3.

"Fran, I can't help but tell you again how lovely you look this evening."

Julian Ferarren held his eyes to Fran's, delicately grabbed her hand, and then placed it in his so he could lace their fingers together. They were eating at a restaurant called "Angelo's," which was a very fancy Italian Bistro. After a few moments, he brought her hand to his lips to place a soft kiss on her smooth skin and then returned it back to his grasp.

The tingling wetness left from Julian's lips on Fran's hand had sent a surge of emotional electricity that coursed through her veins and ran throughout her body. He was truly a gentleman, but at the same time so very passionate. Almost like—

Mr. Sheffield! Just great! He already reminds me of Mr. Sheffield... no. NO! It's not fair to compare them! Plus, Mr. Sheffield doesn't want me. Julian is just Julian and I like him for him.

"Thank you. Again," said Fran, smiling.

"The pleasure is all mine," responded Julian with a suave smirk, locking the dark brown pools of his eyes into hers.

She looked at him and then stared at the white linen napkins wrapped inside of a thick silver ring.

I really shouldn't be here. I feel bad for not telling Mr. Sheffield personally and I don't know why. Why didn't I just tell Niles to get Mr. Sheffield when I called? He hasn't seen me all day and he's probably all worried sick and ticked off as well. Especially, because I never mentioned anything about this date!

"My dear, why are you still worrying? You called to notify that you are staying out," said Julian.

"What? Hey, how did you know what I was thinking?" asked a taken aback Fran, with her eyes lowered suspiciously at him.

She continued to hold eye contact.

"Baby, your eyes do not lie to me. I can see your anxiety very clearly."

"I know and I 'm sorry. You're right! They'll be fine without me and I did call to tell them, so it's all taken care of."

Fran reached over and patted Julian's hand that was resting on his leg with hers.

"But of course," responded Jules so simply.

"Oh Jules, I can't believe you made me lunch at your place and then decided to take me out to dinner. That's two dates in one day!" exclaimed Fran, excitedly and breaking into a grin.

It was just the little things like someone dedicating their day to Fran and wanting to spend time with her that delighted her.

"I don't want to let you go so soon," he stated in a deep whisper, while caressing her cheek with his hand and then slowly moving it along her jaw.

Julian then ran the tips of his fingers over her bottom lip. Fran pushed her tongue out to meet them, tasting his skin.

"Neither do I," said Fran in the same trance as him. She then got into a goofy mood and pushed him teasingly. "I just wish you would've let me go home and change."

Julian tugged together the front sides of his navy blue suit jacket so that it would fit around him better, as some of his jacket had crumpled back.

"My darling there is no need. You look beautiful in this and I'm quite certain that you look stunning in everything and anything else." He paused, and then added in a whisper, "Perhaps in nothing at all as well…"

Fran blushed. "Julian!"

"So naturally, the only effect you will get out of changing your clothes is more laundry."

"Julian, you're so funny and charming," revealed Fran, giving him a dazzling smile.

"Ah, but so are you. I'm really glad you were friends with my cousin Val and we got to get acquainted."

"So am I."

Fran knew she would definitely have to treat Val to an extra large sundae at Dairy Queen for this one!

She ran her right hand through Julian's thick head of dirty blonde hair and then ended up with her arm resting on his shoulder. The relaxing smooth jazz background music playing through the speakers set a tranquil, romantic atmosphere. So as expected, Julian and Fran just sat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying each others company. Julian had his arm around Fran and he felt very comfortable being so close to her.

Suddenly, Julian pushed Fran up against the back of the plush, maroon booth seat and started fervently placing kisses on her neck.

"Jules, what are you doing?" questioned Fran in a giggly, mischievous voice and pulling back from him. "What's come over you?"

"The dinner is not here yet, we are in a dark and secluded corner of a restaurant, not to mention I find you so terribly tempting," whispered Julian huskily, breathing hot air on her ear.

Fran laughed once again, but it low and enticing.

"Terribly tempting?" asked Fran, her voice raspy.

"Oh, but it's a wonderful terribly tempting if I do say so myself. I must say, I've never been this impulsive before. I'm usually such a gentleman. With you, I—I can't control myself. You bring out some sort of animal in me…" he said, starting to kiss her neck again and then lightly nibbled on the very edge of her ear.

Somewhere in the back of her mind she wished that Mr. Sheffield was the one being this open and affectionate with her, but she quickly shook away the thought. The possibility of that ever happening was highly unlikely and not worth considering, especially while in another man's arms.

Fran giggled again, but this time it was louder and when his lips moved lower on the sweetheart neckline of her dress she practically moaned "Oh, Julian!" softly. That was all Julian needed to hear for his lips to eagerly meet her mouth. They didn't know though, that all of this was enough to capture the attention of a particular portion of the restaurant...