Hermione felt like butterflies were fighting a war in her stomach. She wasn't sure how Draco felt about her. She had really been enjoying her respite at the cottage and had come to depend on his companionship.

Truth be told, she hadn't really talked to anyone else lately. Ginny was on the road again. Neville and Luna had both gone abroad with their jobs. Harry had been so busy with at work, she didn't wanted to burden him. Draco just had a knack of being at the right place at the right time.

As they walked to town she was silent, her mind racing with thoughts about what she was feeling. Could she ever let herself feel love again. Yes, this was a date, but could she set herself up for getting hurt again. She really wasn't sure if she could handle being rejected. Could she really let her guard down for him. Could she trust him with her heart?

As they walked toward town he watched her carefully. She was obviously deep in thought. Merlin! He loved when she furrowed her brow. He knew she was feeling vulnerable and didn't want to see her suffer. He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. This brought her out of her private thoughts. She finally looked at him to see him smile. Not his smirk, his smile. There was something so reassuring about it. She felt as though everything would be okay.

From then on, the day went swimmingly. They chatted and played together. They touched each other a little more than before. She giggled a little more. He laughed a little harder. They went through the shops and made their purchases, Hermione taking the time to hide her purchases while Draco attempted to sneak peaks.

Hermione had decided to make her father's favorite, marinated racks of lamb served on couscous with red & green peppers, currants and almonds. Just in case he didn't like couscous, she added some roasted potatoes and asparagus spears. As they walked home together Draco carried the purchases with his left hand, never letting go of Hermione's in the right. He was surprised by how good her hand felt in his, how well they fit together.

When they got to the house, Hermione immediately started for the door. She had exactly 2 hours to get ready and prepare dinner. "Dinner is at 7, don't be late!" she warned.

"I wouldn't dream of it". As this was their first date, he wanted everything to be perfect. At first he wanted to protest, just to stay around her a little longer but decided that he wanted to look his best. Besides he wanted to bring her a nice bottle of wine to go with dinner. She had done a good job of hiding most of the ingredients she had purchased, but he did notice the rack of lamb. He had a fabulous Loire red wine that would compliment her lamb perfectly. "If you are sure you don't need any help?"

"No. Now go home. I need to get to work" answered Hermione, literally shoo'ing him away from the door.

"See you tonight". He bent down and kissed her cheek.

After she closed the door, Hermione touched her hand where his lips had been and sighed gently.

Then she walked into the kitchen and started to prepare dinner. She had decided to make racks of lamb as they were really easy, but always impressive for some reason. She marinated the lamb in rosemary, olive oil and a little lemon rind char grilled each side and then finished them off in the oven. She put some potatoes in the oven at the same time and then went to her room to get herself ready while dinner was cooking.

She took a quick shower thinking about her afternoon with Draco. How good it felt to hold his hand. They had become friends so quickly. She realized she was starting to have feelings for him but wasn't sure where it was headed. As she lathered her body, she let her mind think about how wonderful it would feel to have his hands on her body instead of her own.

Stop it! Hermione told herself. You don't have time for this.

She got out of the shower and dried herself off. She paused to look at herself in the mirror.

Her fears started to take over, Why would he want someone like me? She thought to herself. If Ron didn't even want me why would someone like Draco want me?

She sighed feeling a little dejected. Taking a deep sigh she left the bathroom and the reflection of herself and went to her closet. She picked out a light green sundress that was fitted around her body, that flared slightly. It was a great dress, one that didn't show too much cleavage, but made the best of her curves. She smiled a little thinking somehow that Draco would approve of the color. She put on very little makeup and put her hair up. It was easier to finish up in the kitchen if her hair was out of her face.

She looked at her clock realizing it was almost 6:30. She hurried herself into the kitchen to take the lamb out of the oven and prepare the rest of the meal. She wanted to make a good presentation. Couscous took only a few minutes, as did the asparagus.

When she was satisfied in the kitchen, she went thoughout the house and, with a flick of her wrist, she had the entire place looking tidy. She set the table, putting the final touches on her dinner. She opened the cabinet and put a little dab of vanilla behind her ears. She then lit a few candles and put some Mozart on to play.

She stepped back for a minute to assess the scene. It was perfect. Surely Draco would feel appreciated.

6:55PM.

There was a knock on the door.

Hermione answered, "You're early."

Draco smirked. "I can come back later." he replied, and pretended like he was going to walk away.

"Well, since your already here you might as well come in." she teased back and pulled on his arm.

"Then I guess these are for you", Draco presented a bouquet of roses, jonquils, lilies and daisies.

Hermione took them from Draco, looked down blushing. "Thank You. They are beautiful". It had been a long time since anyone had brought her flowers.

He took his index finger and pulled her face upwards to look at him.

"Not as beautiful as you". He really thought she looked beautiful. With her hair up, her shoulders were bare and accessible. He couldn't help but notice that she was wearing green and wondered if she had intentionally worn it for him.

"Draco," Hermione laughed, rolling her eyes. "Where did you get that line?"

The tension in the air left with her comment as they both laughed. She showed him inside taking the flowers into the kitchen to put them in a vase.

He looked around the room, saw dinner on the table and was impressed. She had really done a lot for him. "Hermione, you really shouldn't have worked so hard. You just fell off the roof today."

"That was hours ago, plus I haven't felt any pain since this morning". Hermione said as she put the flowers on the table.

Draco smiled, he was pleased the potion he had given her had worked.

"Why don't we sit down to dinner."

"Sounds delightful". he answered as he walked her to her chair and pulled the chair out for her.

"Thank you" she said as she almost curtsied.

He walked over to his place and sat down. "It looks good enough to eat" he complimented her.

"Well, that was the general idea".

"Rack of lamb. One of my favorites. I took the liberty of bring a bottle of wine."

Hermione took the bottle of wine and examined it, "Thank you. This is perfect".

And it was.

After Dinner...

Hermione stood up to clear the table.

"That was wonderful 'Mione", Draco said.

"I am so glad you enjoyed it."

"Can I help you with anything."

"No. It's okay. You're my guest. Why don't you just sit here and read the paper?" she peaked around the corner on her way to the kitchen

"I already did 'Mione. Are you sure I cant help you with anything?" He called out to her as he was sitting at the table.

"No, I have it. If you're done with the paper, why don't you just sit down and watch the telly? When I am done with this we'll have dessert." she called out loudly from the kitchen.

"I'd rather help you." he huskily replied as he stood in the doorway watching her from behind. He couldn't believe how amazing she looked standing at the kitchen sink.

She turned around when she realized his voice sounded closer. She was surprised to find him standing in the doorway of the kitchen watching her. She blushed a little by the intensity of his gaze. She turned around quickly to hide her embarrassment but he walked up and stood next to her. She hid behind her chore of cleaning the dishes.

"Are you sure there isn't anything I can do for you?" he said, stroking her arm.

"No, everything is under..." she gasped as Draco put his lips to her neck "...control". she answered breathily. Her hands gripped the sink to brace herself.

Draco smirked at her reaction. He loved to see her flustered. He had always loved getting under her skin, that's one of the reasons he teased her so much at school, but this was much better. He moved his hands around her shoulders enjoying the feeling of her smooth skin and traced her curves down her back.

"So... What's for dessert?" he asked.

"Strawberries and melted chocolate" she whimpered quietly.

"Sounds delicious" he kissed her neck.

A/N: Special thanks to Jessica and Veronica for their comments. You ladies are awesome!