A/N: Fluff with a dash of steam alert. Xx
Disclaimer: Same 1-8.
Anna's heels clicked soundly against the wood floor as she walked across the room. Her quick steps matched her heart rate making her even more anxious to get to the door. Her fingers quickly unlocked the bolt, and in the next moment she opened it.
Anna was thankful she was still holding onto the door as she took in the sight before her. John was a towering presence just outside her doorway. Their eyes locked. He smirked almost seductively making her breath more shallow. She could smell his cologne. It was an aromatic, spiced scent she already craved to inhale at closer range. He was dressed in an unbuttoned black sport coat and black trousers. His crisp, white dress shirt was open at the collar.
He looked drop dead gorgeous, and she was speechless.
"Good evening, Anna."
Finally remembering she had the ability to speak, she replied, "Good evening. Please, come in."
She moved to the side and he entered her flat. She closed the door without taking her eyes off of him.
He raised a large gift bag. She looked to it in surprise because she hadn't even noticed it. Her eyes had been consumed with looking at him. It was white and had 'Happy Birthday' written in black glitter. She wondered what could be in a bag that size.
"I know I've said this a few times already but Happy Birthday."
She wasn't the kind of woman to just throw herself at a man, but if she were a different kind of woman she doubted they would be going anywhere.
What he did next seemed as though she were watching in slow motion. He hooked his cane onto his left arm and reached for her hand. He kept his intent gaze on hers as he lifted her hand and lightly kissed the back of it. Anna felt a shiver run up her spine as he lowered her hand and released it.
"Thank you," she replied quite breathlessly.
The words were not good enough, but at the moment it was a miracle she had even said that. Her eyes searched his. She saw something in them that she had not seen reflected towards her before. It was something she felt she had been missing.
"Would you like to open this now or at dinner?"
His practical question helped her to come back to Earth some. She thought about it as she looked at the gift bag.
"Hmmm... I think I might open it at the restaurant."
His grin told her he liked her decision. How was it possible to already be having an incredible time by just standing by the front door? She couldn't wait for the rest of the evening.
"I am glad you told me where you'd like to go. With me not knowing many places I probably would not have chosen well."
"I hope you'll like it."
"I am sure it's amazing. We have a six o'clock reservation. Shall we go?"
"Yes."
John unhooked his cane and walked the short distant to the door. He opened it as Anna collected her purse and walked out first. He followed her out into the hall, and she locked it. She began walking towards the stairs, and he couldn't keep his eyes from staring at her. Her hair was down in long waves down her back. The red dress was a few inches above knee length accented with a thin black belt at her waist. She was absolutely stunning.
"Are you coming?" She laughed lightly.
"Yes, of course," he responded quickly as he caught up with her at the top of the stairs. They descended them together.
"I am surprised you got a reservation. They are usually booked," Anna mentioned as they took one step at a time.
John briefly flashed back to earlier in the day when he was walking around a store on the phone basically bribing a man for a table. He had been frustrated when he was put onto a wait list, but was relieved a couple hours later to receive a call that they would have a table for them.
"Must be a great place if it's hard to get it," he answered casually.
"It is. Thank you for agreeing to take me."
"I am honored. I was assuming you'd have other plans."
They made it to the lobby and walked across the space to the lobby doors.
"Nope."
John pulled open the door, and they exited the building.
Anna started to veer off in the direction of her car, but John stopped her.
"I'm driving."
She looked at him with a little confusion. "But you don't know where it is."
His eyes smiled.
"Don't I?"
"What?" Anna walked back in the direction he was going. "You surely didn't find the place earlier."
John stopped at his car and opened the passenger door for Anna.
"How else will I familiarize myself?"
"You are something else," she smiled.
John felt a small bit of pride. Before he met Anna, it had been a long time since he felt pride in anything other than his work. He liked feeling it again.
"As are you," he complimented.
She shook her head and got inside the car. John closed her door and rounded the car. He opened the back door and placed her gift safely on the backseat and then his cane before getting into the car himself.
"This is a nice vehicle," Anna praised after John began driving them to their destination.
He looked at her quickly before glancing back at the road. "It was heated and cooled leather seats."
"Ooooo. John Bates a man of luxury," she replied playfully.
"I didn't think it would hurt to have a nice car considering I left the city with all it's public transport. My older car I barely used. It mainly stayed parked on the street in front of the house."
"You had a house?"
John wanted to reach his hand up and slap himself. He should have paid more attention to what he was saying.
"I did, yes." In an attempt to get off the subject he said, "So, what do you usually get to eat from here?"
She wasn't having it.
"A house to yourself?"
He really, really did not want to talk about this on her birthday. If his mouth ruined her day he wouldn't forgive himself.
He tried to word it right.
"For a few years."
She came right back.
"But before that you shared it with a... long term girlfriend? Wife?"
John listened very carefully to her tone. She didn't seem put off. It was more curious or interested in knowing a little more about him.
"Several years ago I shared the house with my ex-wife."
There. He said it. He was going to at some point, but that some point had been that night.
He was prepared for an onslaught of questions, but Anna surprised him yet again when she replied.
"I haven't always lived in our building. Right out of university I shared a condo with a long term boyfriend for a couple of years. I was so caught up in trying to get any news station to take a chance on me that I was blinded from seeing the type of boy he was. Yes, I said boy."
They came to a red light, and they looked at each other.
"Well, the boy was a prat for not realizing what a wonderful person you are and treating you as such."
Anna reached over and placed her hand on his while he held the gear shift.
"And I think the ex is a fool for letting you become a former husband."
The light turned green making John have to look back at the road.
"That is all we'll say on that. We can talk about it more another time if we wish," Anna stated with finality.
John wanted to bring the easy lightness back into their evening, so he said, "Yes, they have no room in your spectacular birthday evening."
Anna laughed. "You are exactly right."
When they made it to the restaurant John pulled up to the front of the building. A valet was waiting there to take John's vehicle as they both exited. John quickly retrieved Anna's gift and his walking stick from the backseat before he was handed a ticket.
The valet nodded before he hopped in and went to park the car. John walked over to Anna, and together they went inside the restaurant.
"Do we have a reservation?" Asked the host at the hostess stand. John could see the host looking down at his cane. It didn't faze him. He had grown used to it, but Anna must have saw the same thing because he watched her step forward to gain the attention of the host.
"Yes, we do."
The host looked to Anna.
"May I have a name?"
John was about to speak, but Anna beat him to it.
"Bates."
John cracked a smile for just a second then controlled himself. He was sure if the host made another wrong move she would have a go at him.
"Ah, yes. Right this way Mr. and Mrs. Bates."
John's mouth had just barely began to open to correct the host when Anna grabbed his hand that was also holding her gift bag. He closed his lips and walked into the dining area with her. She hadn't even flinched at the mistake.
The host placed their menus down on the table and bid them a good evening. John replied with a short nod and Anna ignored the man. If they were in a different setting he would have laughed.
Their table was a four top, so there were four chairs. John placed Anna's gift onto one and hooked his cane to the back of it before he pulled out her chair for her.
"Thank you, John."
"Of course," he replied kindly before taking his own seat to the left of her.
"If I had known the staff here had become rude I wouldn't have suggested to come."
He quickly reassured her. "Anna, it's nothing really."
"It's not nothing," she protested quietly.
He placed his hand over hers on the table.
"I'm fine. Let's not focus on that. We are here to celebrate your birthday."
He could see her visibly relax.
"You're right. I'm sorry."
"We'll have none of that. Now, do you have a favorite dish here?"
Reluctantly, he removed his hand and picked up the menu. She picked hers up as well and began to look it over.
"I do in fact," Anna sheepishly said as she peeked from behind her menu and turned her head to look at him better.
She melted a little when his secret smile appeared.
"And may I ask what that might be?"
"The creole seared halibut. It's to die for."
John looked to the menu and read it over. "Comes with blue crab on top. Sounds great."
"It definitely is."
"Do you suggest I get the same thing?"
"Or..."
She waited until his eyes met hers again.
"If you got something different we could try each other's," she suggested with a little shrug.
"Good plan," he answered approvingly.
They were interrupted just long enough for their drink order to be taken. John had insisted she order herself a drink for her birthday, but she really didn't feel like it. She gave him a sweet smile which earned her a half smile in return.
"I'm thinking the braised lamb shank."
"Oh, yeah. I bet it's wonderful," Anna enthused.
"That's that then."
The waiter brought their drinks and they placed their order. As they sipped on their sparkling water, John took note of the decor. It was contemporary yet had a warm feel too. The tables were covered in white linen and the chairs were high backed and made of white leather. There was a large ornate fireplace along the far wall and candlelit sconces dotted around the room. It was definitely a special occasion type place, and he was very much enjoying experiencing it with Anna.
"How was your day?" Anna asked sweetly.
John sat his glass down and said, "It was a good day, though I'm having a wonderful evening now."
"I am as well."
"Have you been here several times?"
"Only twice. Once was a work related dinner, and the other Phyllis and I had a girls night."
"Third time is a charm then," he teased.
"Yes, it most certainly is."
She watched John start to lift his glass again before he sat it down.
"I almost forgot. Your gift."
Anna felt warm all over when he winked at her and placed her gift on the table in front of her.
"John," she weakly scolded. "You didn't have to get me a gift."
"That wouldn't have been very neighborly would it?"
The look he gave her made her blush. She was thankful she had makeup on.
"Silly beggar."
"Go ahead," he happily encouraged.
Anna lifted a couple of pieces of white tissue paper out of the bag and laid them on the table. She then reached her hand down in the bag and pulled out her gift.
"Oh my God, John!" She exclaimed a little louder than she had intended. A couple next to them glanced in their direction but neither Anna nor John had noticed.
John moved the gift bag and paper so she could look at her gift better.
She looked to him with wide eyes and the happiest of smiles.
"Do you like it?" He asked as he watched her.
"Do I like it? I love it! This is way too expensive."
She stared down at her new Tory Burch black leather tote bag. Her hand ran over the smooth leather admiring the styling of the bag.
"I know you carry a lot with you to work sometimes. I thought this might be helpful."
Anna looked to John again and replied, "You got me an expensive tote to be helpful?"
John wasn't sure how to reply.
"I- Well... I"
"That is so very thoughtful. I should make you take it back and get one not so expensive."
"Nonsense. This will last you a long time. When I saw it I thought it looked professional and stylish for you to take to work and where ever else you may like."
Anna felt the urge to cry happy tears, but wouldn't allow herself. She was just so happy.
"I will definitely carry it to work. Thank you so very much."
Anna leaned over and pressed a lingering kiss to John's cheek. John closed his eyes at the feeling of her warm lips on his skin until she pulled back.
"What was that for?" He smiled.
"That was for being the sweetest, kindness man I know."
"I might have to continue that kind of behavior then."
Anna lifted one shoulder and tossed him a saucy look.
"Please do."
It was then their food arrived. John placed Anna's new tote back into the gift bag for safe keeping while they ate.
"Mmm," John hummed as he thoroughly enjoyed his food.
Anna grinned and placed a good amount of the crab and halibut on her fork. She raised it and asked, "You don't have a thing about sharing food from the same fork do you?"
John lowered his glass to the table and responded, "Not if it is you I'm sharing with."
Anna giggled. "Are you trying to flirt with me, Mr. Bates?"
She loved the wicked smirk that appeared before her. She could easily lose herself in his hazel eyes.
"Depends," he shrugged a little.
"Depends on what?"
"On if I'm doing a good job."
She leaned in closer to him, and said quietly, "I think you are doing brilliantly."
Lifting the fork over to him, he opened his mouth and she fed him the generous bite.
She waited for his reaction.
"Wow. Now that has some amazing flavor," he praised.
"Doesn't it? I'm glad you like it."
"I believe it is now your turn."
Trying to keep a straight face, she stated, "I don't know if I want your cooties."
His mock offended gaze made her laugh. She raised a hand to her mouth to stop herself.
"I'll have you know I have high quality cooties," he commented, playing along.
He loaded his fork up and raised it expectantly.
Anna lowered her hand.
"Very high quality, indeed," she agreed.
Leaning back in, she accepted his bite of food. It was tender, savory, and seasoned well.
"I'm so glad you tried this. That tasted incredible," she praised. "I may get that for myself the next time I'm here."
"I'm glad you introduced me to Emilio's."
"I am very glad, too," she replied happily.
When they made it to her door later. John looked to her and said, "I have one more surprise if you don't mind me going next door for a moment."
"John... you took me to dinner without letting me help pay and bought me a gift. You needn't do anymore."
"It's nothing much. I don't really know if you'll like it anyway," he shrugged.
"Of course I would. Go on and get it. I'll leave the door open."
John didn't have to be told twice and let himself inside his flat. He was having a slight insecurity he may have over done it, but it was her birthday. He would much rather over do it than be found lacking.
He was just about to grab what he came to get when his phone rang. He took it out of his pocket to see it was Anna ringing him. Was she going to tell him to stay home?
With furrowed brows, he answered, "Hello."
"Hi."
He waited a beat to see if she was going to say anything else. He silently chuckled when she didn't.
"Hi."
"You might think me insane, but if you are planning on staying over here for a while maybe we could be more comfortable in our pajamas."
John genuinely laughed.
"Yes, you find me ridiculous."
He could heard her frown through the phone.
"I do not. I thought you were ringing to tell me to say home."
"Why in the world would I do that? Never mind my silly suggestion."
On the contrary, he was looking forward to getting out of the dress clothes. It wasn't like she hadn't already seen him in his pajamas.
"No, I will be clad in pajamas in a few minutes."
"It just sounded more comfortable."
"And you would be right. I'll be there in a minute."
"Bye."
"Bye," he replied and hung up.
He laughed some more as he turned and made his way to his room. He shouldn't laugh, but it was a happy laughter. What other woman would say 'let's hang out in our pajamas for the rest of the evening.' He liked her even more because of the suggestion.
Once he had changed, he collected what he had originally came for and made his way back to her door. He saw the upper swing lock caught in the door, so he nudged it open with his shoulder to let himself in.
She noticed him come in and got up from the sofa to help him.
"Here let me."
She took the item in her hand as John secured her door.
"You bought me a birthday cake?" She asked with an appreciative look at the cake.
"I made it actually," he replied.
"What?" Anna's mouth gaped.
"I had really needed to borrow a cup of sugar but someone had been at work," John smirked knowingly.
Anna pressed one of her hands against his bicep while she giggled. "You could have went and asked Mrs. Chirk."
"Yeah... but I'm rather picky about my baking ingredients," he bantered.
"Are you now?"
"Indeed. I can sure this one has no lemon. Let's hope it's better than my previous attempt."
Anna placed her hand back under the cake with her other one and looked back to the small, round cake. It was covered in chocolate frosting with Happy Birthday Anna written in white icing.
"Let's take that through," John said before they moved to the kitchen.
He pulled out a pack of birthday candles and a lighter from his pocket.
"What am I going to do with you? You've spoiled me enough. This cake is so very nice, John. I love chocolate," she gushed.
"Nonsense. You have to have birthday cake and you can't have a birthday cake without making a wish," he explained.
"I can't keep thanking you enough, but thank you."
"No thanks needed."
John was opening the pack of candles when her phone rang from the sofa.
"Just a moment," she said before lightly jogging to the other room.
He set about fixing the cake while she answered.
"Hello, Eddie," he heard her greet excitedly.
Who was Eddie? He looked over his shoulder as she slowly walked back into the kitchen with a grin on her face.
"Thank you! Yes, I've had a wonderful day."
She smiled at him. He smiled shyly back at her and looked back down at what he was doing.
"That sounds like fun. I'm glad. Yes, of course. I'll be seeing you soon. You haven't called in a while. Mhm. Well, I appreciate you calling me today."
John placed the candle, and then waited patiently while he kept his eyes on her. He looked at her pajamas. It was a gray t-shirt that had Bahamas written on it, and her pajama bottoms were white with rubber duckies all over them. He never thought he would ever feel attraction toward a rubber duck, but he did now. Her outfit was very much different from what she had on earlier, but she was breath taking no matter what she had on.
"I will. Tell Kayla I said hello. Love you, too."
John felt his stomach hit the floor.
"Have a good night. Bye."
She hung up and laid her phone on the table.
"Sorry about that. That was my brother, Eddie, wishing me a happy birthday."
John felt a great sense of relief flow through him. For a minute he thought he completely had the wrong impression.
"That was nice of him."
"He's a pretty good bloke even if he is stubborn."
"There are worse qualities," John quipped.
"Very true. Now, I believe it is time for me to make a birthday wish."
John looked away from her and picked up the lighter to light the candle. While lighting, he quietly sang happy birthday. He laid the lighter back down as Anna clapped.
"I'll keep my day job."
"That was very sweet for you," she complimented.
John nodded towards the melting candle, and Anna closed her eyes. He grinned until his eyes crinkled at the edges as she focused on her wish.
She opened her eyes and leaned over. With one strong blow she blew the flame out.
"What did you wish for?" He asked.
She playfully smacked his arm. "You know I can't say or it won't come true."
She walked away to collect plates, forks, and something to cut the cake with.
"Oh, yes. How silly of me."
She walked back over and began cutting the cake.
"Very silly," she smirked.
They carried their cake into the sitting room. Anna sat down first and patted the cushion next to her. John leant his cane up against the wall and then sat down.
"Chocolate," Anna enthused. "How did you know?"
John slid his fork into the cake and replied, "I just took a guess."
They had both eaten a few bites when Anna turned. She tucked one leg under her other leg so she could look at him better.
"I see the black and gray plaid have made a come back."
John looked to his pajama bottoms and then to hers.
"Nice duckies."
She grinned. "I like that they are cheerful."
"That they are. They are cute."
"I had a very nice time tonight."
He gave her a half smile.
"I did as well."
They each took another bite of the cake.
"If I had known prior, I could have probably done better," he commented.
"Done better? I don't think that is possible. It's been the best birthday of my life."
Their eyes met, and Anna watched as John looked to a different part of her face. He sat his plate on the coffee plate and motioned with his hand.
"You have a little chocolate just there."
She lifted a finger in an attempt to wipe the frosting away. She missed, and John leaned in closer.
"It's more this way."
Anna looked him in the eyes and leaned in closer herself. She tried again and missed.
"Closer."
"I believe I may need some help," she said quietly.
He reached up and caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand. He used the pad of his thumb to wipe away the small bit of chocolate frosting that was right next to her lower lip.
"Thank you," she whispered as his thumb carefully grazed against her skin.
John felt a tightening across his chest. He knew he had to be looking at her as longingly as she was looking at him. He wanted to kiss her. No, he needed to kiss her. He slid his hand to the side of her neck, feeling her rapid pulse beneath his fingers, and gently began to pull her to him.
He was overwhelmed with how readily she came to him. He watched her eyes close and lips part slightly in preparation for her lips to meet his.
John then closed his eyes and softly pressed his lips to Anna's. He felt his mind turn off to everything but the feel of her.
He blinked his eyes open when she pulled back.
Anna quickly placed her plate on the coffee table and eagerly resumed kissing John. She placed her palm on his far shoulder turning him a little more to get a better angle. His lips were smooth, slightly wet, and capable. She hummed against his lips when he cupped her hip with his hand.
They broke for air and studied each other. Both wondered how the other felt.
Anna leaned back in and pecked his lips. She loved the shy look he gave her in response.
"How do you feel?" She asked him. She needed to know.
"I feel like the luckiest man in the world to be here with you," he rasped.
She moved her hand from his shoulder to the side of his face.
"I am the lucky one."
"I really beg to differ," he retorted in a slight diss to himself.
Anna arched one eyebrow and turned his head a little to gain back his attention.
"You came out of nowhere and walked into my life. I would say that makes me very lucky."
"The same could be said for me."
"Hmmm..." she hummed and kissed his lips. She tilted her head, making the kiss more languid and intimate.
Her lips hovered over his as she replied, "Aren't we the lucky ones."
His reply was non-verbal other than a barely noticeable moan as he captured her lips again with his own.
They shared a few more kisses. Each of them focused on how the other was making them feel as their lips came together and broke apart.
One last lingering kiss, and they pulled back.
John gazed at her. He looked at her beautiful slightly swollen lips and then noticed her eyes falter a little.
"Something on your mind?"
"I just hope you don't think me fast. We haven't known each other very long," she admitted.
John knew what fast was. He was very familiar, and he would not be going at that pace with Anna. He was not that kind of man anymore.
He gave her a soft smile.
"Anna, I will admit that I am enjoying the direction we are going, but I absolutely do not consider you fast nor do I plan on rushing."
"I am enjoying it, too," she agreed.
He laced their fingers together as he held her hand.
"That's what matters to me. There's no pressure. We'll go at our own pace. It's still early days."
Anna sighed, "How is it that you say the right things?"
John chuckled, "I don't know."
She smiled and kissed the tip of his nose.
"If you feel like staying we could watch a film?"
"A film sounds nice," John responded.
"A film it is then."