"Where did you learn to punch?" He said it with such a straight face that Cassie couldn't help but laugh.

"Umm I kind of taught myself and then I got a coach when I moved to Houston, when she left I just kind of continued with it."

"You've got a great right hook." Mark said making her blush. "And before you even say it no I will not apologise to Stephanie for you."

"Why not?" She frowned.

"Because Steph has wanted to do that to Michelle since she joined the company." Cassie couldn't help but smile in reply to Marks' boyish grin.

"Fine I'll apologise myself for causing a scene and not for hitting her."

As Cassie looked out over the city, Mark couldn't help but be nervous. Apart from the fact that he was as tense as a violin string he also didn't know how she would react to his question.

"Cass after Mania the boss throws a party to celebrate the success pf the show. This will be my last show so it will be my retirement party also." They were looking straight into each other's eyes as they spoke. "Did you wanna go with me?"

"Are you asking me to be your date?" Cassie was a little nervous. "Even after tonight?"

"Especially after tonight Cassie, will you be my date?"

"Yeah ok." Cassie sounded resigned to the fact that she would have to be his date.

"Well hell Darlin' you don't have to go with me if you don't want to, your choice."

Cassie felt bad for letting him think she didn't want to, he sounded a little sad.

"Mark I'd love to be your date, just didn't want you getting a big head." He grinned happily and was pleased that she was smiling also. "But there is one condition." He nodded not entirely sure where this is going.

"Anything Darlin'."

"Can you kiss me again?" Mark smiled and noticed that she was fidgeting nervously.

"Enjoyed it that much huh?" Her blush deepened at his teasing, Mark stood in front of her and pulled Cassie to her feet. Their eyes were locked and stayed that way as Mark's hands cupped her face and tilted it up to his. As he leaned down to meet Cassie's lips his eyes closed prompting hers to shut. When their lips touched it was like nothing either had experienced before.

Cassie loved the taste of him, he tasted of beer and something masculine. As Mark set about tempting her and urging her reply she stepped closer and laid her hands on his broad chest. He could feel it through his clothes and wanted nothing more than to ravish her, but he knew she was the woman he would never give up. She would be the woman to return him to who he used to be and to be by his side forever, and he couldn't just ravish her that way it wasn't right. Mark had long decided to treasure her and overcome her trust issues and show her what it was like to be truly loved and cherished.

Five minutes later they slowly pulled apart and saw the truth in each others eyes. Cassie was as affected as he was and so Mark slowly let her go.

"So that was a yes?" Mark asked wondering if he'd overcome her one condition. From the blank look on her he guessed that all though of rejection on her part had flown away with the first touch of his lips. "I'll get security to come and get you and the other two after the show."

"Okay." Cassie said quietly, still reeling from his kiss.

"Have a good sleep Darlin' I'll see you at the show tomorrow!"

She nodded and followed him inside to the door, Mark opened the door and groaned turning back to her. He leaned down and kissed her gently before walking out the door. Cassie poked her head through the doorway and watched him stop at his room. She had the biggest smile that she had had in a very long time.

Mark shut his door and leaned against it for a minute or two, very glad that he'd been able to control his body. Mark knew that he should try and sleep because it would be a very long and exhausting day tomorrow. He couldn't get his mind off the young woman down the hall making it impossible to sleep yet.

Mark sat on his bed and turned on his laptop, just as it was ready for him to use his blackberry vibrated in his pocket.

'just in case you want it.

Cass – 4041162810

Xox Jess'

Mark grinned; his daughter was way too perceptive. But knowing that she supported his suit was important to him; he knew that Jess wanted him to be happy.

'Thanks. Are you trying to tell me

something? Go to bed.'

'She will make you happy. Treat

her as she deserves and she will

be perfect for you.'

I always treat people how they

Deserve. Get your ass to bed!'

He waited a couple of minutes and when she didn't reply Mark got onto his emails. Ten minutes later his blackberry rang again.

'Daddy do you love her?'

Mark sat staring at the message, he knew there was a lot behind his feelins for Cassie. He didn't really know the entirety of his feelings but it was all new to him to be this deep this quickly.

'I don't know. Night xxxooo'

Mark sent the text to Jess and decided to do his emails in the morning when he could hopefully concentrate a little better. Stripping off he got into bed and laid thinking about what he could do. His phone vibrated again and upin checking it he was pleasantly surprised.

'Hey its Cassie. I'm sorry again

for tonight. Goodnight'

He smiled and laid with the blankets low on his hips and his left arm behind his head.

'No apologies darlin. Thought I told

you to go to sleep'

Cassie grinned, she was laying in bed watching the sky outside. Jess had sent through his number and Cassie couldn't help herself.

'I'm in bed Mr Callaway, couldn't

sleep. What's your excuse!'

Mark chuckled and imagined what she'd be wearing and how she'd feel in his bed.

'In bed. Wide awake. Got a beautiful

Aussie woman in my head.'

'Nice try Deadman. You and your

lips are pretty memorable '

Mark chuckled and felt himself getting harder by the second. He could still feel her hands on his chest and the feel of her body against hi. The touch of her lips was something magical, it was as if she reached right down into his heart and soul. He didn't realize but while he'd been daydreaming he'd started stroking himself.

'Darlin I know this may sound seedy

but I can still feel you in my arms, I

can't get you out of my head.'

She blushed to her toes and knew her desire wasn't one-sided.

'why would that be seedy? Your eyes

are imprinted on my brain!'

'i'm your best friends dad!'

He was still stroking himself and imagined the feel of her mouth wrapped around his cock.

'You are sweet, caring, generous, attractive

and older. Jess don't come into it'

After her text Mark finished himself off and curled up in his bed once again to text her.

'Thanks sweetheart you looked

absolutely stunning tonight.'

'Thankyou. Mark you should sleep I would

die if you injured through exhaustion. Night

see you at the show'

'Goodnight Cassie, sweet dreams.'

She smiled knowing there was probably more that he wanted to say. Mark was the sweetest man she's met and he actually gave a damn about her. He was tall and incredibly attractive and interested in her. Marks lips were gently and soft and spoke directly to her heart and soul. He was the type of man she could see herself being very happy with.