After a few hours sleep, Catherine spent the afternoon pampering herself in preparation for the evening. After a steamy, relaxing bath, she freshened up her nails and then went to her closet in search of a dress. Finally she decided on her most recent purchase. Gil had never seen it before and her mind raced with anticipation of his response. It was sapphire blue with long sleek lines, the neckline taking quite a plunge that hinted at but didn't quite show her breasts. It was skin tight in all the right places and forgiving in others. She liked what the color did for her eyes too.

Lindsey hung around for some of the primping and seemed to be all excited that 'Uncle Gil' had asked her out. "He's so much better than some of those other guys you've gone out with, Mom. A little weird, but he's nice. And he treats you nice."

Catherine thought about Lindsey's words. They reminded her of what Gil had said that morning. Even Lindsey could see that she was constantly attracted to the wrong type. Well, maybe that's changing, she thought.

She eyed herself in the mirror, pleased with her choice. Catherine girl, you are hot! She heard Lindsey opening the door and headed down to meet her date. Gil was standing just inside the door. Catherine paused for a minute on the steps, savoring this moment. Lindsey was talking to him but that's not where her attention was directed. He was wearing his dark blue suit with a crisp white shirt and a steel blue/grey tie and pocket kerchief. The clothing combination set off his always brilliant blue eyes and the grey that had been slowly taking over his hair. His beard was freshly trimmed giving him a roguish look that she liked. God, he's gorgeous, she mumbled. She felt a flush of heat crawl through her body as her eyes drank him in. What that man does for a suit! Slowly she continued toward the pair.

"Gil…"

His eyes grew wide as she approached, approval written all over his face. She watched as he took in her dress, from the hem all the way to her shoulders; his face flushing a little as his eyes found her neckline. "Catherine?" he smiled as his eyes found hers. "You look lovely." His voice seemed to have a little catch in it. "I have something for you. When I found it, I thought of your eyes, but I think it will go with your dress very nicely." He handed her a small box with a blue bow.

Her hands shook as she took it from him and lifted the top. "Oh, Gil….it's beautiful" she gasped.

"What is it, Mom? Let me see, let me see."

Her hand still shaking, she lifted a small gold chain until Lindsey could see the pendant. It was an oval shaped star sapphire surrounded by diamond chips. "Gil, this is…..I don't know what to say; it is so beautiful. It's too much though….you shouldn't have…."

He looked in Lindsey's direction and for once the child got the hint. "You guys have fun," she said. "Night, Uncle Gil." Then she disappeared up the steps.

"Catherine, I bought that a long time ago for you….but there never seemed to be a good time to give it to you. So, I thought tonight should be the night."

"You've had this a long time?" Tears were threatening behind her eyes.

The blue of his eyes bored into hers. "Yes, I was at a conference and saw it at one of the shops down the street. It just looked like you and I knew I wanted you to have it. So I bought it."

She held it up to him, "Help me with the clasp?"

He took it as she turned to offer her neck. He gingerly put it on her and fastened the clasp. His hands lingered on her shoulders as he finished. Very tenderly he kissed her neck, his lips lingering for just a moment. She turned to find him watching her intently. Her hand instinctively went to the new pendant. "How does it look?"

"Not nearly as beautiful as the wearer." His gaze never left her face. Suddenly he seemed to collect himself, "Shall we go?"

Once outside, he offered his arm which she took as they walked to his car. He opened her door and saw that she was settled in before moving around to his side of the car, Catherine's eyes following him the entire time, marveling at this new Gil. Oh, she'd seen him in suits before, even a tux from time to time, but tonight his whole demeanor was different. She knew he had the ability to be charming; she'd witnessed that too on occasion when he needed to get information out of unwilling witnesses. Why had he so carefully hidden this side of himself for so long?

After some research, Gil had chosen a new restaurant near Summerlin. It was highly rated and it had a dance floor. Once they were seated, they ordered cocktails while they studied the menu. The drinks were delivered and their orders received when Gil found the courage to ask her to dance. Of course Catherine accepted and he led her to the floor.

Gil loved the way she felt in his arms. Her body matched itself to his as she blended into his rhythm. As his legs moved, hers did to; the subtle contact sending currents through him. At first, he tried not to hold her too close but she quickly made her intentions clear as she eased into him. Before long her head was on his shoulder, her hand behind his neck, teasing his hairline. His head found its way to her neck, his mouth nibbling just below her ear. By the time the next song began he was totally lost in her sensuality.

Catherine was giving herself over to the flood of sensations running through her body. His hand was resting at the small of her back; its presence sending tingles through all of her nerve endings. Her head on his shoulder, she felt his heartbeat and was soothed by it. And his kisses and nibbles on her neck made her yearn for more intimate contact. Slowly, she became aware of eyes watching them. There were others dancing, but many of those that were seated were watching the pair. "Gil…."

"Hmmmm." His attention was still on her neck.

"People are watching us."

"Watching you," he breathed before returning to an especially interesting freckle he had discovered.

"No, watching you make out with me…" she chuckled.

"No, all the men are envious because I'm dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room. And all the women are jealous because you are the most beautiful woman in the room and their men can't take their eyes off of you."

"Gil, you really need to stop what you are doing," she said as she let out a small gasp. He had discovered a particularly sensitive spot near her collarbone.

"Why? I like what I am doing. You have a beautiful neck, you know. So long and lovely. I especially like this spot." He nibbled to show her.

She squirmed as his ministrations sent shocks through her again. "Really, Gil….you need to stop." She pulled away slightly to emphasize her statement.

Awareness overtook him as she moved a way. He glanced around as her words sank in. "Sorry, Cath," he said, a little flushed. "I was just caught up in your spell."

She smiled and snuggled back in. He took a deep breath and tried to ignore the effect her motion had on him. "You're enchanting, you know…..always so beautiful, and tonight in that dress, well….you're very enticing."

"You look pretty delicious yourself."

"Thank you, but tonight is about you. No more talk about me."

"Gil…."

"In fact, no more talking. You've cast your spell and I can't think clearly. You're a temptress, Catherine, and I need to try to keep my wits about me. I'm afraid I've lost already though, and I'm completely at your mercy." He was teasing her now, but he also knew the truth of his words.

So they danced, through that number and one more before they spotted their dinner being carried to their table. Catherine talked quietly as they ate with Gil saying little. That wasn't surprising; Gil rarely talked over their meals, but was contented to listen to her.

They had finished and he was contemplating asking her to dance again when the waiter brought two glasses of champagne. "Ah, we didn't order this," Gil said.

"No, sir. Compliments from the elderly couple across the floor."

The pair looked across, locating the table and nodded. Suddenly Gil was standing with his flute in hand, "Come on…"

Catherine stood and walked with him as he made his way across. Arriving at the targeted table, he smiled at them. "Hi, I'm Gil and this is Catherine. Thank you for the champagne."

"I'm Pete and this is my bride of 50 years, Sadie. We were watching you two dancing and it reminded us of ourselves, many years ago." He looked across at Sadie and smiled. She was watching him, years of love and care in her expression. "We just wanted to share in your evening, a little. I hope you don't mind the intrusion.."

"Not at all," answered Gil. "Would you join us in a toast?"

Pete and Sadie smiled as he responded, "If I may have the honor…." Gil smiled and nodded his agreement. Pete lifted his glass, "To the women in our lives and everlasting love." Four glasses clinked and then each sipped. Gil turned to Sadie, "May I have the honor of this dance? If Pete doesn't mind, of course."

As Gil led Sadie to the floor, Catherine slid into her chair. "That's very nice of Gil to dance with my Sadie," said Pete. "We used to dance all night; she was always a good dancer and enjoyed it so much. But my knees just can't take it anymore."

"You here on vacation?" Asked Catherine.

"Fifth Honeymoon. We take a honeymoon every ten years. This will be out last one, I'm afraid. Even if we are still around for the next one, we'll just be too old. But I'm not complaining. I have a lifetime of memories ….I'm a lucky man."

"Well, I think Sadie might say she's a lucky woman too."

"Fifty years with the woman of my dreams….. How long you and Gil been together?"

"Well, we've got a long way to go to catch you and Sadie. But I don't know what I'd do without him. He…….." she tried to find the right words but nothing seemed adequate.

"Completes you," offered Pete.

"Yes, that's it exactly." She smiled.

Gil and Sadie were making their way back to the table. Catherine stood and Sadie settled in her chair. "Thank you for a lovely dance, Sadie." Then Gil turned to Pete, "and thank you for sharing her with me. I feel like the luckiest man in the room because I got to dance with the two most beautiful ladies."

Gil and Catherine made their way back to their table. They sat for a minute and then he asked her to dance. Back on the floor, he gathered her in as their bodies picked up the rhythm. Their faces moved toward each other and his cheek brushed the side of her head.

"You're doing it again," he whispered.

"What?"

"Drawing me into your web. Bewitching me." His lips were moving down her cheek and headed for his favorite freckle again.

"Gil, ah…" a little gasp escaped her. "You're doing it again.'

"All your fault…." He'd found his target.

"Gil….behave," she giggled.

His head popped up; smiling he teased, "Make me?"

The music ended and they headed back to the table. He signaled for the check and settled the bill. They walked to the car, arm in arm. Her mind was reeling….who would believe he would act like that…..teasing her, so amorous…erotic almost. When they reached the car, he reached to open her door. She stepped closer to get in but his hand caught her waist. He turned her to face him and his mouth was on hers. Nothing was held back in his kiss. All the pent up emotions, desires, craving fueled it. His tongue was gentle at first but as his fervor grew, so did its intensity. Her hands moved up to work their way into his hair, caressing and demanding at the same time. His hands were resting on her back, at the base of her spine. Slowly his right hand moved up her back, massaging and squeezing until his hand found her neck. He pulled her closer, holding her tight against him. She felt the hardness of his arousal and her body responded, pressing into it. Suddenly he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. He fought to corral his feelings and catch his breath. "Gil?" she whispered.

His eyes were closed and he was still fighting for control. "Catherine, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…I was just going to kiss you but I lost it. Went too far…"

Too far? Is he kidding? Seemed like we were just getting started…. What's with him? "It's alright. You didn't go too far. I'm alright…."

"No, its not. I never want to treat you like that ...you're a lady and I don't want to make you feel like anything less. I'm sorry." He released her and motioned toward the car. She climbed in and he shut her door. He took a deep breath and then walked around to his side to get in. As he drove to her house, she slid her hand over and rested it on his thigh. His hand found hers and he brought it to his lips where he kissed it. Then he put her hand back into her lap, withdrawing his. At her door, he finally spoke again. "Thank you Catherine, for a very memorable evening." He leaned in for a quick, almost chaste kiss and then was gone.

After changing and removing her make up, she turned on the tv and found some old movie. Her mind couldn't quite grasp his behavior. Passion had almost overtaken him. She had suspected that under his cool exterior, there was fire. Why had he stopped himself? Every other man would have….but he wasn't every other man; he was Gil and he had his own code. What had she gotten herself into? As complicated and confusing as he is a friend, how much more will he be as a lover? She wondered.

Her reverie was broken by the sound of her phone. "Willows…"

"Cath…" She detected anxiety in his voice.

"Gil?"

"I really enjoyed tonight. I hope you did too." He was sounding better.

"It was a perfect evening. Only one thing missing."

"I'm glad you had a good time….but what was missing."

"You….at the end of my night; in my bed." Her voice had taken on a carnal quality.

She heard his intake of air. "Cath…. I thought I explained….."

"You did, but that's how I feel. You were so warm and now I'm lonely without you."

The pause was intense. Finally he spoke, "Yeah, me too but…. "

"There so many things I want to do to you, Gil. Run my hands over you, find your special spots, kiss you, …." Her voice was betraying the nature of her thoughts.

"Catherine," he interrupted. "What are you trying to do to me?"

"So many things…..but not all at once." She taunted.

"I, ah …. I have to go."

'Have to go? Where? What is it you need to do, Gil?"

'Catherine!" He warned.

"You hungry, Gil….because suddenly I am very hungry."

"What?"

"I'm hungry. All that dancing and, well….other stuff, made me hungry. Yeah, suddenly I'm craving a hot dog. You have a hot dog, Gil?" She had decided to have a little fun and was in full tease mode.

"Hot Dog? Why do you…..oh"

"I love hot dogs. I like to lick them, lick all the mustard off." She made licking sounds with her tongue. "And then I like to suck on the end." More sound effects. "Sometimes I can get the whole thing in my mouth, you know? And then I nibble, squeezing out the juices. Those juices are soooo good."

"God, Cath…." He was almost pleading. She sensed his unrest at the other end of the call.

"But maybe I don't want a hot dog….maybe a sucker. Yeah, a big one. That way I can work on it all night; licking and sucking….and biting…..until its all gone."She was smacking her lips. "You have anything like that Gil? Something I could suck on all night?"

"I never realized that you were so wanton before Catherine." He was teasing now.

"Me… well yeah, right now I am wanting…my bed is cold, Gil."

"Mine too."

"So why are we in cold beds, Gil?

"Because as much as I'd like to be warming your bed, I don't want our relationship to be about sex."

"No sex? Gil…." She was appalled.

"Not yet, Cath. Cold showers help if it's a problem."

"How do you know?'

"Because, my lovely seductress, I've been taking them since the day I met you. He paused and then continued, "Breakfast in the morning?"

"Always."