Here's chapter three. Read and enjoy. Oh, and don't forget to review.
"What a day!" Abby says as she digs her coat out of her locker, "I didn't think my shift would ever end."
"I know," says Neela, "I swear I saw the clock move backwards a couple times today."
Abby laughs. Ray walks into the lounge and Abby immediately shuts her locker.
"Well Neela I'm off, have a nice time with your folks. I'll see you on Sunday." She bolts for the door.
"Abby wait," Ray says grabbing her arm.
"What do you want Barnett?" she asks sounding annoyed.
"I want to apologize for yesterday," he says, "It was a really dumb thing to do. And I was wondering if you'd like to go out for dinner tonight?"
Abby looks at him for awhile. I am hungry. She thinks. But seriously, this is Ray and-
"You look hungry Abby," he says, "Come on, it'll be fun."
"Maybe some other time," Abby answers, "I wouldn't be able to stay awake."
"Okay, I'll see you later then," Ray says.
"Sure," Abby says as she walks out of the lounge.
Ray stands there looking upset.
"Hmm maybe that'll teach you not to spread rumors," Neela says as she walks past him.
Abby walks through the apartment door and immediately drops her purse and coat.
"I need a bath," she says, "A nice, hot bath."
As Abby lowers her aching body into the steaming water, the day's events play over in her mind. She thinks about Ray, his offer for dinner. Her mind wanders to the Christmas party, the kiss… She suddenly sits up quickly.
"Why the hell am I thinking about Ray right now?"
She emerges from the tub awhile later feeling pure and refreshed. As she's wrapping herself in a towel, there's a knock at the door.
"Maybe Neela forgot something," she says as she crosses the living room and opens the door. "Ray!" she exclaims jumping back and almost dropping her towel. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I got us a pizza and some movies. I figured we could hand out since you were too tired to go out to eat," he answers, "But I see you've got something else in mind."
"Shut up," Abby says. Ray steps in with a big smirk on his face. Abby slams the door and looks at him. "What?"
"You know, the towel is a good look for you," Ray says, "It really hugs those curves." Abby rolls her eyes and then storms into her bedroom.
"Ray, how did you figure out where I live? You're not stalking me are you?"
"I walked you home after the Christmas party remember?" Ray says.
"Oh yeah," she says walking out of the bedroom drying her hair with the towel, "Don't you have anything better to do tonight?" When Ray doesn't answer, Abby glances over at him to see that he's staring at her with a cute little smile. "Ray," she says, "Snap out of it."
"Sorry," he says, " But you know I think the outfit you've got on right now beats the towel. Why don't you dress like this more often?"
"Ray, these are my pajamas," Abby says, "And believe me when I say that I will never wear them to work."
Ray laughs. "Would you like some pizza?" Abby eyes him suspiciously.
"Sure," she says.
"Oh and I brought Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, and The Secret Window," Ray says.
"Hmm, I think someone has a little obsession with Johnny Depp," Abby says as she looks at the pizza.
"What can I say?" asks Ray, "He's a good looking man, no match for yours truly mind you, but a good looking man nonetheless." He gives Abby one of his trademark smirks that causes her to burst out laughing.
"Very funny Ray… Now, about that pizza"
"Okay, we've watched Edward Scissorhands and Pirates of the Caribbean, what's next?" Ray asks.
Abby shrugs, "I pick the first two, it's your turn now." She gets up and goes into the kitchen. "Do you want any ice cream?"
"Lockhart, you really know how to make a man happy," Ray shouts, "What kind do you have?"
"Um… mint chocolate chip, strawberry, and peanut butter cup," she says.
"Bring it all," Ray says. Abby walks in carry the tubs of ice cream and spoons. Ray smiles at her as they settle down on the couch together. "Well we're watching Sleepy Hollow." They each take a tub of ice cream and watch the movie.
"Want some strawberry," Ray asks. Abby nods, her eyes still glued to the TV. "Open up," Ray says. Abby looks at him but accepts the spoonful.
"So what are you doing for New Years Eve?" he asks feeding her another spoonful.
"I have to work until eleven that night," Abby answers, "I really don't mind though, I wouldn't be doing anything anyway."
"Well I'm off at ten," Ray says, "We should celebrate together."
Abby laughs, "Why, haven't you got anything better to do?" Ray looks hurt.
"Can't a guy want to hang out with you without getting the third degree?" he asks. Abby shrugs. "So what do you say?"
Abby thinks about it for a moment. "Sure why not?"
Ray smiles at her and says, "Great! I'll bring some more Johnny Depp movies." Abby smiles at him.
"Sometimes I just don't know about you Barnett."
Within a half an hour, Abby is sleeping against Ray's arm. Ray glances over at her.
"Well I guess not everyone appreciates Johnny Depp's acting abilities." He props Abby up against the side of the couch and proceeds to clean up the room. He puts the ice cream in the freezer and then returns to the living room to find Abby sprawled out on the couch.
"Obviously, someone has never heard of sharing." He pushes Abby to a sitting position, lays on the couch next to her, and gently lays her body on top of his. "Now, isn't this nice?" he asks.
Abby wakes up several hours later to find herself wrapped in Ray's arms.
"Ray," she whispers poking his side, "Ray wake up!" Ray doesn't wake up, but simply mumbles a few syllables. "
"Fine Ray," Abby says, "You win." She gets up and covers Ray with a blanket.
"Goodnight Sleeping Beauty," she says as she walks to her bedroom.