Drinks…

As Ruth and Harry sat at the table, he with a scotch, she with red wine, they gazed at each other. He was sizing her up. She was thinking Harry's not yet the man he is today, I mean in the future, but there are the markings of a changed man.

Harry was giving her his most charming smile, and sparks from his eyes. She knew what was on his mind, but she also knew, that for this to work, she needed to make sure she made up all the rules, and not make the same mistakes. In fact she may just throw the rule book out. "Harry, why are you giving me so much of your attention. I don't see it with Sam, or any other junior agent?"

Harry was perplexed for a moment, then the answer he needed surfaced. "You're my analyst. I need to work closely with you. You are not in the field. (Ruth thought that would change but he didn't know it yet.) I think we need to be comfortable around each other." Harry judging by Ruth's raised eyebrows, knew he'd used the wrong phrase to end that part of the conversation.

"Comfortable?" asked Ruth.

"Yes, comfortable. We need to have time together. In many ways we will be closer than if we were married." Again Harry thought, wrong choice. "I mean we have to almost be able to finish each other's sentences." Ruth smiled. Harry thought it meant she'd accepted his explanation. Ruth knew that was exactly what developed between them, but then she was less mature mentally the first time, and he too reserved for fear she'd flea like a bird into the wind.

Harry, still being a bit adventuresome, as he was 10 years younger than the last time Ruth had arrived on the grid said "I want to ask you a personal question, but you don't have to answer. Does a 17 year age difference matter to you when it comes to personal relationships?"

Ruth blushed but looked him in the face making eye contact, both her eyes and his revealed just how attracted they were to each other. She responded carefully. "No the age difference doesn't bother me. I don't like gossip, but can live with it. I don't like the type of gossip about sleeping with the boss." At those words, Harry all but choked on the scotch he'd just swallowed. She continued, "But I think I can learn to live with it provided it's not a fling. I don't do flings."

Harry was thinking about what she'd said. Then Ruth informed him, "I think HR would have to approve it, but since they like for you to stay within the service ranks for mates it shouldn't be difficult." It was Ruth's turn to blush as she realized she'd used the term mates, as in mating.

Harry looked at her and thought. She's not the type I've used in the past, but I'm not so sure I'm going to use her. I think this has potential if I can be more emotionally forthright with her. Odd thoughts were going through Harry's mind, he now feared he was falling for the elusive Miss Evershed. Is that what I want? Is it what I need? Is it what she needs? Wait, when did I ever care about what my partner needed. No I'm not a complete bastard when it comes to women, but not far from it.

His thoughts were interrupted by Ruth, " Shall we go for a walk along the Themes."It was another of his favorite activities, how could she know, or did she. Do they have that much in common? He found Miss Evershed growing on him with every passing minute he spent with her.

Ruth knew he would enjoy the walk. It was a full moon it would be beautiful. It would be peaceful. It would be romantic. That is what she and Harry had missed. They'd never been able to be romantic with each other. Maybe now was the time. Harry had readily accepted the offer. He paid the bill and escorted her from the bar and they made their way to the river bank for their walk.

They walked in silence. It seemed there was no need to talk. They were content with each other's company. Ruth had quietly slipped her arm through his. He did not pull away. They continued on. They came upon a bench. Ruth always thought of it as their bench, but this Harry doesn't know that yet. She suggested they sit and admire the view. Harry agrees.

There is silence, but not awkward silence. He puts his arm around her and pulls her closer to him as he notices she's a bit cold in the night air. She doesn't pull away. She leans into the protection of his arm. They start with small talk. He knows she's graduated from Oxford as did he, only 17 years before. They talk about the river, and the setting. They talk about anything but work. After a while there is a lull in the conversation. They look at each other. They move their heads closer together. Harry moves toward Ruth's lips. Ruth moves towards Harry's lips. The kiss is gently, followed by several more gentle kisses. Then the kisses grow in intensity, until both pull back, hearts beating rapidly.

"Is this too much too fast Ruth?" The analyst in Ruth is summarizing the situation. Then she stops. She'd sworn to do this differently given a second chance but was it too fast? I could never be any slower than the first time.

"No," said Ruth. "This is not too fast. In fact I was thinking I need a drive home.

Harry didn't need a second hint. "May I escort you?"

"Of course, would you like to come in for a drink before going home?"

Harry looked at her and thought a drink and more. He managed not to voice these thoughts. Instead he said, "that would be lovely Ruth." Both had the look of hope in their eyes, as Harry, pulled out his mobile and called for his driver to pick him up. "Do you mind Ruth that the driver knows? If you do I'll send him on his way." Ruth knew in the past it would be the driver who would spoil the secret but this time she didn't care. She wanted Harry. She wanted a life with Harry. Now she had to make sure he would want the same with her. Had it only been sexual tension and her refusal of him that held his interest or was there more to it? This time she was determined to find answers. In fact she should know the answers in the near future as she recognized Harry's vehicle pulling up and an expression of surprise on the driver's face. It was definite. If everything goes to plan, by tomorrow their secrete would be out thought Ruth. The Grid would be full of gossip. Still it did not bother her this time.