N/a: I just want to start by thanking everyone for the lovely reviews you've given me! You make me very happy! So, Thank you! :)

And on with the show ...

Chapter three

He was almost skipping on his way over to the bar. And when he returned with not only a glass, but a bottle, of wine Sandra laughed happily.

As he poured her a drink, she leaned her chin in her palm and took a moment to watch Gerry. Two years ago, when she had first met him, she'd despised him. How that despise had turned into acceptance and somewhere along the way into a strange form of adoration was more than she could understand.

He still annoyed her like hell on a regular basis. He also kept her firmly on the ground in the prescence of Brian and Jack's at times somewhat strange outlook on life.

But most of the time, being with Gerry made her feel appreciated. Adored. And watched over. Apart from Jack, who had taken on the role as a kind of father figure for her a long time ago, no one else had ever made her feel that way. And with Gerry it was different. She certainly didn't see him as a father figure.

Over the years she had started to look up to him as someone she could count on. Someone who was always there. Even, or perhaps especially, when she didn't want him to be. But it was nice knowing that he would always have her back covered.

"Seen something you like?" Gerry asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Sandra realised that she had been staring intently at him for a couple of minutes at least. A slight blush crept over her features. But she decided that the time for embarrassment was over, this was a time for action. She had already flirted outrageously with him. There was no turning back now.

She picked up her full glass and took a sip of the bright liquid. "So, Gerry, what are your plans for the evening?"

He winked at her. "Oh, I'm all yours."

She groaned playfully. "I knew I should have taken some work home with me tonight." she said with a crooked smile and winked back at him.

Gerry chuckled. "Well, you could always take a colleague home instead ..." he said and gave her a bright smile.

She narrowed her eyes a little as she leaned towards the table and looked back up at him. "Gerry, do you know what I like the most about you?" Sandra asked in a sultry low voice as she let her high heeled foot brush lightly against his calf under the table.

He pretended to think about it for a moment. "Me boyish charms? Me stunning good looks? Me raw appeal? Me razor sharp brain? ..."

She smirked as she cut his ramblings off. "Your subtlety. Now drink up and take me home!"

For once, he obeyed without hesitation.

fin.