Disclaimer: Many thanks to JK Rowling for her wonderful works. They are hers and hers alone. I have only borrowed her characters for a while and built my own little fantasy around them. There is no pay involved for me in doing it.
Author's note 1 – I had planned to wait until my normal Sunday post, but I took the day off from work and was writing more on the end of the story. It made me want to post more, so here is another chapter for you. And, yes, I will still post on Sunday!
Author's note 2 – I was recently alerted to the fact that this system removed the section breaks in my story. I apologize for any time the story seemed to jump. I will use different symbols and see if they work. Thank you for your patience and continued reading and reviewing of it.
Thank you all!!!
Chapter 14She playfully hit him on the arm and took the bottle of wine from him, "Okay, now that my mini-freak out is out of the way, why don't you go sit down and I'll open this. Be right back."
He watched her walk quickly to the kitchen and shook his head.
Hermione Granger nervous? Nervous about messing things up with me. Me? Who would ever have thought…wow. How far we have come. Why would I make her nervous? It should be the other way around. I mean she's near perfect and I'm…well, me. I still don't even see what she sees in me really. I'm glad she does though. Really glad. Damn, that woman feels good. And, she can kiss like there's no tomorrow. I can't wait to see how she is in be…STOP! No going there yet. She's not ready. Okay, quick, think of something else. Anything else….Not THOSE! Above the neck, above the neck! Okay, she's smart. Yeah, think about her brains. Okay, no. ha ha ha Her face? Yeah, that's safe. Okay, I love her very expressive eyes. I love her pert, straight little nose, I love love love her lips, I love the way she looks at me and makes me feel…worthy. I love…her. Shit shit shit! Too soon! Stop! It's only been a few weeks. Too soon! Don't even think it, you moron! Think of something else!
Before he could pull himself back together fully she was back and handing him a glass of wine.
"So, what do we talk about?" she asked as she sat down on one end of the sofa.
Draco took a breath and a long sip of his wine before he sat opposite her and answered, "Honestly, I don't know." Then he laughed, "This is ridiculous! We talk on the phone all the time."
She took another sip of her wine and laughed with him, "I know. I don't know why tonight's any different, really."
When the silence stretched a bit Hermione finally thought of something to say, "So, I figured out where we going tonight."
He arched a brow at her and turned more toward her, "Oh really? I highly doubt that."
"Bowling!" she said with a grin. When he started laughing she thought she had it and continued, "Yep, ten pen bowling. And, I am going to kick butt!"
He grinned at her triumphant look and shook his head, "Sorry, but no. Although, I would love to see you bowl sometime."
"Darn, I thought I had it," she laughed. She took another sip of her wine and he watched her tongue peek out to lick a drop off her lip. He got lost in the movement and when she asked, "Ready to tell me yet?" he had no idea what she was talking about.
"What?" he asked distractedly.
He had lost focus on the conversation. She noticed him staring at her with an intensity, and it scared her as much as it thrilled her.
"Draco?" she asked. "You okay?"
His eyes popped back up to hers and she saw him take a slow breath. He then nodded and tossed back the remainder of his glass.
"Sorry," he answered. "Just thinking."
"About?"
"You," he answered without a trace of shame and full on dazzling smile. "But, where were we? Oh yes, you were asking me about bowling."
She laughed and shook her head, "No, I was asking you to tell me where we are going?"
"Not yet," he answered and stood up. He reached for her hand and pulled her up next to him. "Let's get some more wine. And, you can tell me what's for dinner."
"Okay," she sighed. "But just so you know, I don't really like waiting."
"I remember," he laughed. When she slid past him into the kitchen he pulled her back against his chest, "But, you should also remember, I like having people at my mercy."
"Oh, really," she giggled. "Well, I am not at your mercy. I just don't know where we're going. Yet."
He turned her around and pushed her gently back against the counter as he rested his hands on either side of her. Then he lowered his face to hers and said softly, "That's what keeps you at my mercy, love. If you don't know where we're going, you will have to depend on me to get us there. And, that means I get to hold you for a while later."
He winked at her and then slowly nibbled at her lips for a few minutes. When he pulled back she smiled up at him. She couldn't think clearly enough for a good comeback and merely nodded at him, as her body shook with the tiny shivers his nearness and silky voice had caused.
He knew he had gotten to her and it made him smile a bit wider. For a time in his teens he had reveled in his ability to get girls. Then for a long while his 'skill' had repulsed him, as it was part of the person he had grown to dislike being. Later at USWU, he learned to accept it as a part of himself, but still steered as clear as possible from the hordes of Quidditch groupies who tried to snag him. Hermione was the first woman he had met that he actually wanted to fluster, to make smile, to make quake. He wanted her to want him. He planned to use everything in his relationship and sexual arsenal to make her happy enough to stay with him for as long as possible.
But, he also knew he had to take it slow. So, he lowered his head to her shoulder and kissed her neck softly before asking, "So, love, what's for dinner?"
"Oh, um, salad, steak and potatoes," she answered as she squirmed out from under him and went to the fridge.
Hermione knew it wasn't her most attractive position, but she couldn't stop herself from bending low and sticking her face into the fridge. She needed to cool down. If she didn't, she was afraid she was going to jump on him and ask him to take her on her kitchen table. What had been nerves was slowly building to an inferno of a completely different sort. Every time he looked at her, her toes scrunched. When he smiled her stomach dropped. And, when he called her 'love' a tingle of desire shot through her and her heart did a flip. She had to get control of herself.
Draco watched her breathing in the cool air from the fridge with an amused and knowing smile, but said nothing.
"So, how do you like your steak?" she finally asked as she turned to face him.
"Medium," he answered. He rolled up his sleeves and went over to her, "What can I do to help?"
"Nothing, really. I just have to put these on the grill."
"Well, I can at least help set the table," he said and reached over her to retrieve the plates.
"You don't have to," she said as she carried the marinated meat to the electric grill on her counter.
He smiled at her, "I know. But, I want to. I like to cook and stuff. It's relaxing."
Hermione glanced at him. This was yet another thing about him that surprised her. He had changed so much in just a few years. Finally, she shook her head at him and laughed, "Well, I'll remember you said that when it's time to clean up."
He smirked back, "That's when magic comes back into play."
They shared a laugh and it seemed to be what was needed to cut the final tension. Together they got the dishes and salad on the table and simply enjoyed being together. During dinner they talked about his newfound love of muggle items, laughed at Blaise's inability to master most of them, and shared touches that warmed them both.
After they had dinner and cleaned up, using magic, they were ready to leave.
She put her money, muggle ID and lipstick in her jeans pocket and walked over to him, "So, you really aren't going to tell me where we're going?"
He opened his arms and waited for her to wrap hers around him, "Nope."
"Fine, but I better like it after all this suspense," Hermione smiled up at him and then laid her head on his chest.
When nothing happened she looked back up at him, "What's wrong?"
He leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss before he answered, "Nothing. I just didn't want to give up holding you yet."
"Oh," she blushed and smiled. Then she opened her mouth to say more and nothing came out. So, she repeated, "Oh."
"Amazing vocabulary there Granger," he teased. "Let's go."
Hermione felt the squeeze of apparition and then the release of standing on solid ground once again. She felt safe and warm with him, but looked around with a bit of unease. They stood in a dark alley somewhere near Times Square. She could see the lights and hear the sounds of people and cars, but it was very dark and creepy where they stood.
"Uh, Draco? Where…"
"Hold on," he chuckled. "We aren't there yet."
"Oh, okay," she breathed out with a nervous laugh.
"Come this way," he said as he released her, but took her hand.
It took her a few moments to get her bearings, but she soon realized they were near 42nd street. It was then she realized he had apparated to safe location, where muggles wouldn't detect them. She was still unsure where they were headed as all of the shows were well underway.
Hermione contented herself with people watching and enjoying the feel of his hand in hers. She tensed a little when they reached a corner and had to wait for the light to change while two bottle-blondes with terrific figures blatantly looked Draco up and down in invitation. But, her tension turned to a smile of happiness and a little triumph when he, in response, let go of her hand to pull her into his embrace.
"Since we have a moment," he said. And, then he kissed her. It wasn't a long one, but it told her everything she needed to hear.
Draco wanted to shout in triumph as he saw the emotions play across her face. She wasn't looking at him, so he was free to soak her in. She looked so happy and comfortable with him that he couldn't stop the smile that spread over his face. This is why he didn't miss the look on her face when the other two women had openly flirted with him. He knew she didn't have a lot of belief in her own sexuality and no knowledge of how much control she actually had over him, so he hoped his actions helped ease her worries.
Her brilliant smile was his answer.
When the light turned and they crossed the street, an older couple passed them and they heard the woman say, "Ah young love. Remember when we were like that Jeff?"
They didn't hear his answer as they grinned at one another.
Hermione was so lost in her happiness that she was jerked to a stop when Draco stopped moving.
"We're here, Mi," he laughed with her.
"Dave and Busters?!" she laughed. "This is your favorite place?"
"Yeah," he grinned down at her. "It's fun."
"I never thought I'd see the day. Draco Malfoy playing video games!" she teased. "This I have to see!"
He tickled her side as they entered the bar/restaurant/arcade and answered, "Just you wait! I'm a killer at Time Cop III!"
They played every game they could. Their matching competitive streaks led them to have several competitive rounds of Skeeball and Pole Position, but each proved to be great sports when they lost to the other. While Hermione was no good at the basketball game, she encouraged him to play again, just so she could watch him. He moved with an easy grace and underlying sexuality that she wanted to bottle. He returned the favor as he watched her twist, turn, jump and gyrate on the dancing game. By the time she got off the game, he was uncomfortably warm and suggested they get that dessert he'd promised. They shared a decadent chocolate cake and ice cream that dripped with nuts, more chocolate and whipped cream. Unfortunately for him, her moans of appreciation did nothing to help cool him.
A lot of laughs, a few great wins and losses for both of them, and two stuffed animals later, they left.
"Well, it's official," he announced when they apparated back to her apartment.
"What?" she asked as she moved away to put the stuffed toys on her book shelf. She planned to give them to Albie and Jamie when she saw them next.
He came up behind her and kissed her ear, "This has been by far the most fun date of my life."
"Yeah, right," she laughed. Then she moved out of his arms to tease, "I seem to remember a Yule Ball in fourth year when you and Pansy...eeeeeee."
Her screech was caused by her body being tossed onto the sofa. It was followed by her loud choked laughter as he tickled her mercilessly.
"No. Draco, stop. Stop," she laughed and twisted as she tried to get away from his hands.
"I warned you not to bring her up again," he laughed. "Now, say you're sorry," he demanded as he found a new spot to torture.
"Never!" she heaved as she tried to breathe.
"Say it," he repeated.
When she could no longer breathe, she relented, "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
During their tussle he had crawled on top of her to hold her down and held her hands above her head. As she tried to regain her breath, he felt her chest heaving under him and realized their positioning.
She saw the darkening of his eyes and felt him tense slightly above her. When his eyes left hers and slid down to her lips, she found herself short of breath once again. It gave her a heady sense of power to know that she had put that look in his eye. No one had ever made her feel as sexy and wanted as he did. She almost felt drunk just looking into his eyes.
The air itself seemed to tense in anticipation as he slowly lowered his head to hers. Just before his lips touched hers he paused and inhaled slightly. His purr of appreciation broke the silence and she smiled when his eyes closed and their lips finally met.
It started soft, almost reverently, but quickly changed as if the air had suddenly been electrified. His hand released hers and moved with tantalizing precision over her. He couldn't seem to touch enough of her.
She could barely think for the feelings coursing through her body and crashing in small waves in her abdomen. His taste and smell washed over her, as his hands slid under her shirt to smooth over her fevered skin. She gasped as his fingers slid up to cup her breast; she felt branded with his heat. His low groan near her ear as he nipped at a spot on her shoulder, flicked a switch in her and she let her inhibitions go to show him how he made her feel.
Draco felt her cool hands slide under his shirt and up his back, and had to hold back a low moan at the tingling sensation that followed. When she tilted her head to slide her tongue around his ear he bucked against her and heard himself sigh her name. She moved under him and he felt himself cradled by her hips in a way he could only name as perfect. He lifted his head and found her lips again, and even as he tasted that unique flavor that was her, he knew he would have to stop soon, for both their sakes.
Hermione was enthralled exploring the various dips and planes of his body. His muscles bunched and tensed under her fingers, and his skin was smooth and warm. She purred against him as she slid her hands over the butt she had admired so often. She felt him shudder when she ran her fingers back up his sides and over his chest and smiled against his lips. And, when she ran her tongue over his ear, in an attempt to taste him once more, he pressed himself against her and she felt the evidence of his desire for her. She marveled that she could bring him to such a state. Seeking to bring him closer she adjusted herself under him and was rewarded as she felt their bodies meet perfectly.
Heaven.
"Mi," he said as he kissed and licked the spot just above her cleavage and pulled her shirt back down. "We should stop now, before..."
"Mm hmm," she sighed and sifted her fingers into his hair. Then she blew out a breath and whispered, "Yes, I guess we should."
She lifted her knee and tried to wiggle out from under him, but his voice stopped her.
"Mi, oh gods, please stop moving." He dropped his head onto her chest and groaned, "You're killing me."
She stopped moving and whispered with a giggle in her voice, "Sorry."
He heard the laughter in her voice and lifted his head to say, "Think this is funny, do you?"
She tried to stop smiling as she shook her head, but a tinkle of laughter escaped when she answered, "No."
His head dropped back down onto her and he laughed, "I guess I need to get up, huh?"
"Well, it would be difficult to sleep on the sofa like this," she replied.
Against her chest she felt his warm breath and couldn't stop her hands from moving back up to caress his face.
He sighed and slid off of her to sit on the floor. When he looked back up at her face his heart thudded in his chest at the feelings that swamped him.
"You are so beautiful," he stated and leaned up for another kiss.
"You make me feel like I am," she answered honestly when he slid back down onto the floor.
Man, I want you, Mi.
I wish he would just take me.
"I should go," he sighed as his fingers toyed with her hair.
She glanced at his watch and reluctantly nodded as she swung her legs down and sat up. Once again shyness overtook her and she didn't know what to say.
What do you say to end a date? I don't want to sound flippant. Or needy. Can I ask him to call me? Should I? Damn, I hate this nervous first date feeling! Should I ask when I'll see him again?
"Stop thinking so loud," he teased her out of her thoughts. He swiftly got to his feet and pulled her up with him. Then he took her hand and walked over to the fireplace.
He pulled her close and leaned down to kiss her one last time.
"I'll call you tomorrow at lunch, okay?"
"Okay," she answered happily. "I had a great time tonight, Draco. Thank you."
"Thank you, Hermione. It was perfect. You're perfect."
She shook her head in denial, but he nodded, "You are for me."
Before she could formulate an answer he kissed her again, stepped into the fireplace and with a smile and a flash of green fire, was gone.
She touched her fingers to her lips as if to hold his kiss there for a moment longer, as she smiled softly. Part of her wanted to fly to the phone and call Ginny, Beth and Snoop. But, the bigger part of her wanted to hold it to herself for a while longer. In a haze of wonder, lust, and memories of the evening, she closed up the apartment and prepared for bed. Her last thought before she drifted off was how skilled he was with his hands.
Four blocks uptown, Draco stepped into his apartment quietly. He saw Blaise's light on, but didn't want make his own presence known. He wasn't ready to share her yet. Instead he moved to window and watched her lights go off with a smile. He then went to his room and got ready for bed. The last thing he envisioned before he fell asleep were her eyes sparkling happily back at him.
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Author's note 3 - Last, the new people who have made me smile this week, by adding alerts and/or marking it as a favorite: em-z-paiger, ginger28, TamarackPines, schmanda banana, and margara.
Author's Note 4 –Dave and Buster's is a registered trademark restaurant and gaming business. I do not own it (though I do enjoy it) in any way, shape, or form, and make no money from the mention of it. All games mentioned are the same.
Author's Note 5 – Thank you. Being a favorite author, having a favorite story, that so many have set alerts for is humbling. Every review is a gift. I hope the story and I continue to meet your expectations. Thank you again!