School testing took the better part of the next two weeks before Spring break. Emma managed to get through it but in the back of her mind the incident in Stanley's back room played heavily upon her. She knew she wouldn't be able to go through with this charade for ever and it seemed fairly evident that Stanley was in no mind to either. Especially after the deliveries that had been taking place the last few days.

It had started on the Monday morning, over a week since the back room incident. A single red rose was on her desk in a vase. No note, nothing. The next day another appeared, and then the next day they doubled, to 4. By Wednesday there was 8, and Thursday 16.

A couple of kids made comments that it was a math lesson. Thinking Emma had planned the whole thing, especially when on Friday 32 roses now filled two vases on her desk. There was a pizza party that afternoon, and a few parent helpers had stopped by to help, but they were more interested in Emma's secret admirer than anything else. Rachel's class had joined Emma's and Rachel wouldn't stop talking about how romantic it was.

"I don't know what you did, Emma, but he sure is sweet on you. And how romantic. Josh has no romance in him at all, I am afraid."

Emma had to admit, it was romantic. Every morning when she saw the roses, she had felt her heart race. "Stop it, Rachel. You don't know Stanley sent them, or do you?" She eyed her best friend evilly. Now she knew that the two had been in contact with one another, It was a possibility.

"Of course I don't know, but I would bet money that he did, unless you have been sneaking around and have a new beau you haven't told me about." she teased.

Bryan and Ariels' moms couldn't help but get into the conversation, "So it is true. Stanley Jobson and you...well, you're an item."

This was all Emma needed, having parents now drudging this subject up again. She tried acting nonchalant "No, it's not true." Emma nudged Rachel, "Now look what you have done."

Bryan's mom, Trudy. Carlson, took in a sniff on the roses, "I think it's wonderful, Emma. He's a lovely guy, a great dad. And I don't care what the rest of the staff at this stuffy institution think, what is going on between the two of you is none of their business." Emma was surprised by the support.

Anna Guthrie nodded her head, "Go for it, girl. He's a catch. My husband has taken his computer to his shop and raves about the guy. And my husband never raves about anyone let me tell you, unless she is blonde, with a nice pair of bazookas, if you know what I mean.."

All 4 ladies had a little giggle, then Rachel smiled at Emma, "See what did I tell you. No one cares."

Emma looked around the room where the kids were all busy eating pizza and chatting. The noise level was pretty high, but Emma didn't seem to mind today. It had been so quiet during the testing over the last week and a half, it was a nice change. She noticed Holly with Ariel laughing about something and then Holly looked over at Emma and smiled. Emma wondered if Holly knew anything about the flowers. They were beautiful and it was definitely something Stanley was likely to do. She felt a wave of contentment drifting over her.

The school bell jolted her out of her daydream. And children rushed around picking up their backpacks, and darted out of the classroom. Holly remained behind to help, and Emma mentioned the flowers, "I probably shouldn't ask, but did your dad send these?"

Holly knew he had, it was fairly obvious but she acted coy. "I don't know." She quickly finished picking up paper plates and then grabbed her backpack, "I got to go Ms. Heyward, have a great vacation."

"Thank-you, Holly. You too." She walked to the door watching her run off and was more than a bit surprised to find Stanley literally yards away from her, heading for her room. Her eyes met his gaze and a wide smile appeared across his face.

After a brief hug from Holly, he returned his glance up to her and nodded, a greeting, "Emma." he paused. He could see behind her into the classroom, where the roses now adorned her desk, Rachel who had been curiously looking their way, smiled at Stanley then helped the room parents finish tidying up.

"I see you got the roses." he stated matter of factly.

"They're beautiful." she responded rather timidly.

Meg's classroom was across the way and she happened to be looking out at this time, seeing the two of them together again, really infuriated her.Those looks that passed between them made her skin crawl. What was so damn special about Emma Heyward? She wondered. Meg had been so certain that Emma's visit with the principal last month would have scared her off him for good, but she could see that wasn't the case. As the two of them could hardly take their eyes off each other.

"I figured you could use something to brighten up your week. Kyle told me that the testing was pretty intense."

Good old Kyle, Emma thought. Who knows what he had been telling Stanley about her. "And they have done just that, thank-you."

"Good." He looked at his watch, "I got to run. You have a good break. It was nice seeing you again." He was now looking at her from head to foot, "You look fantastic by the way." Emma looked down at her attire and wondered what had triggered that remark. She was dressed the same way she normally dressed, nothing different. He noticed her confusion and added, "But you always look fantastic to me." She smiled. She didn't even bother to look around to see if anyone had heard these words. For some reason, for the first time since the principal's reprimand , she didn't care.

Mumbling, "Thank-you" under her breath, she desperately wanted to say call me, or something. But nothing came out. She stood there and let him walk away, saying nothing. Rachel bounded out of the door, "Tell all."

"He sent the roses." She said as if she was in a trance.

"Of course he did and..." motioning with her hands, to get on with it.

"Nothing." Time to check back into reality she thought as she glanced at her watch and saw the time, "I got to get home. The kids are going camping with Gary this weekend."

"That's sudden."

"Tell me about it. And we argued this morning. Now that he has the house in Alpine, he wants the kids during the holidays."

"Do you think something is going on?"

"Don't you find it odd that he all of a sudden he wants all this time with them?"

"Won't it put a damper on his lifestyle?"

Emma had thought about that. Maybe there was someone serious. Why else would he behaving like this. All of a sudden he was the perfect Dad. It was so out of character for him. She went back into the classroom and handed Rachel a vase, taking the other one herself.

"You're taking them home?"

"Of course I am."

"Emma, you have the whole house to yourself this weekend. Perfect timing."

"Don't go there, Rachel."

"The guy is romancing you. Give him a break. Screw the school policy. Bend and break the rules a bit. Live it up. You deserve it." Rachel could see she was getting to her. "I bet you he will be calling you this evening."

Emma found herself blushing. In the back of her mind, she could only hope.

* * * * * *

But there was no call, and Emma spent the evening alone. She plopped down on the couch and watched some horrible Lifetime movie, and drank a whole bottle of wine on her own, feeling sorry for herself. When she headed up to bed, she caught a glimpse of the roses sitting on her kitchen table. And closed her eyes, thinking of Stanley.

Emma had kept busy all Saturday. She cleaned the house and worked out in the garden, tried reading a book, but found herself fidgety, anxious and couldn't concentrate. As dusk set upon the house, Emma was back to her typical Saturday night routine. She was not good at dealing with loneliness. She got into her pajamas and poured herself a glass of wine. Putting a Frank Sinatra CD on the stereo, one that always made her cry. She felt like a good cry tonight. Why hadn't Stanley called her?

* * * * * * *

With Kyle away, Stanley was needed in the shop all day Saturday. They closed early at 5pm, but Stanley managed to get out of there at 4. Holly had called earlier to remind him she was going to a sleepover at Ariel's house that evening. He wasn't very thrilled with this idea at all. Ever since the episode in LA, they hadn't spent one night apart. And Holly found her Dad's worrying a bit over the top.

Holly was so excited. She was finally fitting in with kids her own age and they liked her. She packed a backpack and got her sleeping bag out of the closet, setting them by the door, Ariel's mom said she would pick her up.

"Look, you call me, if you want me to come pick you up."he said as he thumbed through the junk mail, while sitting at the counter, trying not to show the concern he was having about this whole sleepover.

"Dad, I won't be calling you."

"You might hate it. And sleeping away from home, baby..." he paused " this is a big thing."

"No, it's not. Kids my age do it all the time." She went over to her dad and slipped her arm through his, "Are you going to be okay, without me?"

"No." He then smiled, "of course I will be. I know I am being over the top with my concern." He thought about her being taken from her home by Gabriel's thugs and the thought of her being out of his sight for this long with people he didn't even really know.

Holly had an idea and handed him the phone, "Call Emma. She's alone, Dad, just like you. Maybe she could use the company."

"I don't know."

" Why did you send roses to her anyhow if you weren't going to call her?"

"You ask to many questions." He began tickling her, and she giggled uncontrollably, he then grabbed her in a big bear hug, and didn't want to let her go when there was a knock at the door. Holly managed to escape his grip and ran to the door, where Ariel and her dad were standing. Holly opened the door for them and Paul Guthrie walked over and shook Stanley's hand, they had met on occasion in the shop.

"Hey, Stan. How are things?"

Stan wanted to say things sucked but managed to smile, "Good, Paul..."

"I envy you, man, a night of total freedom..."

"Right, I suppose you will have a houseful of 10 and 11 year olds."

"No peace all night. Hey, I might be able to sneak out, you want to go have a drink?"

Stanley was thinking of what Holly had said, Emma was alone. "Hey, I would love to but I have plans." Holly looked at her dad surprised. He winked at her.

"You do?" she questioned.

He just smiled at her, noticing Paul who seemed pretty curious. The girls picked up Holly's things and took them out to the car. Stanley and Paul walked out front together. Obviously envious of Stanley's freedom said, "I suppose you have your pick of the crop, Stan. Women must flock to the most available bachelor around."

Stanley laughed, "Right, they are at my beck and call, Paul." Little did he know that his social life had never been one to brag about. It was rather amusing Paul had this image of him being some kind of a playboy.

"You know I love, Anna, but to have lots of women adore you. Now that has to be heaven."

"I really wouldn't know. I think what you have, Paul, seems awfully nice. I'd give about anything to..." Holly unknowingly interrupted by running up to give him a big hug. He was glad for the distraction. Turning to his daughter, "You call me, if you need anything. Promise me."

"Oh, Dad..." slightly embarrassed about her Dad's concern she looked at Ariel hoping she hadn't noticed. But Ariel had already gotten in the car, Holly pried herself away from her Dad's hug and climbed into the car, "I promise, please don't worry." she said as the door closed. Stanley smiled at her, easier said than done.

Paul gave him a slap on the back, "Well, Stan, enjoy your evening of pure selfish pleasure and think of me with 5 screaming pre-teens. God, I envy you."

Holly leaned out of the window and waved as they drove off. Tears brimmed his eyes. No one knew what dilemma ate at him on the inside since Holly had first asked. It was the hardest thing to do, letting her go, even for an overnight slumber party. Fear of her being taken away again. Fear of the unknown. Fear of being a successful father. He had to lay all those inner demons down and try to assemble a normal life. What ever that meant to normal people. Hopefully that part of his life will never happen again. He only prayed. The car was out of site around the corner. He pinched his thumb and forefinger over the bridge of his nose to quell a stress headache threatening. Something had to let up. His stomach was in knots the entire week. It had gotten worse as this evening got closer. 'Maybe Paul was right.' Stan had already decided earlier to let this be the first step for his daughter. She was definitely coming around to what he envisioned her, a normal 10 year with friends. He just didn't realize how hard it was for dad. 'Well, she's taken the first leg up in the saddle. I guess I'd better follow through.' He walked back toward the empty house. As he crossed the lawn to the front door, thoughts reflected back to the other female in his life, his dreams. Stopping to reminisce, feelings flowed. They were good. He knew there was no question where his heart stood. It grew stronger every day. Now the question was, what he could do to woo Emma back into his arms? The flowers had been a good start.would she be receptive to a surprise visit this evening? A small grin formed as the front door open. Where did he put those keys to his faithful steed?



* * * * * * *

Emma opened the door, wearing her most comfortable grey v neck tshirt and blue and grey plaid pajama bottoms. Perfect for a night in alone. It was obvious she had been crying. Stanley had come over to make up for the lack of support he'd not given her over the last month. Ever since the confrontation in the backroom, he had decided he wasn't going to stand back anymore. Screw the school polices and all those ridiculous rumors. He wanted to be with Emma.

She looked a bit surprised to see him and hid slightly behind the door, after a brief glance between them she sighed, leaning one hand against the door edge and looked down, not wanting him to see her in such a state.

He knew he had to do something to get her out of this funk. "Kyle told me you were on your own, so I thought" putting on his best Cary Grant imitation." I bet Emma could use some company...pizza, a bottle of wine, topped with a fine classic film, and to top off the evening....the piece de resistance...myself." He smiled lightheartedly. At first there was no response but a corner lip started to curl.

"I really don't think I'll be much company but..." she paused slightly, as a smirk grew across her face, Stanley hanging on her every word, hoping he had made the right decision in coming over. "how can I refuse an evening with Cary Grant?" She stepped aside and gestured him in with a wave of her hand.

He walked past her into the family room where he laid down the pizza, videos and bottle of wine on the coffee table. The lights were dim and candles lit up the room, he noticed a half empty wine glass already sitting on the table and music was playing on the stereo. He recognized it, Frank Sinatra...the album...he had to think a minute, it had been a long time since he had heard it, "Only the Lonely". That brought memories back, he would rather forget. His dad had played that album constantly after his mother had left him, how long ago was that...Stanley had been 12. Although it was a beautiful album, it was nothing anyone should be listening to alone, and in Emma's state. He went to the stereo, studied it briefly, looking for the eject button.

"This definitely won't do." He ejected the CD and put it back in it's case.

"Hey, I was listening to that."she put up a small protest, but stayed where she was, she really didn't have much energy to do battle with him.

"Not appropriate for tonight, I'm afraid. In fact, I would say that CD can definitely be put away. I don't think you will be finding much need for it in the immediate future." Emma looked at him, what was he talking about? The silence in the room was a little bit unnerving, so he scavenged around the area and found something more appropriate for the mood he intended to create. He was amazed at her selection of CD's, but he knew she had worked at a record store. Then something struck his eye. Although he favored rock n roll, he had grown up on classics. His dad was a true romantic, it was too bad his mother had never appreciated it. And this is the music his dad had on all the time. He smiled as he opened the case and slipped the CD into the cartridge. Pressing enter and play. When the first few notes came on, Emma wondered what he was up to.

"Now isn't that better." Nat King Cole's voice singing 'Fly me to the Moon' echoed throughout the room. She shook her head in disbelief.

"I would never have taken you for a jazz lover."

"Well, you have a lot to learn about me, Emma Heyward, because I happen to believe Nat King Cole has the most fabulous voice of his time."

"What's going on, Stanley?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "what do you mean?"

"You coming here tonight." she was still so defensive.

"You think I came here to feel sorry for you and make you feel better? You have never been so wrong. This time it's about me, Emma. I am being totally selfish."

She looked rather confused by this statement. " I happen to be spending the evening alone in my house...Holly at her first sleepover. After all the years I have spent on my own, I had no idea that being alone again would be so difficult."

He was opening up, something he rarely did. Emma still felt she knew nothing about him or his past. And she welcomed his words, since he so often let her do all the talking. He recalled those years for a brief second and quickly shuffled them to the back of his mind,...."but instead of mopping around I decided I wasn't going to be alone tonight." He paused and looked across the room at her. She had remained planted to the spot, arms crossed over her chest. "I wanted to be with you."

She awkwardly looked somewhere else, as he said those words. Stanley still not getting a response from her, knew he had to do something. He wasn't about to leave. He threw up his hands, "Okay...I know...I have been a real jerk, the last few weeks. I haven't given you the support you needed." She looked his way again, curious what else he had to say. "I should've been more understanding about your job and I should've asked you about Kyle working for me. There's not a hell of a lot I can do about that now. And in all honesty, I still feel no one is going to run my personal life and tell me who I can and cannot see." He had her full attention now, "I want to see you. But more importantly, do you want to see me? Do you want me in your life, Emma? Because I really don't want to play this game anymore." There was desperation in his voice. She took a step forward and then stopped. Is that what she wanted too. She was holding back once again. If anything was going to happen, he had decided that she had to be the instigator, He wanted it to be her decision. He wanted her to want to be with him. And that was the only way this was going to work.

After the episode in the back room nearly 10 days earlier, she had a hard time concentrating on much of anything else. It scared her what she was feeling him, but at the same time she longed desperately for him. He was eying her and was waiting for some kind of response.

Emma's hesitation to speak was evident, but she managed after a few seconds which seemed so much longer "Yes...I want you in my life."

He let out a sigh of relief, "Thank god, you said that."

"I've missed you." she said with a slight quaver to her voice.

She slowly looked up at him from her spot by the door, "And I've missed you."he responded sincerely. He raised an eyebrow and cocked his head, with a welcoming smile, holding out his arms to her, hoping she would accept them. "Come here."

She stood glued to the spot for a few seconds contemplating his invitation. She had missed him terribly, and his outreached muscular arms looked so incredibly inviting. She managed to take a deep breath and walk slowly towards him. He smiled at her as she approached, relieved and grateful that she was being so accepting. When she was close enough he stepped forward and drew her into his arms. His right arm encircled her back and she instinctively buried her head into his shoulder. His left hand held the back of her head, gently running his fingers through her silken hair. He felt her tremble and he squeezed her tightly, drawing her closer to him.

"It's okay, Em. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere." There was a slight pause, a deep sigh then those 3 words that needed to be said, "I love you, Emma."

She began to cry. Everything that had been building up the last month..her run in with Meg and the principal, Kyle's independence, the state testing and Stanley's absence from her life, along with the sexual confrontation in his back room and this new revelation. Could it really be true...he loved her? He let her cry, comforting her with the gentle movement of his hand across her back. His finger tips lightly caressing her. He kissed the top of her head and held her tight, feeling her heart beating rapidly against his chest. Soon the sobs began to slow down and she was relaxing in his arms. He seemed to have this effect on her. Her arms that had been dangling at her sides, now slowly reached towards him, one rested above his belt, the other hand slipped around onto his back. As the sobbing subsided, Stanley loosened his hold and stepped back slightly. Her face now in full view, where it had just come from cover of his shoulder. Her eyes slightly puffy from crying, he lifted her chin so she had no where else to look but into his warm and loving hazel eyes. She managed to smile at him and repeat the words he had said earlier, " I love you too." This new development had changed things quite considerably. Stanley realized how different a situation this was from their last encounter where sexual tension had been the underlying factor.

But hearing her say these words he leaned towards her, he didn't hesitate. This was a first, but there was no question in his mind, the timing was right. She closed her eyes, and licked her lips in anticipation of what seemed evident. Stanley not wanting to tempt fate, gently brushed his lips against hers, as Emma let at a soft sigh, he smiled before his lips covered hers.

Emma clutched his shirt tighter across his back, and the hand that had rested near his belt, moved slightly down,now covering his rear. His lips were warm and soft, and Emma felt she could have easily sucummbed to anything he wanted at that moment. Stanley felt the passion lying beneath the surface, caught up in the moment, the complete elation he felt as he tasted her sweetness, and wanted more, but surprised himself as well as Emma as he backed away. He wanted this night to be more than just two desperate people engulfed by lust and passion. And lately it seemed that was where it was going. She loved him, and he wanted them finally to be able to relax and utterly enjoy this new development in their relationship.

She was trembling slightly upon his release, and he gently swept her hair off her face and traced her lips with his finger tips, "Plenty of time for that later, we don't need to rush...and besides the pizza is getting cold." He headed into the kitchen, Emma still standing looking after him. Her hand reached up to touch her lips where he had kissed them, he had peeked his head around the door at this time to catch this sight and a smile of pure pleasure appeared on his face. "Emma, where do you keep your wine glasses?"

She realized he was smirking at her and she felt embarrassed, "I already have one." She picked hers up.

"Fine. But I don't." He raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, sorry." She followed him into the kitchen, and opened the cupboard next to the sink. He took hers out of her hand, and set it on the side counter. He stood behind her and reached up leaning against her back, she was quiet, still feeling a bit awkward. He set the glasses down on the counter and he was humming the song playing over the stereo, "Let's Fall in Love" He couldn't resist, something came over him as he spun her towards him and took her into his arms and began to dance.

"Stanley, what do you think you're doing?'

"Dancing, what does it look like?" he noticed she was staring down at her feet, "Don't look down at your feet, look up." He lifted her chin and she had never felt so awkward, it didn't seem to throw him. He was smiling at her and she looked into his eyes, "That's better, just follow my lead. You're doing fine." she managed to step on his foot, but since she was barefoot, it didn't phase him.

She laughed nervously, "Oh, sure I am. I'm all thumbs down there."

Stanley was enjoying himself, and Emma too, was now smiling and trying hard to concentrate on the box step, something she had learned in grade school if she wasn't mistaken. He started to count and she was beginning to get the hang of it. Finally her tense frame relaxed and she allowed him to glide her around the room.

"Where did you learn to dance like this? It doesn't' seem like something a computer tech would have any use for."

"I grew up in Texas, remember. They do everything the old fashioned way. We learned the box step, the two step...dances no other teenager would be caught dead attempting. But the truth is, I haven't danced like this since high school."

"No one danced like this in my high school. It was all swaying back and forth and seeing how close you could be with your partner. It wasn't what I would've called dancing."

"Boy, you Californians had it made. Strict dance rules where I came from. You obviously don't know about the ruler rule. We actually had chaperones at the dances that carried rulers and measured the distance between dance partners. Wouldn't want to get to close, nothing to even suggest any kind of intimacy."

"You're kidding? That sounds like something from the 50's, not from the 70's or 80's."

"Believe me, it happened." He slowed down and stopped, she followed suit, looking into her eyes and smiling, "Show me your way." Emma looked up at him. Was he serious? "Come on..." he egged her on.

Hesitating slightly, she placed both of his arms around her waist, and put her arms around his neck pulling him close to her. "Well, it was kind of like this." He smiled.

"So far, I like it."

"And then you just kind of sway back and forth, like this." She started rocking slightly and Stanley moved with her.

"So you didn't go anywhere?"

"No, just stayed in place, and if you were lucky the guy you were with would...." she stopped. Feeling embarrassed, lowering her face, away from his gaze.

"The guy would what?" Stanley lifted her chin so she was looking at him.

"This is silly." She pulled away from him and he immediately pulled her back towards him.

"Humor me. I want to know what I missed." This time he placed her arms back around his neck and put his own around her waist.."Okay, what would the guy do?" He started thinking of the possibilities, "I know what I would do."

"What?" she looked up at him with a slightly mischevious questioning look in her eyes.

"Put my hands on your ass, if I could get away with it." He gave her a slightly wicked smile. But she knew it was all in fun.

"Well, try and see." she encouraged him.

The music was still playing, and Emma leaned her head into his shoulder as Stanley's hands slipped down onto her ass, still swaying. "Okay, this is good." Stanley muttered.

Emma smiled. He then whispered the words of the song into her ear as they played, "Let's fall in love, why shouldn't we fall in love..." then continued to hum, not knowing the rest of the lyrics. They remained in this position til the song finished and he didn't immediately let go, whispering into her ear, " So how many guys got to put their hands on your ass, Emma?" he teased.

A far off glance appeared on her face as she recalled her prom night, a horrible experience. A date who was really interested in her best friend, who was with someone else. Emma hadn't even been able to get her date to dance and when she finally did, her best friend had managed to get her boyfriend to cut in. The poor boyfriend didn't have a clue. Emma had spent most of the evening in the bathroom crying. Stanley realized he had brought up something, that was putting her back into a funk, so he quickly recovered the situation. "Forget that question, I don't want to know, the important thing is who has their hands on your ass now." She smiled up at him, as he gently caressed her bottom with his hands.

Stanley enjoying the moment, didn't want to let her go.

"This is very nice, but....." she hesitated for a moment and he sighed.

"Ummm, yes, nice." Ignoring the but and continued to fondle her derriere.

"The pizza, Stanley."

"Shit. The pizza. I hate cold pizza." he slowly backed up, gently kissed her forehead, and returned to the wine glasses, "Corkscrew?" Emma opened the drawer, and held up a corkscrew.

"What else do we need?"

"I think we've got it all."

Before grabbing the wine glasses, he once again brushed her cheek with his fingertips, smiling at her tenderly. "You okay?"

"Yes, more than okay."

"That's good." he nodded his head. He picked up the glasses and and they headed back into the family room.

Stanley uncorked the bottle without a drop spilling and poured them each a glass. He tore open the pizza box, "Hope you like Pepperoni and sausage."

Emma settled on the couch, tucking one leg up under neath her. After not eating all day, the aroma of pizza hit her. She was starving. She dug in, not very lady like. He smiled at her boldness, "I like a woman who knows what she wants" and then added, "And goes after it." She looked at him, taking the statement as meaning something completely different. He raised his eyebrows, as if to have the same thought. She was finding this whole evening almost surreal. Was it really happening?

They ate in silence, Nat singing over head. Emma almost chugging down a glass of wine, in hope she would lose some of the inhibition she was feeling. Stanley was too feeling a bit awkward. He had started out so fine, and now this silence. Then Stanley's cell phone vibrated in his pocket and he quickly pulled it out, standing up abruptly, taking a few nervous steps as he answered it, his back to Emma.

"Holly? Are you okay, baby? I can come pick you up right now." The calm Stanley of the evening had now been replaced with a very concerned parent. Stanley not wanting Emma to see this frantic behavior moved towards the kitchen.

"No, Dad. I'm okay."

"Then why are you calling, you had me worried."

"I wanted to make sure you were okay." she emphasized the you.

He took a deep breath and calmed down, "I'm fine. Are you having fun?"

"A blast. Are you at Emma's?"

He turned back around to look at Emma, still sitting on the couch taking a sip of wine, she looked up at him and smiled, noticing that he had calmed down. "Yeah."

"Good, so I don't have to worry about you." Stanley heard high pitched laughter on the other end of the phone, "I got to go, Dad, it's my turn at Charades. I'll see you in the morning. Have fun okay?"

"I will try." He then smiled at Emma briefly before retuning to his daughter on the other end, "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Dad. Bye." The phone went dead. He slipped it back into his pocket and headed back over to the couch.

"That was Holly."

"I gathered." The concern the two had for each other was like no other she had ever seen in a parent child relationship. She loved the fact Stanley would do anything for her, drop everything. It was a quality most men she had known didn't possess. But Stanley was not most men. That was for sure.

"She's having a good time."

"Ariel is a lovely little girl, and I like her parents. They are both really nice." She sensed Stanley's concern in his eyes. "She's in good hands, Stanley. You shouldn't worry. But I know it's hard. Probably harder for you than me. Not being with her for such a long time, it's only natural you just want to keep her safe with you."

"I know I am being a bit ridiculous. They do seem like good people and I could tell she was having fun." He really didn't really want Emma to see his paranoia. "Paul comes into the shop every so often." He chuckled remembering the conversation earlier with him. "Get this, Paul seems to think I'm some babe magnet, as Brent would call it, or something. He wanted to go out for a drink with me tonight. I get the distinct feeling that he misses his bachelor days...and thinks I have some wild single life."

"Well, don't you?" she teased. After a glass of wine, Emma was finally loosening up a bit.

"Oh, I see...it all makes perfect sense to me now." He joined her on the couch and turned towards her, crossing his arms in front of his chest. His eyes sparkled and he grinned mischievously, "You have this wild image of me and that's where this attraction has stemmed from."

She blushed, "That's not true. But I can see where Paul gets it from..."

"Fill me in." he was rather amused by this whole scenario.

"No one really knows anything about you. Except that you are a computer geek, and really not a geek at all. Which makes one aspect of you very weird. And you are a curiosity to everyone, you are very mysterious Stanley Jobson...I don't know. You're just different, that's all."

"In what ways? I'm a dad like Paul, I have a job, I pay taxes like Paul. My free time is spent with my daughter and occassionly a drink at the local bar. Not a jam packed social life, like he seems to believe. I can't see where this wild playboy existence is coming from."

"You are very good looking, in great shape and ..." she hesitated.." and some people say you're sexy."

"So people talk about me. You talk about me." It was definitley getting more interesting. "Is sexy coming from you?"

She was blushing, "well...no...I find you attractive, yes."

"Parents? Teachers? So I stand out at school? Is that what you are trying to say?" the thought of people thinking he was GQ material caused him to quietly chuckle. He really had no idea the sex appeal he exuded to others.

"Paul probably pictures you sitting around some Hollywood Hills pool with a lot of topless women coming on to you. It's all those guy action adventure films, they exude the protagonist getting all the women. You should be flattered." she chuckled at the thought, "Wouldn't he be surprised to know it's just his daughter's teacher, kind of takes the excitement and glamour out of the whole scenario, doesn't it?"

Stanley's expression went blank, the image came back. Gabriel's house in the hills, the nightclub... the topless women, Helga. He closed his eyes tight and shook his head. Emma watched him. Something was wrong. She moved closer to him on the couch, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, the other gently on his cheek.

"Stanley, are you alright?" he let out a deep sigh and tried to recover from the anxiety that struck every time he had flashback to that short time ago. He opened his eyes and managed to smile at her.

"I guess I'm just tired." He was avoiding something, she was sure though she continued to gaze at him with concern. He nervously smiled, "I'm okay, really."

Strange how he quickly bounced back from deep thoughts.

. He placed his hand on her cheek, "Look, I'm not some lady killer, I don't care what Paul or anyone else thinks but I do care about your thoughts." He reflected her concern. "I saw the way you looked at Monique in the shop. I am not interested in anyone...but you."

"I know that now." She looked at him, still concerned about his little moment seconds earlier.

Stanley knew she would want to know something. She deserved to know more, so she could decide, but not now, not tonight. He just wanted a comfortable relaxing evening, getting to know her for who she is. Squeezing her tightly he playfully kissed her neck.

"Hey, are you ready for that movie? I think that was my soul purpose for coming over here,wasn't it?" she playfully hit him knowing he was hiding something. Whatever it was he wasn't ready to talk to her about it. At least not yet.

He then looked around the room briefly, "Bathroom....?" he questioned. "I can't bear to get settled in and then be interrupted just as the movie is getting good." Emma turned on the hall light and pointed down the hall towards the bathroom door, Stanley couldn't help but notice the array of photographs hanging on the wall, and made a mental note to have a better look on his way out. He called out to her before he shut the door, "Pick out which movie you want. I'm not bothered."

Emma looked at the video cases laying on the table and picked the top one '.. 'Singin' in the rain'...not a movie she would have associated with him whatsoever... 'An Affair to Remember'-classic chick flick... 'the Big Sleep' -seemed right up his alley...a detective movie...a guy thing. Emma loathed Humphrey Bogart, but the last one caught her eye, just by the cover...Cary Grant. She loved Cary Grant. And it was a Alfred Hitchcock thriller 'Notorious' one she had never seen.

When Stanley came out of the bathroom, pausing at the gallery of photos. He smiled at one of a small girl dressed in cut off jeans and a tshirt, her auburn hair cut short like a boys, holding a toy rifle. "So you were a tomboy" he spoke from down the hall. Emma joined him and took hold of his hand trying to pull him away.

"You don't want to look at those."



He quietly laughed as he pulled his hand out of her grasp not budging from his spot, "Yes, I do." Smiling at her. This was so embarrassing to her. He found something to put her on the spot and in the limelight. Continuing down the hallway picture inspection, stopping in front of a Christmas family photo taken in the 60's, a family was sitting at the piano dressed in their finery. Emma was wearing a plaid dress with a big white collar with a sash and pouting. She couldn't have been more than 2. An older brother that was about 6, had a toothless grin in a bow tie and vest. "This is cute." He pointed at it.

"You are teasing me." She began to walk away, and he gently grabbed her hand, managing to turn her around that she was standing directly in front of him with his arms around her.

You're not going anywhere." He concentrated back on the picture, "I seriously think it's cute, but I can see you don't like the dress."

"always hated them."

"And that's your brother, the one who used to chase you playing Xmen?"

"Austin"

"As in Texas?" Stanley questioned.

" As in Jane.. Jane Austin" she looked a bit embarrassed. "my mom was into Jane Austin novels. It could have been worse, he could have been Darcy, but the story has it my dad put his foot down, so he ended up Austin Darcy."

"And you're Emma after one of her books."

"Emma Jane."

"I like it."

He continued looking at the pictures, there were many of her in different parts of her life,and various stages of the kids life, but nothing that included her children's father, he stopped at a beautiful picture of her taken with the children, in a beautiful field of sunflowers, the wind blowing her hair, laughing with her children. Melody an infant in her arms, Kyle a toddler. She looked so happy and content. He wondered about her relationship with their father. Obviously there were some happy times "So tell me all about Emma Heyward."

"I thought we were going to watch a movie."

He headed back into the living room got comfortable on the couch, patting the seat next to him. She joined him, tucking her legs up under her, she took a sip of the wine and his gaze was fixed on her, waiting for some sort of reply. "you don't really want to know, surely?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't. Where's your brother now?"

"New York City, he's an actor...he's gay and has a live in boyfriend who he's been with for 6 years. He's doing very well. Musical theater is his thing."

"The guy who played Xmen is gay?"

" He's been out of the closet since he was 18. He's a great guy."

"It seems ironic, the little girl with the rifle and the brother dancing on the Broadway stage. And the rest of the family?"

"My Dad was a college professor taught music but he died the year I was a freshman. I met Gary shortly after that, and there went all attempts of me becoming the next Clara Haskil or Alica De Larocha(spelling, not sure)

"Who?"

"Famous women pianists. I had dreams of being a concert pianists until I met Gary."

"I knew you could play, but you must be pretty damn good."

"Was. That was a long time ago." That was something she didn't' want to talk about. Her dreams had been shattered the year her Dad died. For some reason she had gone into a slump and her grades were bad, she stopped playing the piano and then she met Gary, a tour manager for an English punk band. And well, the rest was history. Him and his English accent, had swept her off her feet.

Stanley noticed the expression on her face.

"Sorry I got off track there, my mom died two years ago, right after the divorce. Definitely not a good year for me."

"I'm sorry."

"Hey, I had a good childhood, no complaints.. So what about you? Since we are playing 20 questions."

"Born in Texas, traveled around a bit for the first 10 years of my life, Dad had a hard time finding work he liked. I kind of liked new places,new faces. My mom and sister hated it."

"You have a sister? Where is she now?"

"Had....she died of a drug overdose when I was 12. My mom left shortly after that. Haven't seen her since. So I was raised by my Dad in a god awful part of El Paso, where we were living at that time. "

"Stanley, I'm sorry...losing a sister and a mother when you were so young. It must have been awful." She intently hung to every word he spoke.

"My sister was bad news. She hated the moving around, and got involved with a bad lot of kids. Pregnant at 15, had an abortion....my mom nearly left then, but stayed on after Dad hounded her, and said they would get Carol some help. Didn't do much good. She used and abused behind their back" A pause to taste some more wine, "if my mom would have been a better mom, she might still be alive today. Just speculating. She was pretty crap at it." Stanley was quiet thinking about his family. It didn't really seem like much of one, in comparison to Emma who obviously had a great one growing up.

"So you must be close to your dad."

That broke him out of his melancholy, "Now, yeah...but those teenage years were rough. I blamed him for my sister Carol's death and for Mom leaving. I was definitely on the road to ruin until my High school Algebra teacher took me under his wing. If it wasn't for him who knows what would have happened to me. I have always had a thing for numbers and he put me in the right direction, got me interested in college and helped me get a scholarship. I think he had high hopes for me in the math field....but once I took a computer class, that was it. I was hooked. Graduated with Honors from Cal Tech."

"I'm impressed." Emma was wondering if he would continue but he stopped and took a bite of pizza, then a sip of wine, changing the subject.

"Okay enough reminiscing about the past. so what does the lady choose for her viewing pleasure." He was so adorable she wanted to say him...but decided not to. "I think we need to pass on An Affair to Remember, I think you have done enough crying for tonight." He held up the other videos, "Drama, Hitchcock or Musical....your choice."

"Don't you like anything post 1965?"

"These are classics, Emma."

"There's no arguing there. All are great films, I was just wondering."

"I have been a bit out of touch. That's all. You will have to get me current. Take me out to the movies." He looked at her seductively, but in a playful way, "Back row, definitely." he squeezed her thigh, and she smiled.

"I'd like that."

"I bet you would."

"The movie Stanley." She pressed 'Notorious' into his hands.

"Great choice. Was Cary Grant the deciding factor here, Emma?" He gave her a sly look.

"Of course not. I've never seen it before, and I love Hitchcock."

He hopped off the couch and popped the video into the machine, when he returned to the couch, Emma had taken up nearly all the room. She was snuggled into the crook of the couch corner, her elbow resting on the arm propping up her head. Legs tucked up underneath one another, her feet outstretched. To sit down he had to pick them up and he placed them onto his lap, grinning at her, and raising his eyebrows. When she tried to pull them away, he held on to them.

"They are fine right here, just relax. Enjoy the movie." She looked over at him, and he had begun to settle in, wine glass in one hand, his other hand stroking the souls of her feet.

Emma was engrossed with the movie as soon as it started. The chemistry between Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, was evident from the start. The looks between them, she found incredibly seductive and romantic and she sat up slightly, grabbing a sofa cushion and held it close to her, her index finger of her right hand went up to her mouth and she began to chew on her fingernail. Her toes wiggled slightly causing Stanley to look away from the screen and towards Emma. He was enthralled by the intensity of her eyes as she watched the actors on the screen He didn't know what to make of it. But he did recognize a pair of feet that looked in use of some coddling. A few touches of his finger tips over her instep and top of the foot produced the effect of a content feline pawing for attention. He sat there in bliss while messaging each foot and was rewarded with them snuggling deeper into his hands.

For the next half hour it was as though Stanley didn't exist. Emma was used to watching movies alone. Totally enveloping herself into the story and the characters. This was no exception. Cary Grant was gorgeous and Ingrid Bergman, so perfect. The looks, the dialogue, everything gave Emma a sense of being part of it. Being someone else. Then Cary Grant grabbed her and kissed her, Emma sighed into her hand, but it only got better. The balcony...their faces inches away from each other, the passion and desire in Ingrid's face as she playfully brushed her finger against his ear and her lips brushed his. It sent shivers down her spine.

Emma's toes clenched, and then opened, Stanley gazed over at her and she was biting her lip. He looked back at the screen and was amazed Emma was having such a reaction to a screen kiss. Actually he wasn't sure you could call it that. They weren't really kissing. Strangely, he was drawn to her reaction; her body tensing, her intense gaze, a slight sigh overheard...could this really be something that turned women on? It was utterly amazing what he viewed from his perch on the couch.

As the scene drew to a close and Carey walked out the door, Emma's body relaxed and let out a deep sigh, her toes now unclenched. He couldn't resist by taking her big toe in his fingers and wiggled it causing her to look his way.

She had almost forgotten he was there and she felt a bit startled. He was smirking and she gave him an evil look, with a playful smile underneath...she'd had been caught. She wasn't sure exactly what she was being caught at but she felt it all the same.

"What?" she questioned that smile of his.

"Enjoying the movie?" He raised his eyebrows. A timely response came with the catapult of a pillow targeted at him. It hit with deadly accuracy. Reclaiming her legs off his lap, she tucked them comfortably under her denying him the touch of her skin. She lowered her eyebrows and smirked playfully.

"I'm trying to, if you would only stop interrupting." Slightly embarrassed she returned to the screen, picked up her wine glass, and tried to regain her train of thought to the plot of the film. That was easier said than done. He had been watching her and very intently. His broadcast was very similar to that of Cary Grant's smoldering looks toward Ingrid Bergman at the beginning of the film.

Stanley returned to his glass of wine as well, and settled back into the couch, his right hand behind his head, smiling to himself.

She had a good view of the movie and him. She took a swig of the wine, having lost count how many glasses had vanished and stole a long look at the figure tucked into the far end of the couch. Shadows teased her eyes as they danced over muscled arms. She admired every line. His face was completely relaxed as his head rested back on his right arm.

Her gaze moved to his chest, soft and hard at the same time. The loose fitting shirt was open at the top, allowing a peek. Hair was just in the right places, not too much, not too little. The way the shirt lay across the front showed his waist curving in just above the belt line. She swallowed hard and licked her lips.

A movement forward, Stanley set the wineglass on the coffee table. He remained sitting up for an instance as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, feeling a little more flushed from the wine than normal, then returned back to the comfortable position. The other end of the couch was quiet. A glance to the left caught her soft glow of inspection. Their eyes met, attraction was very evident and flowed off each other in waves.

She wanted to touch him. To her surprise that thought didn't intimidate her anymore. Tonight felt right. Her eyes moved back to his chest, over his arms and hands, down his denim clad legs that crossed at the ankles. Slowly, Emma set down her glass and smoothly rolled closer to him. The movie was no longer a focal point.

Stanley welcomed her to his side and placed his left hand on her thigh. He could sense this was foreign territory she was exploring, elusive even to himself for too many years. His body had already attuned to her the moment he walked through the door. Affection reflected from those blue eyes, sparking his desire deeper. Gradually, throughout the evening, the inner warmth sensation his body was experiencing had begun to spread and a familiar tightening to his lower extremities was now becoming quite evident.

The couch dipped down slightly as Emma sat off to his side on folded legs, facing him. She eased her body close without touching, then slowly raised her hands over him. One hand moved over his chest, the other over his up-stretched arm. He tried not to breathe. Her eyes stared at his body in wonder, and she slowly lowered her hands until her shaking fingers touched his skin. Upon contact his skin felt velvet hot. Her eyes flew up to his. She rasped in a breath when a slight trembling stirred. Which body it centered from was uncertain. She left her touch in place, softly lying on his skin.

Emotions played continuously across her face. desire, curiosity, wonder, back to desire again. She moved in a little closer, her soft breathing fast and inconsistent. She leaned her head slowly near his neck and deeply inhaled his aroma. Loving his deep masculine scent, her eyes closed with a quiet moan.

Stanley's body was raging for hers, but he closed his eyes and clenched his jaw forcing himself to be patient. She moved again, close to his ear.

"Stanley?". She whispered.

He opened his eyes, "Mm?"

"Is it okay if I kiss you?"

He clenched his jaw tightly for a moment, swallowed, then shook his head, yes.

She sat up higher still not touching him with anything but her hands... and slowly brought her mouth closer to his. A pause just before the connection, she licked her lips nervously and then carefully brought them down.

He sat there in blissful agony while her beautiful lips touched his...softly, for just a moment. She pulled away, trembling like a leaf, looking longingly at the lips she had kissed. He smiled slightly, eyes full of desire and encouragement.

She leaned up to him again. Her hands moved closer, touching his skin with a little more pressure, as she brought her soft lips against his, holding them there for a minute. Very gently, he moved his mouth under hers, just enough to let her feel him respond to her. She moved in a little closer, letting her body touch his slightly. A ragged breath escaped.

He started to bring his stiff his arm down from behind his head. A pause and sideways glance from her reflected somewhat of wariness slipping back to the forefront. He opened his palm, and moved his hand down, showing her that he wasn't going to touch her... he was just moving his arm. He let his hand drop softly to the arm of the couch.

She blew a strand of hair away from her eye and looked nervously back up at him. His eyes were compelling, and he was smiling reassuringly, so she moved toward him again. She brought one hand up and laid it carefully on the far side of his neck, and moved the other to the side nearest her, slowly moving her fingers up to touch his hair. She moved in closer, excited by the feel of his soft skin and dark silky hair. Her face moved very close to his neck, and she breathed in deeply, again, as her hand moved up higher through his hair. Hands explored everywhere above his neck. Her eyes drew in his gaze.

Stan's body was going nuts and with every new touch he was more and more mesermized by her sensuality. She had no idea what she was doing to him. He was amazed at how erotic the whole situation was. She was barely touching him and everything in his body was screaming for more. He couldn't remember when he'd been this turned on before and he wasn't sure how long he could take it.

She had both of her hands in his hair when he came back to his senses. She was looking at his face, licking her lips slowly.

"Stan?"

"Hmmm?" He groaned.

"Would you." she swallowed..."would you..like to kiss me?"

He closed his eyes for a second, then opened them slowly... he felt drugged. "Kiss you? I'd be a fool if I didn't." He whispered hoarsely.

He brought his free hand up slowly to touch her face. A slide of her cheek against his hand and she closed her eyes in pleasure. Her skin was like satin. She was the softest thing he had ever touched. This was not going to be easy. He carefully drew her face to his, slowly, so he wouldn't frighten her. One thought was to keep his mouth closed. He pressed his lips to hers softly and then kissed her slowly when she didn't move away. He worked her into it, carefully, calmly, eliciting a little moan of pleasure from her. When he thought she was ready, he parted his lips just slightly and touched her closed lips softly with his tongue.

She slowly pulled away breathing deeply and erratic. She looked up at his eyes, questioning, her tongue coming out slowly, tasting her lips, where his tongue had touched them. His eyes studied hers then traveled down to the fullness he'd coaxed out of hiding. She was radiant.

Her hands tightened on the back of his neck and she licked her lips nervously but she came closer. She was almost there when she stopped and looked up at him warily, "Please go slow with me" she whispered. He nodded, and she moved in, trusting him.

Their mouths met and Stan took his time, kissing her softly, comfortingly. After a few minutes, when her kiss felt more confident, he slowly opened her mouth with his, making sure she felt like she was still in control. He moved his tongue into her mouth slowly, caressing her lips with it, making her want more. He touched her tongue softly with his, and she pulled back, unsure, because of the strangeness of it. He gave her a moment and that was all she needed. She reached her tongue out, tentatively and touched his. He smiled against her mouth. Stanley moved his tongue against hers slowly at first, circling it and exploring her mouth. Her hands were moving in his hair and her body was slowly but surely beginning to mold itself to his.

Emma felt as if fire was raging through her whole body. She was feeling things in places she had not felt for quite sometime and never on this level. She was a little hesitant but the things Stan's kisses were doing to her body had her thirsty for more. She twined her fingers deeper into his hair and Stan moved his hand up into her hair, pulling her mouth in even closer. She pressed her body into his, tightly and moaned, taking over by pushing his tongue back and moving hers deeply into his mouth.

T o say that she had surprised him would be an understatement. This was not the shy timid schoolteacher he was used to. It was evident she was enjoying this new experience and was reveling in her newfound sexuality. Who knows how long she had been holding these emotions back. He smiled. Glad that he had been the one to release this highly desirable and sensual creature. Her tongue explored his mouth now with a fervor that took his breath away. He groaned and responded strongly to her, showing her what his body wanted by sliding his tongue back and forth under hers seductively.

Emma let out a small groan and reluctantly parted her mouth away from his. She looked up. His eyes were alive with desire, his gaze fixed on her mouth. Her lips were red and swollen from kissing him so hard for so long. He wanted more and so did she. A long shuddering breath came as she leaned back across his lap and with her head on the overstuffed couch arm. He leaned in and kissed her softly, slowly and seductively. then he pulled back, smiling at the hungry response he was getting from her.

Emma drew him down close, looking longingly at his perfect mouth. She trailed her tongue slowly across his lips, then she focused on his lower one, licking it several times, then sucking it softly into her mouth and biting it between her teeth.

"Oh God, Emma" Stan groaned and closed his mouth over hers, roughly. He kissed her passionately hard and furious. She met his passion equally, kissing him with everything she had in her.

Emma drank in his kisses as if it was the first water she had come to in days. She slid her hands down out of his hair to the sides of his face, her fingers resting at the edges of his mouth. She began sliding her tongue in and out over his, slowly at first, then faster, stronger.harder. moaning and held his face tightly.

Stan felt himself starting to lose control. They completely forgot about being quiet and both of them began groaning loudly, deep in each other's mouths. His free hand touched and stroked her soft neckline to the top of her shoulder. His thumb stroked the warm flesh as if stroking a mink fur. With each kiss her outlined form was caressed by the backside of his fingers, which started lowering. Circular motions rounded off her shoulders down the backside of her waistline. His palm squeezed an area of soft, covered skin just below her left breast, gently messaging back and forth. Writhing across his lap opened the top of her pajamas for premature intrusion. It wasn't meant to be so soon. His touch found purchase of a silken treasure. Her moans were ecstatic under his lips as his shoulder and neck were deeply grasped.

His hands traveled to the bottom of her full breast. She felt so responsive, so pliable as two fingers delicately followed the curved lines. Then they reversed direction and continued caressing the underside. Back and forth, repeating again. This beautiful woman's body began shaking in his hands. Stan applied a little more pressure as he palmed a trail of fire around her breast. Messaging, kneading. Their fullness swelling more and more.

Emma's bust line was sensually enlarged. She was absolutely lost in his ministrations, his kissing. She felt his hand slowly travel down from her sensitive breasts to massage her belly. His stroking her lower abdomen amplified the rhythm of her heart, dampness soaked from her. She had no idea how to slow down her traitorous body nor did she want to. Stan was taking her past any wildest inhibitions she had caged herself away from. His skillful hands returned to their previous exploration, teasing them by slightly uplifting and messaging the lower side. Each breast was so full and swollen. They struggled to stay covered. He hesitated with his lips and drew a fraction away.

"Oh, Emma, you are amazing...so beautiful, so desirable", he said hoarsely. "I've wanted you for so long," he added with a hunger in his voice that only caused Emma's desire for him to escalate.

Emma's eyes were smoldering with lust, hungrily staring at him. Stan's lips encased hers again. A quiet heated groan slipped out as her response. And then she managed to say the words he had longed for, "Oh, Stanley, I want you desperately.please."

Responding in more ways than one, his lips fed her hunger. Sensations prickled her everywhere from head to toe. Long legs had appeared from their previous folded position and were stretched the length of the couch. Her toes were pointed while heels were digging in, sliding up and down the opposite end of the cushions.

Somewhere in the back of a sexually hazed mind, Stan new he should be reining himself in. This second kiss had turned from smooth as butter into a searing hot knife raking in heat as if laid in a bed of hot coals. It had been too long since he let his heart open up to love. The dam was gushing over the top and he had to find the way to the water spicket. This woman opened his heart with her friendship and now her feelings toward him.

One breasts' underside was petted, caressed, then the other. Emma's moans grew huskier and were increasing in tempo. Fingers mounted higher on the full peaks and brushed across, then back again over her prominent right areola. The left swelled with the same attention. She felt herself starting to crack and crumble. Her trembling turned to a centralized turmoil of sensation in her lower abdomen. 'No! This can't be happening!' she thought. Her body had no resistance to stop. She pulled back from his lips gasping for air then buried her face into his shoulder. He held her while caressing his thumbs over flesh, startling her hard protruding nipples. Both feet dug into the couch as she arched into his hand, succumbing to the ministrations of her breasts. A climax had slipped in as a consuming fire spread throughout her core.

Stan's breath was short and raspy. He had felt her entire body shake and tremble as it pressed tightly against him. Fingernails dug into his forearm and shoulder. There was no denying she had just experienced an orgasm while he held her in his arms. He tilted his forehead down, turned sideways to press into her hair. Strong arms held her; lips kissed her hair as he let her ride through the experience.

The fire was burning brightly in Emma's eyes. Her body reverberated with that ecstatic response. She was well aware of his excitement, as he held her close, feeling the engorgement below his belt. After receiving such pleasure, something should be offered in return. It took a moment to steady, then hands grasped him to pull herself up and over to mount his lap. She hungrily sought out his lips for yet another encounter.

Stan scooted over to allow room for her long legs as her arms came around his neck. The close sensual embrace left nothing to the imagination of what was hidden under the soft cotton material. Even the denim was exposing its secrets.

Her legs were what drove him past any reasonable sanity. Very accessible from his position, exploring hands ran up and down her calves, over thighs, and rounded to her buttocks. They were so firm, so right. Squeezes were followed by circular compliments, a deep massage. Each side received equal treatment, several times over.

It had been so long since he loved a woman and wasn't sure how to proceed. This was very close to starting all over again. Being totally immersed in providing her pleasure, his mind was beyond thinking. Hands worked of their own accord moving higher to her waist and back, slipping under her cotton T-shirt, and feeling her smooth sensuous skin. Kissing her deeply, he held her torso and gently rolled her onto the couch to stretch out over her body. Only then did their lips part. He trailed down her cheek, to her ear, and nestled into that soft neck.

Emma felt so natural to be under him. She found herself wanting more. Wanting him to feel pleasure and be satisfied. His libido was sweeping her away. She reached down and started fumbling for an entry past his shirt. It was hard to know where to start or what to do. This wasn't her field of expertise. But she knew she wanted his happiness. The tail of his shirt had worked its way out and brushed against her fingers. Feeling it, she pulled loose the rest of the shirttail.



Movement of his captured cotton being pulled loose sent him closer yet. Anything moving against his belt line was pure sweet agony. Warm fingers explored at his waist and were working up his mid-drift and over his abdomen. He raised a little, giving her room. The last time he felt hands caressing him.was.too long. Just to feel her. Hands were drifting through his chest hair. Brushing over his nipples. They stayed there, stoking and rubbing. His breathing was hot, increasing, and the temperature was high.

She returned one hand below the belt, fumbling for the buttons on his Levi's. It seemed pretty clear where this was going. Stanley managed to regain momentary control, his selfish thoughts of pure sexual satisfaction pushed aside, thinking of Emma. He struggled to remove her hand from his fly.

Baby blues met his, expecting a look of disapproval. Why had he removed her hand? Didn't he want this too?

The longing and desire were still apparent. He managed a husky whisper, "Emma, we don't have to do this...if you're not ready."

She was ready. Nothing spoken, she reached down and gently slid her pajama top off.

It's said of a man, stimulation merits only a gaze. He was in a state of total euphoria.

There below him .all her beauty, exposed to his eyes only. Round breasts exposed the rose colored centers and nipples excited to long, pink extensions. Her eyes closed while tilting back her head, auburn hair swept down softly brushing over the excitement.

He was lost. He couldn't even recall how to remove his Levi's. Emma proceeded to excite and thrill him with every move she made. Everything began to happen so quickly.

His excitement fed hers and Emma's instincts took over as she slid one heel over the back of his calf. It worked its way up higher to his hip and wrapped around. Her other leg followed until both entwined at his backside. A slow movement of her most intimate area sought the attention of his. She moved under him, sliding back and forth.

No where could he ever imagine being trapped then in this delicious vise grip. Those gorgeous limbs cinched tightly, moving forward, bringing sexual pressure on him. Fervor penetrated the layers of clothing, heating all excitement held within. The pleasure of riding so close to her had his body highly sensitive. The inevitable was rapidly approaching. He was no longer in control.

She didn't know what she elicited by gripping him above while captured below, moving in rhythm. He kept moving and couldn't. A wave of pleasure started low at the base moving upward. The rhythm of his heartbeat flowed to the end of his shaft, expelling semen to its intended. His heart beat hard as waves of ecstasy crashed over him. Rapture threatened his breathing and ability to stay conscience.

"Emma.Emma...Emma" quickly, softly, quietly."I love you," he whispered to her while kissing her neck.

Eyes closed, he lay his head on her shoulder, drifting back from his trip to heaven. This had to be the best type of coddling. Breathing was a luxury with her beside him. Strong was her scent imprinted to his memory. His hand wisped through her hair as his senses slowly returned.

Being celibate for a time had its drawbacks. A grin formed on his face when the realization of the evening settled in. He kissed the same spot again. And quietly laughed.

Emma noticed his pleasant response. She was cradling his head against her shoulder and had to turn to see his face. "What's so funny?" She wasn't quite expecting this response.

Stan found amusement in the predicament they had just experienced. He sighed, still resting on her shoulder. "I feel like a couple of teenagers and any minute your parents are going to come home and throw me out." His sides moved in a hushed chuckle, then quieted as he reflected. Slowly reaching up, his index drew a straight line from her forehead to the tip of her nose. "You're so beautiful. I couldn't help myself. Woman, you gave me little choice." Smiling, "It was incredible...let me rephrase that..you were incredible."

Emma blushed, "I don't know what came over me."

"That isn't too hard to figure out." A warm hug of flesh enveloped her. Contentment was evident. He held on to her tight, feeling an incredible satisfaction embracing the woman he loved. Emma closed her eyes, the elated feeling of being loved by this extraordinary man, was almost too much to bear and she felt a tear.

Well aware of her emotions, he squeezed her tightly. "Emma..." he lifted her head up so she was looking at him, smiling sweetly, "Oh, Emma...it's okay..."

"I shouldn't be crying...I'm happy."

"I know. Schhh...just let me hold you for awhile." She relaxed in his arms.

Eventually the wetness in his jeans became uncomfortable, rubbing against his skin. He began fidgeting while holding her and Emma noticed his agitation. He did not want to let her go. This moment of enjoyment was far beyond anything he had ever imagined. Trying to put it at the back of his mind, it was becoming increasingly irritable.

"Is something wrong?" Emma asked.

"I think I need to go clean up this mess you made." He teased and smiled at her. Standing up to re-adjust his jeans, leaning down, he gently kissed her on the lips while tracing a finger across her breasts.

She sighed from his touch and reached up towards him taking his hand, "Don't go."

He was not surprised by her reaction. "I won't be long. " Her tantalizing eyes gazed up at him. "And don't put your top back on." Staring down at this tempting, gorgeous creature, many thoughts were going through his head. " Hey, I have an idea."

She perked up and smiled.

"I'd like to the stay the night."

Emma sat up while grabbing a cushion, holding it to her exposed breasts. "Stay the night?"

"Yes, as in sleeping with you. Sharing your bed. Waking up to you by my side." He stood, gaging her response.

Emma closed her eyes. Feeling overwhelmed with the whole evening's events and now this. Isn't this what she wanted too? She deeply sighed and then opened her eyes.

He was smiling down at her. "You think about it while I'm in the other room." He was fairly certain he knew what she was thinking. Pleased he headed towards the bathroom down the hall.

Emma called out to him as he opened the door, "Stanley?"

"Yeah." He stood at the doorway listening.

"I want you to stay the night. I can't think of anything I would like more."

Stanley smiled, delighted with the way the evening seemed to be unfolding and a sense of joyful bliss at the prospects of what lie ahead.

* * * * * * *

Emma heard noises coming from the front of the house. Probably the neighbors, she thought as she blissfully hugged a pillow to her bare chest, reflecting on what had just transpired on her couch. A smile appeared across her face, blushing, thinking of what she had been capable of. What he had awoken in her.

It didn't seem possible that the woman, who had just experienced and given such sexual gratification, could really be the same woman that previously found intimacy with her ex husband so appalling. She had once been described by the former mentioned as a cold fish, boring and predictable. Well, surely that hadn't been the case this evening.

Her mind was elsewhere...on Stanley, the way he had made her feel, the joy she had felt in his arms, his kisses, his body...every thought was now invaded by this man who had entered her life and gave her such joy.

The sound from outside grew closer. All of a sudden she heard the noise approach closer to her front door.. More scuffling and then a key turned the lock.



* * * * * * * *

A/N Lady Jane T would like to thank totofromkansas for her incredible writing skills on the intimacy scene(6 pages! Whoa, baby!) on the couch...and keeping Emma and Stanley true to the characters of her story. She has been a great editor and collaborator throughout each chapter. And this chapter would not have been possible without her. Give her a hand!! Yeah!