Chapter 37

Dinner was a comfortable, effortless affair. Neither of them noticed the luxury of their surroundings. Each was completely focused on the other. They only had eyes for each other. Laughter flowed from each of them easily.

Robbie reached for his glass, "Laura, can I talk you into dessert?"

Smiling at him over her glass, she bit her lower lip. "You can talk me into anything, Robbie."

His eyes twinkled, wondering to himself if she was even aware of the double meaning of what she'd said. "Is that a yes or a no to dessert?"

A blush spread across her cheeks, the meaning of her words finally dawning on her. Her nostrils flared, her breathing sped up, "Only if you're willing to share with me."

They strolled hand in hand through the city. An easy silence settled between them. "I'm glad you talked me into dessert."

He smiled down at her, "It was with the promise that we would share."

"You had some."

Robbie stopped walking, pulled her closer to him. "Two bites, Laura, I got two bites."

"They were very big bites." He raised his eyebrow at her. "I guess we will just have to do this again sometime."

"On one condition." At her eager expression, he continued. "I get my own dessert."

She stepped closer to him, her hand pulled gently on his tie. "On one condition." He nodded down at her. Pushing up on her toes, she pulled on his tie. Her other hand rested against his chest, steadying herself.

Her lips parted, he heard her draw in a breath as if she was preparing to tell him her one condition. Lost in the moment, he didn't give her the chance to tell him her condition. He kissed her, softly, tenderly. His pulse quickened when he heard her sigh into the kiss.

One hand went to her waist, steadying her against him. The other hand cupped her cheek gently, his thumb stroking tenderly. Her arms wrapped around him, her body molding into his. They stood on the sidewalk, kissing, oblivious to anything else in the world.

By unspoken agreement, they ended the kiss. He pressed his forehead into hers, each slightly breathless. After a few minutes, Robbie smiled softly, "What was your condition?" Nuzzling into him, she laughed to herself, "What's so funny, Laura?"

Smiling up at him, "My condition was only if you kiss me."

"And if I kiss you again, do I get two desserts?"