(Just a short chapter and be forewarned - this is the one with the romance. I promise to get back to the suspense in the next chapter. But I couldn't let our favorite couple go without a little mushy stuff. Again a huge thanks to my collaborator - Karen B. for her help and patience.)

A Blast From the Past

Chapter 3

Perry was having a delicious dream. Delicate fingers were caressing his cheek. He reached up to touch the hand. It felt so warm and real. A small groan escaped his lips. When the hand began to pull away, he grasped it firmly. Then a face formed in his dream. Della. So beautiful. He reached out to pull her close, winding his fingers through her soft hair. His lips met hers. Then another groan. Perry's eyes popped open and he found himself staring into a pair of deep green orbs. Della!

He sat up so suddenly, he had to catch her before she fell to the floor. "Oh my God, Della. I'm so sorry. I was dreaming of... I didn't realize...oh hell."

Della had managed to stand and move to sit in the chair opposite the couch. She could only stare at Perry, afraid to speak. She could still feel his lips on hers, almost as if she had been burned. And the fire continued through her body.

Perry sat with his head in his hands, not sure what to say or do next. No wonder his dream had seemed so real. He had just kissed Della.

"Perry?" Her voice was almost a whisper.

He raised his head slowly, afraid of what she might say. He found her with a sweet smile on her lovely face.

"I guess there are worse ways to wake you up...right?"

Perry swallowed, trying to form a coherent thought. "I can only say I'm so very sorry..."

Della held up her hand. "It's okay boss. You were moaning in your sleep and I was trying to be gentle in waking you. I have very little experience in trying to wake sleeping men. I mean, it was just that...you were..."

As they looked at each other, suddenly they both broke out in loud laughter. Perry was the first to regain his composure.

"How's your head this morning?"

Her laughter having died down to soft giggles, Della smiled at him. "Much better, thank you. How about if I fix us some breakfast?" She started to rise, but sat back down with a quiet "Oh."

Perry was immediately on his feet and at her side. "You need to stay right there Miss. I will fix breakfast." He took the pillow from the couch and placed it behind her. "Now what would you like to eat? "

"Perry, I can..." At his stern look, she pressed her lips together. "Fine. There should be eggs and sausage in the fridge. Would you at least let me make the coffee?"

He had already headed into her kitchen. "No."

When she heard the sound of cabinets opening and pans being placed on the stove, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She put her fingers to her lips and sighed. Oh that kiss!

When she had emerged from her bedroom, the sight of her handsome boss asleep on her couch, a warm feeling had started at her toes and quickly spread. When she heard his moan, she crossed to him, afraid something was wrong. But he looked so peaceful. A lock of his dark hair had fallen across his forehead. She had reached out to push it back, then trailed her fingers down his strong jaw. Then he had grasped her hand. She wanted to move but her legs wouldn't obey her brain. When his other hand had tangled in her hair, pulling her head down until their lips met, she knew it was wrong but she couldn't stop. His lips were so soft, the heat from them..."

"Della?" Her eyes snapped open to see Perry bending over her. "Are you in pain?" The blush crept into her cheeks and she offered him a weak smile.

"I'm fine Chief. Is breakfast ready?"

Perry took her hand to help her to her feet. "All ready. Are you sure you're alright? You look a little flushed."

Della tried to ignore the warmth of his hand grasping hers as she walked to the kitchen table. "I'm fine. Just hungry."

"Now that's the Della I know and...". Perry's voice caught in his throat. He had been about to say the word 'love'. Instead he helped Della into her chair and began dishing up their breakfast.

They ate in virtual silence, with only the occasional comment on the food or a request to pass the salt. When they finished, Della stood and began clearing the dishes. When Perry started to help, she shook her head at him. "I feel much better. You fixed the breakfast; I'll clean up. Why don't you go call our favorite PI and see if there are any new developments in the case?"

"Yes boss. But please take it easy, okay. I can't afford to hire a new secretary."

Della smiled at him. "No other secretary would work for you and you know it. Now go call."

Perry watched her for a few seconds then stood and walked into the living room to make the call.

Just as he reached for the phone, it rang. He picked up the receiver, noticing Della watching expectantly.

"Hello?"

"Perry, it's Paul. Get dressed, I'll pick you up in 10 minutes. We need to get to the office." Then the line went dead.