Sorry for the short chapter. I've been able to write such long chapters lately, although at a bit over 1300 words its adequate. Just as with "Where Have You Been All My Life?", with everything going on at home right now, I decided to put up what I had already written and edited. I will hopefully have some more time to write after the weekend but my laptop is going in for repairs (grrr... but at least its under warranty) and I don't write as well on the desk top – things get a little hectic in that part of the house.

Hope you enjoy! All fluff and banter in this abbreviated chapter. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 38

Friday, Part One

Kori woke slowly, feeling incredible with the soft sheets against her skin. She peered at the clock on the bedside table, 9:07 AM.

9:07!

"Richard, it is after 9 o'clock, should you not be up?"

Richard groaned. He was very tired and sore from the long day he had on Thursday. Slowly he got his bearings, "It's Friday, right Kori?"

"Yes?"

"Then back to sleep m'love, we don't have anything at the show until tonight."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," he threw his arm across her waist and pulled her under the covers with him.

Oh, she hasn't dressed yet. I'm awake now...

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Richard and Kori had breakfast in the room after they snuggled and slept a little longer. They decided to head over the show even though their horses weren't in until the evening session. It was Locals Day with competition that was open to horses stabled within 40 miles of the horse show grounds.

They had to check on Nightwatch and see if he was going to be ridden tonight. He had a clear lead in the standings having won two classes and placed 3rd in the third class. There were two more classes in the division, a class that night and the final one the next night, Saturday, which happened to be the last night of the horse show.

To their relief and as a bit of a surprise, the horse seemed fine. Because of Kori's input, the horse received treatment for some muscle pain in his back. Dick planned to meet with Manny, Bruce and the rider Greg at about 6 o'clock to make a final decision about that evening's class, but it seemed likely the horse would compete that night.

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Kori kept finding herself thinking about the night before. She was surprised at her own assertiveness and how comfortable she felt with Richard. Of course, Richard did not push her at all, not that she would have thought he would have, he had made it very clear that he was happy that they were going to wait. She smiled at the fact that each time she thought about it, how thrilling she found it to be. To be honest, his caresses were welcomed, but what she found that stuck out in her mind the most was simply being in his arms, skin to skin.

Richard couldn't believe how connected they had become. It was so wonderful to see Kori's so comfortable in her own skin and it was certainly incredible to feel her as well as look at her with only black lace panties on. He surprised himself that he was able to keep himself in check, but even without making love, he felt so much closer than he had to any other woman. He felt so close to her that it was almost overwhelming, and he had to wonder if he was feeling so close to her because they were waiting to make love.

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Richard and Kori were completely in sync all day. They were so very happy. Barriers were torn down and they were closer than ever. They spent the day enjoying each other's company, spending much of the day at the horse show, although when they got into the afternoon, they were beginning to drag, especially Richard. It had been such a long week and hard on both of them physically and emotionally.

Noticing her boyfriend's frequent yawns, Kori said in a playful tone, "Nap time?"

Richard smiled and replied, "yeah, its nap time."

"Come on then", Kori said as she stood and then pulled Richard up to his feet.

It was unsaid that 'nap time' would be back in the hotel, just as it was unsaid that Richard was staying with Kori now, only going back to the apartment to get clothing or other belongings.

If he hadn't been so tired, it certainly would have affected him much more when they got back to the hotel room and after Richard had taken off his shoes and laid on top of the bed, Kori, had, without a word, stripped to her panties and gotten under the covers.

"Well, if that's the case," Richard said in a very sleepy tone as he stripped to his boxers and found his way under the covers. Sleep won out easily over desire and he was asleep within a minute of pulling Kori into his arms.

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As they were get ready to head over for the evening performances, curiosity got the better of Richard and he asked in a playful tone, "Not that I mind, but Kori, you seem surprisingly comfortable without much on."

"Does that surprise you?"

"Well, yes."

"It should not. Perhaps you do not know me as well as you thought," she teased.

"What do you mean?"

"It may just happen to be the case that I was only putting on night clothes because you were here."

"Oh is that so? Are you telling me you sleep in the buff at the Embassy?"

"Well, a) technically, I have not been 'in the buff' as you call it and yes I do know what that means, and b) although the living quarters are very private and secure, I do not tend to sleep 'in the buff' at the Embassy."

"Tend to?"

"Well..."

"Minx. Is this where you tell me that in Tamaran a large percentage of the population sleep that way?"

"Well, yes it is. I of course do have the data on the subject and the statistical analysis shows that even with a sampling error..."

Considering the subject matter, the banter was seriously affecting Richard. "Have I ever told you how sexy you are when you quote your publications?"

"I do not believe you have."

"You are incredibly sexy when you quote your publications, Dr. Anders."

"And you are incredibly sexy all the time Dr. Grayson."

He pulled her close and leaned in to kiss her, and said just before their lips met, "I need to amend my statement: you, Kori Anders, are absolutely sexy all the time and I'm in love with you."

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During the evening, while watching the competition from Bruce's box, their four friends all wondered what was different. One thing was clear: Dick Grayson was happy and it was obvious that Kori Anders had a lot to do with that.

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Sorry again for such a short chapter. Some nice, playful banter. I just love these two! Thanks for reading and please review! We are almost up to 200! 200? Awesome!!! Thanks guys!!

I love in the comics when Kory and Dick call each other "m'love".

LJ