding school in Ireland with my brother. My parents were always too busy for us, and just sent us away so they didn't have to deal with us. I just returned from England a few days ago. I was going to Oxford until last week, when I decided to come home and shake things up."
"Wow." Hank said, leaning back in his chair. "That's one dysfunctional childhood. You make mine look normal."
Kate smiled. "It's okay. I always had my twin brother Nicky to look out for me. He really is my best friend. He is the only person in the world that I know I can count on no matter what. And I have a really good group of friends from school. Audrey and Dylan were always there with Nicky and I when we were causing mischief at Saint Andrew's."
He smiled. "I know what it's like to have friends that are like your family. My best friend Luis was always there for me, no matter what kind of stupid stuff I did. And there was a lot of stupid stuff along the way. He's a cop too, and I would gladly take a bullet for that guy."
"Why don't we get the check, and then take that walk on the beach like you promised me." Kate suggested, and Hank motioned to the waiter to bring it to him. They paid it and left.
~*~*~
After a short drive to the beach, Hank and Kate were walking along, hands entwined, looking at the beautiful, bright moon. Kate helped Hank set the blanket down on the sand near the surf. She loved the smell of the ocean, so salty and fresh. They sat down on the tartan plaid blanket, and just sat for a few minutes, enjoying the crashing waves and each other's company.
After a few moments, Hank noticed something that he had to comment on. "I didn't think that it was possible, but you look even more beautiful in the moonlight than you do in the day."
Kate smiled. "That might be the nicest compliment that anyone has ever paid me." She leaned over and brushed her lips lightly against his. He smiled, and she kissed him again, this time the kiss deepened. He pushed her back, and moved on top of her. He kissed her again, and caressed her face with her back of his hand. She dug her nails into his back lightly. After a while they broke apart, and Kate snuggled into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, and they lay there, content, listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the shoreline.
~*~*~
A few hours later, they returned to town, and he walked her over to her car. He kissed her again. "Mmm." She purred into his ear, as she hugged him. "Thank you for the best date I have ever been on."
Hank smiled, and said, "Likewise. I'll call you tomorrow." He kissed her again, an opened the door to her Lexus. She got inside, and he closed the door. He waved, and then crossed the street.
Kate sighed as she started her car and drove down the street, and turned on to the long windy road that led back up the hill to the mansion. She couldn't believe the date she had just had. It was definitely the best one she had ever had. She was so attracted to him, and she couldn't remember any other man who made her feel as alive as Hank Bennett did. She couldn't wait for him to call her tomorrow.
~*~*~
Hank Bennett felt like he was walking on clouds on his walk back to his apartment. That woman had him spinning. He was really surprised at how complete she made him feel. When he was holding her on the beach, he felt like he was home. He couldn't wait for morning, when he could call her and hear her voice, hear her laugh.
He was so distracted, that he didn't even notice that he had walked past his best friend Luis, until he heard him call his name. Hank turned around.
"Hey man, what's up with you?" Luis asked him. "You look like you are in a daze, like you are somewhere else."
Hank smiled. "I just had the most incredible date with the most incredible woman that I have ever met."
Luis looked at him, understanding the look in his eyes. That was the way that he felt about Sheridan Crane. He pushed the thoughts of her out of his mind before he brought down his friend, who had finally fallen in love. "Don't keep me in suspense, man. Who is she?"
Hank looked at him with a twinkle in his eyes. "Her name is Kate." He answered. "I'm not sure who she is exactly, but I'm going to find out."
Authors Note- I just wanted to say that I have wanted Hank to have a better story line for like forever, and if this is a way to give the character more of a role, then so be it!
Please Read and Review my story! I hope that everyone likes it!
Chapter 10- The best date ever
Kate hurried down the stairs, late, as usual. She had been looking for Fox for the last twenty minutes, to tell him that their friends were coming to visit. She hadn't seen Dylan in over six months, he had been touring the South Seas, and she wasn't used to not being in the same time zone as Audrey, they had been joined at the hip since they had adjoining rooms at Saint Andrew's Prep School ten years ago in Ireland. She was her best girl friend. They were shopping buddies, and partners in crime, along with Fox and Dylan Banning, who had lived across the hall from Fox at Saint Andrew's.
She flew out the door and down the drive to the garage. She met Fox halfway there. "Fox, call Audrey, she and Dylan are coming to visit next month! I would fill you in but I have a date, and I am already late for it! Bye!" She called over her shoulder before she got into her car and sped down the drive and down the road to town.
"I cannot believe that I am late!" Kate scolded herself. "I was doing so well on time too. I hope that he doesn't think that I stood him up! She turned onto Main Street and found a parking space. Putting some change in the meter, Kate scurried across the street, and looked around. Not seeing him anywhere, she stamped her foot in frustration.
She flopped onto a nearby bench and silently berated herself for her tardiness. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down, when someone whispered in her ear, "You're late."
She whirled around to find Hank leaning on the back of the bench. "I thought I missed you!" Kate exclaimed, so happy that he hadn't given up on her.
"I figured you were like every other girl in the world, and would be running a bit late, so I went to go and get you this." He pulled a white rose out from behind his back. Kate was touched by the gesture.
"Thank you." She said, accepting the rose. "I am so glad that you didn't leave, I was on the phone with a friend who is out of the country, and just got caught up with the phone call." She explained, omitting that she had been running around looking for a guy for nearly half an hour.
Hank nodded. "So, I thought that we could go to see a movie, then get a bite to eat, and maybe end the evening with a walk on the beach. Does that sound okay to you? He asked.
She nodded. She was definitely glad that she had taken Audrey's advice and worn what she did. Both the dress and the other pants and top would have been all wrong for a date with this guy. He seems very relaxed, very comfortable in a life that he had created here in this little town.
She took the arm that he offered her and they walked down the street towards the movie theatre. They looked at the movie selection, and decided to go and see the Alfred Hitchcock movie that was playing. Kate loved old movies, all old movies. They were so much better than most of the movies that Hollywood was turning out now. And besides, she could always use the scary movie as a means to get close to him.
"Why don't you go and get some popcorn, and I will go and find us good seats." Kate suggested to him, seeing the long line at the concession stand. "Could you get me a regular Pepsi, please?" She gave him a smile and walked through the doors into the theatre.
Hank was impressed. Usually the girls he went out with were so worried about weight that they always got water, or diet soda, but this girl was different. She was like no one else he had ever dated. She was special He could feel it.
~*~*~
Kate was searching around the theater for the best seats, but there wasn't much to choose from. She finally found two together in the middle of the theater. She watched the door so she could signal Hank when he came in. Several minutes later, she saw him come in, and she waved to get his attention. He maneuvered around all the groups and couples who were in the theater with them.
"Whew!" Hank said as he finally sat down in the seat next to her. "I thought that I would never get off that line. There were so many people, but then again it is a Saturday night, so everyone is out." He smiled at her. She smiled back.
The theater lights flickered, and the people who were standing in the aisles were moving to their seats. The lights faded and the screen came alive as the movie started.
As the opening credits came on, Hank and Kate both reached for the popcorn at the same time, and their hands grazed the others. It was like electric, the attraction that they had. Kate felt her skin come alive when his hand touched hers, even if it was only for a moment.
Hank couldn't believe how attracted to this girl he was. Her touch was electrifying. He wanted to get closer to her, he just had to bide his time until the right moment.
Kate knew she had to get closer to him. She had seen this movie while in Prague at a film festival, so she knew what she was waiting for. Grace Kelly was walking down the dark hallway, and then-
The audience screamed. Kate buried her face into Hank's chest, feigning fear. He put his arm around her, and she thought- mission accomplished.
Mission accomplished, Hank smiled. This was going exactly the way he hoped.
~*~*~
Hank and Kate came out of the theater, laughing. The girls in front of them had gotten so scared during the last few minutes of the film, that one of them had thrown her popcorn in the air, showering them with the kernels. It was so funny, that they had to leave the theater because of all the dirty looks they were getting from the other patrons.
"Wait, hold still, you still have popcorn in your hair." Hank said, pulling a few fluffy pieces out of her hair. He stared into her eyes, and put his hand on her cheek. She smiled up at him, and they leaned in, and their lips met.
It was the most incredible kiss that Kate had ever experienced. She had never had any man kiss her with so much passion, so much emotion, she could barely breathe. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and hoped that this kiss would never end.
The kiss deepened, and Kate ran her fingers through his hair, and pulled out another kernel of popcorn. She tried to hold it in, but it was impossible, she burst out laughing again. Hank pulled away, a little confused. This was not a normal reaction when he kissed a woman. When she held out her hand, he saw the kernel she had removed from his hair and he laughed too.
"Dinner? He asked, taking her hand. She nodded, and he led her down the street towards the little café.
~*~*~
"So, you're really a cop?" Kate asked. "Have you ever shot someone?" She took another bite of her pasta, which was just as good as anything that she had had in Italy. It had genuinely surprised her about how good the food here was.
"Yeah, I did," Hank admitted. "I shot someone to save a friend of mine, who was about to be killed. I knew that I couldn't let that happen. At the time, I thought that I loved her, but she was in love with my best friend, so I stepped aside. That was a long time ago, though."
Kate nodded. "So what do you do?" Hank asked her. She hesitated, and slowly chewed, and decided to just tell him the truth.
"I work at Crane Industries." She said. "I start on Monday. So, have you lived in Harmony all of your life?"
"Well, I grew up here, and then after high school, I moved around a lot. I moved back here to be closer to my family about six years ago. My brother is the Chief of Police here, and my nieces are here, as well as my best friend and his family. What about you; where are you from?"
Kate took another bite, not quite sure how to answer this one either. She decided again to go with the truth, just omitting certain facts. "I was born here, but when I was old enough I was sent away to go to boarding school in Ireland with my brother. My parents were always too busy for us, and just sent us away so they didn't have to deal with us. I just returned from England a few days ago. I was going to Oxford until last week, when I decided to come home and shake things up."
"Wow." Hank said, leaning back in his chair. "That's one dysfunctional childhood. You make mine look normal."
Kate smiled. "It's okay. I always had my twin brother Nicky to look out for me. He really is my best friend. He is the only person in the world that I know I can count on no matter what. And I have a really good group of friends from school. Audrey and Dylan were always there with Nicky and I when we were causing mischief at Saint Andrew's."
He smiled. "I know what it's like to have friends that are like your family. My best friend Luis was always there for me, no matter what kind of stupid stuff I did. And there was a lot of stupid stuff along the way. He's a cop too, and I would gladly take a bullet for that guy."
"Why don't we get the check, and then take that walk on the beach like you promised me." Kate suggested, and Hank motioned to the waiter to bring it to him. They paid it and left.
~*~*~
After a short drive to the beach, Hank and Kate were walking along, hands entwined, looking at the beautiful, bright moon. Kate helped Hank set the blanket down on the sand near the surf. She loved the smell of the ocean, so salty and fresh. They sat down on the tartan plaid blanket, and just sat for a few minutes, enjoying the crashing waves and each other's company.
After a few moments, Hank noticed something that he had to comment on. "I didn't think that it was possible, but you look even more beautiful in the moonlight than you do in the day."
Kate smiled. "That might be the nicest compliment that anyone has ever paid me." She leaned over and brushed her lips lightly against his. He smiled, and she kissed him again, this time the kiss deepened. He pushed her back, and moved on top of her. He kissed her again, and caressed her face with her back of his hand. She dug her nails into his back lightly. After a while they broke apart, and Kate snuggled into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, and they lay there, content, listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the shoreline.
~*~*~
A few hours later, they returned to town, and he walked her over to her car. He kissed her again. "Mmm." She purred into his ear, as she hugged him. "Thank you for the best date I have ever been on."
Hank smiled, and said, "Likewise. I'll call you tomorrow." He kissed her again, an opened the door to her Lexus. She got inside, and he closed the door. He waved, and then crossed the street.
Kate sighed as she started her car and drove down the street, and turned on to the long windy road that led back up the hill to the mansion. She couldn't believe the date she had just had. It was definitely the best one she had ever had. She was so attracted to him, and she couldn't remember any other man who made her feel as alive as Hank Bennett did. She couldn't wait for him to call her tomorrow.
~*~*~
Hank Bennett felt like he was walking on clouds on his walk back to his apartment. That woman had him spinning. He was really surprised at how complete she made him feel. When he was holding her on the beach, he felt like he was home. He couldn't wait for morning, when he could call her and hear her voice, hear her laugh.
He was so distracted, that he didn't even notice that he had walked past his best friend Luis, until he heard him call his name. Hank turned around.
"Hey man, what's up with you?" Luis asked him. "You look like you are in a daze, like you are somewhere else."
Hank smiled. "I just had the most incredible date with the most incredible woman that I have ever met."
Luis looked at him, understanding the look in his eyes. That was the way that he felt about Sheridan Crane. He pushed the thoughts of her out of his mind before he brought down his friend, who had finally fallen in love. "Don't keep me in suspense, man. Who is she?"
Hank looked at him with a twinkle in his eyes. "Her name is Kate." He answered. "I'm not sure who she is exactly, but I'm going to find out."