He could hear Sharon in the living room giving Ricky and her dad some final instructions regarding Hannah. He looked down at her, as she tried to roll away from him while he buttoned up her pajamas. She was getting so big, and now, in a month, she'd be one. It had now almost been a year since she'd been born, and on one hand, time had flown by, but on the other, time had gone so slowly. Many things were still a mess, but he felt like there was finally some progress. One thing was certain; he was glad to be here, in Hannah's life, and even that had been a question for so long. While he didn't know where he stood with Sharon exactly, he felt like he had a better idea now than he did even a week ago. It had been an almost stressful afternoon. His conversation with Bob had been tense, but needed. He could tell Sharon's conversation with the kids had been the same, tense, but he was sure they hadn't discussed the same topics he had with Bob. Sharon had briefly asked him if they'd had a good walk, and he'd just nodded, intending to discuss it with her later, at least some of it. He finished with Hannah, picked her up, kissed her head, and he put her in his arms to carry her down the hall.

"Maaaaaaaaaa," she called out, the shrill sound enough to make Andy cringe and pull her away from his ear. He chuckled at her little voice, powerful, but so innocent.

"I'm borrowing Mom for a few hours tonight," he said. "Kiddo be good for Grandpa and Ricky."

Hannah turned and looked at him, almost if she was just realizing someone was carrying her. She smiled at him, her few teeth showing as the drool dropped out of her mouth and onto Andy's navy blue dress shirt. He hadn't brought a suit with him, and now he was regretting it. He was trying to pull out all the stops for this date, but he could also tell that was making Sharon nervous and was realizing it was probably good they were going for a slightly more casual look. His navy shirt had very faint stripes on it, and he'd put on dark khaki pants to go with it. He only had so many things in his suitcase, and this would have to do. He walked into the living room and made eye contact with Ricky first.

"Oh, cool, she's ready for bed," Ricky nodded, looking at his little sister. Hannah saw Sharon and tried to squirm from Andy, her hands out, waiting for her mom to grab her.

"Careful," he nodded to Sharon. "She's drooling a lot," he gestured to his shirt. Sharon gave him a small smile and took Hannah anyways, holding her in front of her, careful not to put her close to her navy dress. Andy admired her dress while she held Hannah. It was simple, no frills, and it went to her knees. It was almost professional, almost a work-style dress, but it fit her well. It sat almost on the edge of her shoulders. He knew there was a name for such a style dress; he just couldn't remember it. She was wearing a nude colored heel, and she had on minimal jewelry, just some earrings and her watch. She looked great, but in his opinion, she always looked great.

"Dad, you are sure you two are okay with her?" Sharon asked, looking between them, almost nervous.

"Oh, go on, Mom," Ricky grinned, taking Hannah. "We'll be fine."

"I have watched her before, Sharon," her dad frowned and added, "even overnight."

"I know," she gave a slight roll to the eye.

"Sharon, you ready to go?" Andy asked, knowing she was stalling. This was a big deal, the two of them going out on a date. She turned slightly to him, Hannah looking at him too. He reached over and tickled at Hannah's foot, causing her to giggle.

"Bye my sweet one," she said kissing Hannah. "Bye to you two over there," she waved her finger at them. "Keep my child happy."

"I am happy," Ricky grinned, and that caused Andy to chuckle. Sharon eyed Ricky and her dad.

"We'll be back later. I know you two need to get back to your hotel," she said. Andy nodded to the men, walked to the door, and he opened it, gesturing to Sharon.

"Thank you both," he called to them as Sharon walked toward him. He didn't anything else until the two were finally outside the apartment with the door closed.

Andy glanced over at Sharon, who was running her hands over her dress as if she was trying to get rid of imaginary wrinkles. He cleared his throat, "Nervous?"

She looked to him, quickly, almost surprised he had asked her that, "I don't know. I mean, ahh, yes, I suppose. I don't date. I rarely go on dates. Look, this doesn't have to be anything. I know we were almost conned into this. I know we need to eat, and that doesn't have to be anything special."

Andy just nodded as he studied her, her hands gesturing as she spoke. She had a small clutch in her hand, and he gestured to his car. "Well, we're in luck," he winked to her as they walked up to the car. "I already made a dinner reservation because as you said, we need to eat." He gave her a small smile. "Don't think of this as a date even."

"Okay," she let out a small sigh. "I do have errands to run. We could go grocery shopping. Hannah's going to need more diapers soon."

"Sharon," he put his hand on hers and gave her a small smile, "while I don't mind at all doing those things with you, we aren't going to do that tonight. I'm looking forward to dinner. I intend to have a nice dinner with you," he said, his hand now clasped with hers as he squeezed it and looked into her eyes. "It's just me. Relax. We can do this. I know this is out of your comfort zone, that, in a way, this is more personal to you than just sleeping with someone," he rolled his eyes slightly. "Yes, that sounds crazy, but I have been figuring you out for a long time. You have control there, and things can end when you want. This," he gestured around the car, "I'm a guy, here, wanting to take you to dinner and spend the evening with you, talking to you and just being with you. Okay?"

Sharon looked to the ground, nodding. When she looked up at Andy, he was there, just watching her. She gave a little shrug, "I'm not sure what to think of all this. I know it's silly and sounds backwards, but this seems more involved. Before it was easier to keep any emotion out of it."

"I know," he pulled her toward him with their joined hand. He tugged on it, "This can be good too," he said quietly. "I mean, you get a nice dinner out of it. I'm paying," he flashed a small grin at her.

She nodded again, "That's part of my almost annoyance with dating. I feel there are expectations, so many expectations. I hadn't dated in decades, and after my divorce, I tried dating a little. I didn't like the unknown, trying to figure out the expectations. It was easier to almost state up front what I wanted, no extras. That's where I was with things with you."

"I know," he said, brushing a stray hair from her face as he looked at her. "With me, tonight," he gestured around with his free hand, "it's just dinner. I'd like to take you to dinner. I will drive you there, enjoy your company, let you order whatever you want-even if it's two desserts," he said and got a chuckle from Sharon. "I'll enjoy talking to you until we are ready to leave. After that, I'm perfectly okay bringing you back here. No expectations."

She stood there. Andy pulled his hand from hers and put his hands on her arms to look at her. She moved her hands to the buttons on his shirt, toying with the one, a nervous habit. She nodded again, "No expectations then to put out?" She looked up at him, a sparkle in her eye.

"Ahh, no, not from me at all," he said quickly to her. "I admit old Andy would have expected that, even skipped dinner for that and has in the past."

"I meant me," she gave a little shrug. "I mean, you are only in town one more night, and it could be awhile before I see you again, so, yes," she patted his chest, "that would be my expectation, but I didn't always have that expectation on dates, not until recently. I suppose tonight I wouldn't say it's an expectation, but a request."

"Really?" he gave her a small smile. "I'll take that under advisement. It's never an expectation from you, just to be clear. I love being with you Sharon, and right now, I'm looking forward to spending time with you just in a different way, two people just enjoying each other. Later," he waved his hand, "we can revisit your request, long after we send your family packing back to the hotel."

Sharon nodded as she looked down and chuckled slightly, "Okay," she let out her breath.

"Relaxed enough to get into the car?" he said as he opened the door with his one hand, his other still on her arm. "I would really like to take you to dinner."

"Thank you," she said quietly and got into the car. Andy closed the door and took a few deep breaths as he walked to the driver door. This woman, she could set him on fire with a word, and she'd done that already. He was trying to keep his cool when all he wanted to do was go back inside and kick out her family so he could take her to bed. He needed to focus, though, because he wanted a relationship, and that was founded on more than a roll in the sheets, something he'd discussed with Bob earlier. He knew that, but Sharon, she was just so irresistible to him. He'd never felt like that about a women, ever.

When he got into the car, he saw she was looking at the car seat. She gestured toward it, "You brought a car seat?"

"Well, yeah," he shook his head. "This is the one I bought when I was in town for your mom's funeral. I want to have it in the car when I visit in case we go anywhere with Hannah. Tomorrow, before I go home, we can run those errands you need to do. I'll be happy to do that with you, but I don't want a first real date to be a lap around the grocery store." Andy started out of her complex.

"We've been out before," Sharon pointed out to him as he started the car.

Andy nodded, "We have, but honestly, Sharon, I felt like other times we've been out, it's almost been under duress. You haven't wanted to be with me, not outside the bedroom, and we both know it. I hope this is different." He glanced at her and found her looking at her lap. She turned slightly, her lips pursed, and she gave him a small shrug.

"I'm trying to be open to whatever the evening holds," she admitted.

"Great," he flashed a smile. "I have dinner booked at a nice restaurant. I called around to get us a reservation, and I'm very much looking forward to getting to know you."

"Getting to know me," she chuckled slightly and shook her head. "You know me."

"Yeah, but I don't," he offered a quick shrug. "I know parts of you. I feel like I know you behind closed doors, almost literally. I know you have a c-section scar from Hannah you hate and can't do anything about it. I know you have a scar on your upper leg from a patrol incident where you were knifed. I know things like that, but I don't know a lot of basics about you, things a man should know about the mother of his child, the woman he cares deeply for more and more each day. Just like now, I hope you like the restaurant, but I don't even know your favorite type of food, that if you were in a bad mood, what food would brighten your day. I know you like a chocolate bar, and that's about it. I don't know if you even really like shellfish or if you are allergic to any foods. I don't know anything else, like even something so juvenile as your favorite color, or a favorite author. I don't know your favorite place to shop or what a typical grocery list looks like for you. I don't know your political party or if you enjoy watching the news or not. I don't know what your first choice is with a movie. Sharon, when we've been together, we've had one thing on our mind. That's been it. It's been evolving slowly recently, but even with that, we've been focusing more on Hannah. That's all fine, but I feel like we need to back up and start again, with the basics, good, old dating, you and me, spending dinner just talking."

Sharon pursed her lips as she listened to Andy. He'd started to get worked up about the conversation, and when he finished, he let out his breath. She crossed her arms and started to speak in an almost flippant tone, "I prefer to stay out of politics. There's plenty of it in every aspect of work, and with regards to the government, it's not my favorite thing to discuss. It always causes arguments, no matter the intentions. I'd say that with our jobs, you know how I feel about certain issues, but that's for another day. My favorite color is the same as when I was five years old. It's purple because my elementary school had a purple bear for a mascot, why I have no idea," she smiled slightly and shook her head. Quickly, she dropped the memory and resumed her sharp tone, "As for authors, I prefer crime. I read a lot of Connelly books. Food, I don't like Indian, and I can't stand sushi. That's just my taste. Healthier options are preferred, but I do enjoy most anything else. Give me a good pizza for comfort food. I'm not sure I have a favorite restaurant, but I suppose if I have the choice, I like Italian food. To be honest, when the kids were growing up, I didn't have time or money to have favorites. I was a busy working mom who did her best. As I told you, I don't really date, so I haven't really been to a lot of different restaurants lately. Gavin used to always take me to dinner, but that's changed with my moving."

"Yeah, about that, I don't think dinner tonight will be of the caliber you expect with Gavin," he paused, glancing to her. "I booked a nice place, but look, that's just not who I am. I want to give you the best; I'm just uncomfortable in places where I can't even pronounce the menu. That's partly why I've been nervous to express any desire here, Sharon. I know I'm not in your league."

Sharon eyed him surprised at his comment, "I don't judge a man by fancy restaurants, do I? I don't mean to do that."

"Look, it's the vibe I always got around you before I got to know you. I'm sure that's part of your hesitation with me, and I realize we need to talk about that. I'm probably never going to be the five-star kind of guy. Really, I suppose we should have talked about that," he sighed.

"I'm not so shallow I only see that," she reached her hand toward his. "I'm not. Gavin has been my closest friend for a long time. That's what he enjoys, and he likes going to eat with me. I'm sorry if you thought I didn't want to be with you because of that."

"Thank you," he nodded and turned his focus back on the road. "You deserve the world, Sharon."

"See, I only made you feel badly," she gestured. "We were fine not knowing details."

"No, we weren't," he said directly. "If we are going to try and move forward, to try and build anything, we need to know about each other. Sharon, I want to sit down in any restaurant, scan the menu quickly, and know what I think you will order. I just want to be that guy, the guy who knows you, good and bad, faults and all. I want that."

Sharon gestured at him, "It's not one-sided."

"Okay," Andy nodded slowly and continued, "favorite color is green, and it always has been. Lately, it is even more because it reminds me of the color of your eyes. Books, I like historical fiction. I like to watch the news, but not to worry tonight; I'm not going to grill you on political topics, but I do value your opinion. We can discuss more and we progress, but know that even if we have different thoughts, we are still okay together. I love Italian food too, so we agree on something. I don't eat much meat, and that's really for my diet. I'm not against meat and want Hannah to eat it, so there's no need to worry there. My least favorite day at work is when Chief wants to find fried chicken. It's one of those things she loves, and she continually says no one in LA makes it like she could get it at home. She almost sends out the division in search of the best fried chicken and wants everyone to eat it. She doesn't believe a person can be a vegetarian," he chuckled. "Anyway, there," he gestured with his hand. "Thank you for the feedback. We're almost to the restaurant, and I am very much looking forward to seeing what you order."

Andy parked the car and glanced over at Sharon. She gave him a small smile, and he winked at her as he opened the door, gesturing for her to stay seated. He moved around quickly to open her door, and then, he offered her his hand as she got out of the car.

"You're still nervous," he leaned toward her and said quietly. "Your hand is shaking."

Sharon stood, the door open, with Andy right in front of her. Her eyes searched his, and she gave a small shrug, "I suppose on some level you are right, but how do you explain this as a first date of sorts when you share a child?"

"You don't," he said sweetly, reaching to squeeze her hand. "It's no one's business, just our own. We don't worry about it. If I've learned anything, it's that there's no right way here, Sharon. We've been doing things as they come; there's no checklist, okay?"

Sharon nodded, her eyes searching his. She leaned in and kissed him, Andy quickly returning the kiss. They stood at the car kissing for several seconds until they broke apart from each other.

"Better," she nodded. "That, you, it calms me, while at the same time, you make me nervous."

"That's your comfort zone, almost where you feel you can put on the brakes, which is ironic because that's usually how most couple increase their passion or romantic interest. We're just backwards, Sharon. We were so hot and heavy we skipped a few things, and that's where we pull back to that, the physical, not that I don't enjoy kissing you," he said, leaning in to kiss her again.

"So, kissing before dinner on a first date?" she asked, when they pulled apart this time. She eyed him.

He shrugged, "As I said, there's no right way for us. I liked it; you liked it, and I'm going to now buy you dinner. Let's enjoy our evening."

The two made their way into the small, local Italian bistro. Andy had called around to a few places and finally found this place had an open reservation spot. As they stepped inside, he felt like this place was meant to be for them. It felt cozy and perfect for their date. While it was a summer evening and outdoor patio seating had been offered, he'd asked to sit inside where he just wanted a quiet corner with Sharon.

Once the two were seated, they both opened their menus and started to study the options. Sharon almost jumped when the waiter appeared, "Good evening. I'll be taking your drink orders. Something from the bar?"

"Sharon?" Andy gestured to her to order.

"Oh, ahh, um," she glanced at Andy, who sat there casually watching her. She shook her head, "I'm sorry. I don't believe I'll have anything. He's an alcoholic." As soon as she said it, she closed her eyes. Andy groaned slightly, and the waiter didn't know how to react.

"Could I please get a cranberry juice?" Andy said quickly as he found his voice. "I'm sure you can bring her your finest red wine, yes?" Andy looked to Sharon, who glanced at him. She was still horrified at what she'd said and gave a quick nod. The waiter also nodded and stepped away quickly.

"Andy, I am so sorry," she said, now breathless and gestured with her hands. "That was completely inappropriate and just slipped. I don't know why I said that."

"Sharon, it's okay," Andy shrugged. "I am an alcoholic. Granted," he shrugged again, "I normally don't announce it to waiters, but it's the truth. This proves my point. We've not really addressed ordering alcohol when out to eat. Even in New York, I forget what you said, but you didn't order it. Is this why? Sharon, never ever make excuses for me as to why you can't enjoy a glass of wine. Please. I don't want that at all. I'm the problem, and I acknowledge that. You never have to feel like you need to refrain because of me or be worried about me. If there's ever a problem or temptation, I will tell you."

"It's insensitive," she shook her head. "If I had a food allergy, you wouldn't necessarily order that food."

"Hey, no comparison needed. It's fine. I'm okay, and I want you to enjoy that wine. You do like red wine, right?" Andy asked.

"I do," Sharon gave him a small smile. "Thank you. It's' just that Jack would have ordered alcohol. Yes, the alcoholic would have ordered something and told me he could handle one drink. That's what I know."

"And, I know what I am as an alcoholic. I also know that I'm always going to be compared to Jack, and I'm adjusting to that," he admitted.

She narrowed her gaze and gestured with her hand, "I'm trying not to do that. I'm sorry, but I promise I'm trying."

"I'm not Jack. I realize we have things in common, things you see, your dad sees, but I'm not Jack," he told her.

"My dad?" she questioned. Andy closed his eyes and groaned, and Sharon continued, "What did my dad say to you?"

"Look," he raised his hands in defense, "your dad, he's a good man. I like him, but he obviously has concerns. I wasn't even going to bring up most of it because it was one of those man-to-man chats. It was difficult, but good. He brought up I'm like Jack in many areas and worries you are only attracted to those characteristics, and with that, I'm going to hurt you like Jack."

Sharon sighed, "I was hoping you and my dad would have a quiet walk, a simple conversation. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm comparing you and that he brought it up with you."

"No," he shook his head. "I'm okay. I am an adult and can handle it. He's worried you aren't ready for me, for a relationship with me or really anyone. I think you are, at least if we take this slowly."

"Your drinks," the waiter said before Sharon could offer anything back to Andy. She eyed him, and he looked at her, warmth in his eyes. She smiled slightly at him and turned her attention back to the menu.

"Do you have any specials?" she asked. "I'm interested in trying something different tonight. That seems to be the theme tonight."

Once they'd finally ordered, Sharon turned to Andy, "Hannah," she smiled brightly, "she's into so much lately."

Andy nodded and reached across the table to clasp her hand, "I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I don't want to talk about Hannah tonight."

Sharon shook her head, trying to understand, "I thought," she paused. "I see. Actually, I don't. I thought you wanted to be involved in her life."

"Oh, I most certainly do," he squeezed her hand. She looked at it, almost as if she'd forgotten they were holding hands. "I want to talk about us. When I say 'us' understand I know it involves Hannah, but tonight, I want to focus on us, just you and me. I believe we need that. We need to be an us," he gestured between them, "to be an us with Hannah if that makes any sense. Basically, I want more between us than just Hannah. I want a relationship with you, Sharon."

"I'm sorry," she sighed. "With Jack, it's easier to focus on the kids. He wants one thing from me, well," she rolled her eyes, "money and one more thing, but that's Jack, and," she paused again. "I'm doing it again. I'm comparing you to Jack. I'm sorry. I will do a better job. I'm trying."

"We'll try together," he smiled at her. "I think there's a chemistry here that stretches beyond physical. I think we will find we have a lot in common."

The meal continued, and the conversation improved. Both seemed to relax more, and after their plates had been cleared, Andy nodded toward Sharon, "So, murder mysteries?"

She narrowed her gaze, not following his conversation, "I'm sorry?"

"Earlier, you mentioned you like to read murder mysteries. That surprises me with work. I mean, you spend all day at work, dealing with criminals, and then, you like to go home and read more, fictional murder stories?" he asked.

Sharon smiled, "I'm strange, yes. I can't explain it. I've never been the sappy romance novel girl."

"Okay," he nodded. "Noted. How about you tell me about your best college memory while we share some dessert?"

She pursed her lips for a moment, and then, she glanced at the small dessert menu sitting between them, "Is it too late to tell you chocolate cake and cheesecake are my two favorite desserts?"

"A for effort," he pointed at her. "Just for that, Sharon," he winked, "we'll get both. You can take any leftovers home. See, we're getting to know each other, and it's actually enjoyable."

Finally, after they couldn't eat anything else, the two sat adjacent to each other at the table. Andy leaned in toward her, "I've very much enjoyed dinner with you, Sharon. Not only did I find out you prefer a Caesar salad, I learned that you love mushrooms on almost anything."

Sharon gave him a small smile, "I hope it's okay I ordered meat. My chicken was delicious, mushrooms and all."

Andy gave a small shrug, "It's always okay. Like the wine, I never want you to apologize for being you, for ordering what you want, for doing what you want. I do find it funny tonight we came to an Italian restaurant, yet, neither of us really ordered Italian."

She chuckled and shrugged, "Well, the chicken special sounded delicious. I was surprised you ordered fish."

He gave a small shrug, "It sounded good too. Pasta sounded too heavy after we got here. I'm good with my choice. My dinner-the food, the conversation, all of it-has been great."

"I've enjoyed my evening too," she smiled slightly. "Thank you for dinner."

"Of course," he gestured to the door. "Are you ready to go? This has been a great evening, but I didn't realize until just now we've been here over two hours."

"We have?" Sharon looked to her watch, horrified.

Andy smiled at her, "Great evening with great conversation. I think your dad and Ricky are okay. I'm really glad we've had this time."

"I've had a good time, better than I imagined," she gave him a small smile. She took his hand when he offered it to her to stand, and then, he gestured for her to walk in front of him on the way out. When they stepped outside the restaurant, Andy reached for her hand while he met her gaze, wanting to make sure it was okay. She tensed slightly, but then, he watched as she let out her breath and relaxed. He squeezed her hand, and the two walked side by side to his car.

"So, on many dates, I'd suggest a movie or something. Tonight, I think dinner is good. I mean, the goal is to spend time together and talk. I have enjoyed this tonight," he said.

"As I told you, I suppose I don't have a normal date routine," she paused and turned slightly toward him.

"Well, I'm hoping we are creating one, at least on the path to one. I'd like to pursue this Sharon. I've told you that I care deeply for you," he said.

Sharon's eyes searched his. She bit her lip and then spoke, "There are feelings there, Andy, feelings for you. I know I've jumbled so much of this date, but I have enjoyed it, at least when I finally let myself relax."

"So," he leaned in slightly, "you might consider another date another night?"

"Well," she said with a nervous chuckle, "I don't have any other offers. I'm sorry!" Sharon's eyes widened, horrified, and she put her hand on his chest. "That came out so badly. I didn't mean for it to sound like I'm trying to date anyone else or sleep with other men. I'm terrible at this."

Andy let go of her hand but only to put his hands on her waist and look her in the eyes, "If you want me to just be Hannah's dad and nothing more, say it. We can keep this just that, but," he ran his thumbs over her hips and looked into her eyes, "If you want me in your life, as the man you can call after a bad day, the man who will buy you a pizza because he knows now it's your secret indulgence, or the man who knows what you want at the end of the day, I want to be there as that man. I know I'm not here all the time, but I want to be the man in your life, Sharon. Back home, there's no other women in my life, and I haven't looked at another woman in some time. I want to be with you, and we can take baby steps here. Tonight was one date. We take one day at a time."

She nodded and cleared her throat, "Maybe by the next visit, this won't feel so awkward."

"I hope so," he smiled at her. "I'd like to come for Hannah's birthday if that's okay? I know that is a reminder of what I signed away, what I walked away from, that I wasn't there that day, but Sharon, I wanted to be there then, and I really want to be here for her birthday."

"I'd really like you to come," she said, a trembling smile on her face. "I'd really like that. I'm surprising myself, wanting you to come, hoping you will come, but yes, I would like that."

"Then, I'll be here. I won't be an absent dad; I won't miss her birthday," he said, his thumb still running up her side.

"Can we go home now and check on her? It's late, and I'm sure she's sleeping, but I think I'd just enjoy being with you at home now," she admitted.

Andy raised his eyebrow at her, surprised at her admission, and he leaned in to kiss her again, "I'd enjoy that very much," he said after their short, but sweet kiss. They joined hands again and started for the car.

"My kids asked me today if I was happy," Sharon told him. Andy hadn't asked about her conversation with the kids; he didn't want to pry and hoped she would tell him more when she was ready. "My kids asked if you were the kind of man who curled up with a movie and a bowl of popcorn with me, which is odd, but a good question . Truthfully, I admitted I didn't know that. I told them I was trying to be happy, but I couldn't pinpoint what about you made me happy, if anything, but it hit me as we were walking that I'd like to do that tonight, if it's not too late."

"It's never too late," he stopped when they reached the car and looked at her. "I mean that in every meaning of the word. I'd love to watch a movie with you tonight, to curl up with you and learn about your movie habits. I hope you are able to tell the kids I make you happy. That's what I want, Sharon, to make you happy. Thank you for telling me that."

"I suppose I'm realizing that there's more to a real relationship than just a good time in the bedroom, which sound so stupid. I'm an intelligent woman and should know that. I guess, no, I know, I've just never had that experience, that level of a relationship, and I want to try with you," she smiled slightly.

"So, for tonight, it's just a couple watching a movie, nothing more?" he asked.

She tried to hide her smile, "Well, I didn't say that. If more develops later," she gave a quick shrug, "I suppose as you tried to tell me, our physical relationship is getting better because we are getting more involved. If we explore that later," she grinned, "so be it."

"Who am I to argue?" he winked at her.