SOP Disclaimer: I do not own Starsky and Hutch, they own me. I do not profit from this and do not infringe on anyone's rights. This is for entertainment purposes ONLY!

This is long on fluff. Actually, it is very long on fluff. I thought Starsky needed a break. Everyone needs a good day every once in a while.

Warnings: Hutch is almost non-existent in this.

Reviews and feedback are greatly appreciated.

A Heart Revived

by dnjlwilson

Chapter Three

Sleep didn't come easy for her. She tossed and turned, dreaming of deep blue eyes and a toe-curling smile. He didn't fare much better as he dreamed of that very kissable mouth and the beautiful way her head tossed back when she laughed.

Next morning, he turned the shower off, quickly dried off, shaved, ran a comb through the rat's nest the sleepless night left on his head, brushed his teeth, swished the Listerene around in his mouth and spit.

"What happened? I'm a mess!" he said, looking in the mirror. Even Hutch noticed something was up last night when Starsky went by to check on him, causing and endless barrage of questions. Not willing to devulge anything, Starsky skillfully evaded the questions with vague answers and tales of his boring day going over paperwork with the Feds. He left out, of course, the woman who had completely captivated his every thought and revived feelings he thought long dead since Terry's death.

He didn't even realize he had arrived at Parker Center. Parking the Torino, he used the stairs instead of the elevator to the second floor to give him time to clear his head.

"She probably won't even show today," Starsky thought, "Why would a woman like that even think twice about a guy like me?"

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when he looked up and saw Alexandra walking toward him.

"Perfect timing," she smiled as she neared him.

"Wow," he thought. "Green is her color." She wore black pants, boots, and a beautiful emerald green blouse that set off her eyes perfectly. Her full brunette hair swinging in rythum with her stride.

"Yeah, perfect." he said with a hidden meaning.

Her thoughts were similar as she took in his appearance. Did he know how good he looked, what he did to her? His tan shirt complemented his dark complexion, unbuttoned just enough to reveal a small portion of his well muscled chest. The worn leather jacket only intensified the charisma and attraction as did his worn jeans. A night apart had not diminished the attraction she had toward him. This man was gorgeous!

"This was going to be a long day," she thought to herself. How could she let herself go this far in her thoughts. He could have any woman he wanted, why would he be interested in her?

"Mornin'." he offered, bringing her out of her revery.

"And top of the morning to you." she replied with unexpected control of her voice. "Ready to hit those files?"

"Ready or not." he answered with a smile.

The day moved quickly. They ordered lunch in and worked until 6, making a good amount of progress. Starsky was proud of his professionalism, keeping his thoughts in check and his mind on the work at hand. Alexandra was successful in this as well, enjoying the company and the progress. Now came the hard part.

"You hungry?" he tentively asked.

"Starving!" she replied, hoping she didn't sound too eager.

"Both feet!" he though to himself before continuing. "How about a great big steak, cooked to your liking, some charming company, no 'shop' talk, in a quiet little restaurant down on the beach where you can here the waves crashin' on the shore?"

"Sounds like a perfect evening." she replied, looking into his hopeful gaze.

"Well, if I can find you some charming company, we'll have it made!" he joked.

Grabbing his arm she said, "I think I just found him!"

"Hope you're right." he replied as he placed his hand over hers and led her to the elevator.

The restaurant was just as he described. The only table available was outside on the deck, although she didn't mind. It was perfect. The sound of the sea, the soft music, good food, and very charming company made the evening one of the most special she had ever had.

"Wanna walk off this steak on the beach?" he asked.

"Good idea." she answered, maybe anticipating something more than he was offering.

He held her hand as they walked down the deck stairs to the sandy beach. She bent down and removed her shoes.

"It's been a long time since I took the time to do this." she said.

"Me too." he said in almost a whisper. Alexandra looked at him. He was staring out into the ocean, lost in his thoughts. My God, he was gorgeous.

"Penny for your thoughts." she said, hesitant to interfere.

"They're probably not worth that much. Just avoiding what I'm really thinking." he said, with a lowered voice, making her heart jump with hope. Did he really feel the same way she did? Did he long to hold her, to take this one step further?

Like he read her mind, he lifted her face to his with a soft finger on her chin. Her breath stopped as he drew closer. "Alex." he whispered in her ear, making her tremble. The tremble, not escaping his notice, encouraged him to risk a light kiss on her cheek. Backing up from her, he looked into her face. Her eyes were closed, lips slightly parted. As he lowered his mouth to hers, she whispered his name. When their lips touched, the jolt rocked them both. She raised her hands to his neck and allowed herself to run her fingers through his dark, soft curls, drawing him closer. He slowly slid his hands down her back, causing a small moan to escape her lips. He deepened the kiss, pulling her close in his arms. Kissing her slow and deliberate, he pushed aside all of his self-doubts, believing that maybe, just maybe she was enjoying this as much as he was.

Breathless, she pulled away, looking into his midnight blue eyes, getting lost in the desire she saw in them. "I'm a bit rusty, David." she confessed.

"Practice makes perfect, Alex." Starsky replied, his eyes twinkling with mischeif.

"Is this too good to be true, David?"

"Well, it's true, and it's too good." he smiled as he drew her into another mindbending kiss. Their tongues danced as they allowed themselves to get lost in their passion, if just for a moment.

He pulled away from her with a moan. "God, Alex." he whispered against her ear.

"I'm a little scared, David. I didn't realize how intense this would be." she said with a shaky voice.

"Maybe we should take it slow." he offered.

"Maybe we should." she replied, "But not too slow?" she asked as she looked hopefully into his handsome face.

That high voltage smile of his appeared as he said, "Not too slow."

Changing the mood, he said, "Dance with me," indicating with his head the soft, slow music that could be heard from the restaurant down the beach. He pulled her into an easy embrace as she silently nodded her answer. Slowly swaying in rythum with the music, they danced, lost in the feel of their bodies touching, relishing the nearness, and the innocent contact.

"Oh, David, this is the most romantic thing I've ever seen."

"Yeah, you surprised?" he said, teasing.

"No, just shocked at how lucky I am."

"You're lucky? I'm the lucky one darlin'. I got the most beautiful woman in town in my arms. What's more lucky than that?" he challenged.

"Having the most handsome, charming, sexiest man in town holding me! That's more lucky!" she said, aware of her bad grammer.

They didn't realize how long they had been dancing until the music stopped and the lights were turned off.

"I guess that's my cue to take you home, huh?" he asked.

"I guess so. We do have a long day tomorrow," she agreed.

The ride home was peaceful. An easy, contented quiet settled between them as she leaned into him and he dropped his arm over her shoulder. Arriving at her apartment, he gentlemanly opened her car door. Placing his hands on both sides of her face, he slowly and gently kissed her.

"I better say goodnight right here." he said, pulling relunctantly away.

"Why is that?" she answered, slightly confused.

"We did say we were going to take it slow, remember?"

Understanding, she blushed, "Oh yeah, we did."

"See you tomorrow, Alex."

"I like that name, David."

He kissed her forehead and returned to his side of the car. Pausing before getting in, he said, "Sleep well," flashing her the smile that caused her heart to flip flop.

"About as good as you will." she teased.

"Touche." he smiled as he dropped down into his car and drove away before he changed his mind.

As the Torino picked up speed on the highway toward home, Starsky thought about the night. He was finally beginning to live again. He knew Terry would want that. He allowed himself to hope that maybe he could love again too. He had a lot to think about, but first, he had to talk to someone who would be as excited as he was. Hutch.

finis