AN: Hello, everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here's the next chapter, it's a long one. Let me know what you think.

I wrung my hands nervously as I approached the address written on the crinkled napkin stuffed in my pocket. My legs felt wobbly and my heart fluttered restlessly in my chest. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be meeting Callie here. I shouldn't be leading myself down a path I can't complete. With this in mind, my feet continued to move forward, bringing me closer and closer to the small store front that led to where Callie presumably waited for me. If I got caught here by someone from the OverWorld, I would be in a great deal of trouble. There's no way they would allow me to consort with a mortal, especially not when I should be focusing on earning my wings. They would banish me to Earth forever…I can't do this.

I turned around and practically ran in the opposite direction, not stopping until I ducked into an alley way three blocks down. I'm not ready to commit to a mortal life. I'm still an angel at heart…I panted softly and leaned against the wall, letting my eyes slide shut. Unsurprisingly, Callie's face shone brightly in my mind's eye, tempting me with possibilities. I watched as Callie told me she couldn't stop thinking about me, as her eyes sparkled with daring, as she smirked enticingly, and as she delicately licked her finger clean of icing. Whimpering softly in frustration and defeat, I pushed off the wall and slowly trudged back toward the restaurant. As many reasons as there was to not go, nothing could deter me from meeting her here tonight.

Nearing the door, I glanced around, taking in the décor and atmosphere. Looking down at my attire, I decided that I was maybe a little underdressed. Quickly checking my surroundings for any onlookers, I swiftly swiped my hand down my body. Striding over to a vacant window, I appraised my appearance. I chose a simple halter top, black dress that fell just above my knees and dipped low in the front. I had been aiming for white, but my powers sometimes had a sense of irony, choosing instead a color of mystery and sin. Fine, it looks good anyway. My hair came down to my chest in soft curls, and silver bracelet loosely clung to my wrist. Nodding and letting out a whoosh of air, I stalked to the door, unwilling to delay the inevitable any longer.

Pulling open the heavy wood door, I stepped inside with equal feelings of anticipation and trepidation. The restaurant seemed to be a small, cozy, Italian bistro. The light provided came from flickering candles and low lights, creating a dim and dancing glow. The air greeted me with a thick and delicious aroma and wrapped my body in warmth. The colors were bold and dark, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. I sighed, the place alone was seductive, keeping my distance from Callie would be next to impossible.

A small woman approached me with a wide smile, "Welcome to Ardente. Can I get you a table?"

I smiled politely while I scanned the tables, impatiently searching for Callie's alluring features, "Uh, I'm supposed to be meeting so-" My words caught in my throat as my nervous blue eyes connected with the eager brown of Callie's.

Briefly confused by my unfinished statement, the hostess followed my line of sight, "Oh, you're Miss Callie's guest. Please, follow me." She gracefully wove through the tables leading to the booth in the back corner, with me right at her heels, never letting my gaze stray from Callie's. Whatever consequences came from tonight, just getting to see her look at me like I just completed her world, made everything worth it. "Here you are. Can I get you two something to drink?"

Neither of us spoke at first. I quickly skimmed my eyes along her toned body, greedily absorbing the sight. Her hair was down in loose curls, washing over her bare shoulders and chest. A deep purple, sleeveless dress hugged the curves of her breasts and torso, before slacking off to swish delicately around her thighs and knees. The color perfectly complimented her olive skin. Her long and sculpted legs led down to strappy black sandals, with generous heels, adding a fantastic element to her appearance. Until now, I had only seen her in simple jeans and t-shirts, this very feminine and soft look drove me slightly crazy. When my eyes finally reconnected with hers, she grinned and almost whispered, "I didn't think you were going to come…you look beautiful."

A warm blush crept up my neck and colored my cheeks, causing me to stutter my reply, "Th-thank you…and, you…you look…" I stopped and shook my head, offering a sheepish smile. Taking a deep breath, I tried again, "You look stunning." Callie smiled broadly, not even attempting to hide the pink tingeing her darker complexion.

As we continued to stare into each other's eyes, each lost in the comforting and exhilarating presence of the other, the hostess cleared her throat, "Ok, I'll just bring you my favorite bottle of red. You'll like it." With a smirk, or what I assumed was a smirk because I was still focused on Callie, she spun around and walked away.

Licking her lips slowly and tugging lightly at her bottom lip with her teeth, Callie motioned to the seat across from her. Returning to her first statement, I admitted, "I wasn't going to come."

Callie nodded, "I know…What changed?"

"I couldn't stay away." I replied simply and quietly.

"I'm glad." Callie's eyes sparkled as she grinned gently.

The hostess returned, bringing glasses and a bottle of red wine. "Here you go. Would you like to hear our specials for this evening?"

Without taking my eyes of Callie, I raised my eyebrows and jerked my head toward the woman in a silent question. Callie shrugged and smirked in response, so I addressed the woman whom neither of us particularly cared about at the moment, "Just bring us whatever you recommend."

"You got it," She answered with a small giggle as she strolled away.

"Bold choice," Callie commented, a teasing grin tugging at her lips.

"Not really." I replied casually.

"And, why is it not bold to trust her to bring us something we didn't order?" She questioned curiously.

"First off, the waitress addressed you by name. Secondly, when you wrote down the address you did it from memory. And, lastly, this isn't the type of place you bring someone unless you know it well. So, I guessed that she'd know what you liked, and I couldn't care less what I eat, so letting her choose is faster and easier."

"Why don't you care what you eat?" She questioned again, pouring some wine into a glass for me.

Taking a sip, I shrugged, "I can tell by the smell in here that everything is probably amazing, and…I'm far more interested in the company than the food." I trailed off, embarrassed that the last part slipped out. I glanced down at the table, hoping she'd ignore the comment.

"Well, I whole heartily agree with you on that. And, you're right, everything is fantastic here, and I do come here often." Callie smiled brilliantly, nearly knocking the wind out of me.

"This where you bring all your dates?" I teased, but also a little curious about her life.

Callie blushed and fidgeted with her napkin, "Uh, no, actually. You're the first."

Grinning, I cocked my head, "Why?"

She cleared her throat and took another sip of wine, "Let's just say this place is special, and I didn't want to share it with anybody else."

Trembling with expectation, I asked quietly, afraid of the answer, "Then…why me?"

"Because you're special." She finally looked back up into my eyes, judging my reaction before continuing, "I feel something unique and wonderful when I'm around you, and I wanted to do something different with you."

That was the answer I was afraid of. From the second I laid eyes on her, sitting at the booth, I forgot how dangerous it was for me to be here with her. I forgot about the consequences. I forgot about my mission. And, if she continued to voice her feelings, and I continued to act on mine, then I may abandon my mission for her, and I don't know if I can do that. I shook my head to clear it as the waitress brought our food. She set plates in front of us both and smiled politely. Looking down I saw a plate of something that appeared and smelled incredible. I had no idea what it was, but I was going to eat the entire thing. Immediately taking a bite in a desperate attempt to distract myself from Callie, I let out an involuntary low moan. Licking my lips to savor the taste, I groaned, "Wow, this is so good." When I didn't get a response, I glanced up at Callie.

Callie's eyes were faintly glazed and a fork hovered in the air near her mouth as she gaped at me.

A little confused, I lightly waved my hand in front of her face, "Are you ok?"

Callie gulped and blinked her eyes before completing her bite. After swallowing, she nodded, "Uh, yeah, I'm fine. Just, uh…maybe don't moan like that anymore if you want to finish your dinner."

Smirking, I raised an eyebrow and took another bite, watching as she did the same. A cheeky challenge hung in the air between us, each daring to push the other's buttons. After eating for a few minutes, Callie broke the comfortable silence, "So, other than every single, visible part of your body, I know nothing about you. What do you do?"

Inwardly groaning at entering the lying part of the conversation, I answered as convincingly as I could, "I'm a life coach and guidance counselor. Sort of free lance, just going where I'm needed." I stopped, hoping that she didn't press for more details.

Callie laughed lightly, "Yeah, I can see you doing that. You like it?"

Smiling, I nodded toward her, "Yeah, I do. It feels like what I was made to do…" I trailed off, looking down briefly at the implications of my words. Catching her eyes again, "What about you?"

"I'm a talent agent. Also, free lance. I find people of interest and get them to join with different organizations." Callie smirked in pride, clearly fond of her job.

"That sounds interesting, how did you get into that?" I ask, eager to keep the conversation on her.

"Um, I don't really know. A fluke, then realized I was good at it. I have excellent eyes and intuition. I can find the goods." Callie winked at me and set down her fork.

Unable to stop myself, I responded, "Find anyone good lately?"

Callie chuckled, "Yep." Her eyes danced as they bore into mine. I could look into her eyes forever. Maybe I will.

We talked for the next hour. She told me about her sister and parents and what she enjoyed doing. Turns out she enjoys cooking, photography, and kayaking. She had been in a few serious relationships before, but neither turned out to be what she was looking for. I told her the basics of what I could remember from my mortal life. I talked about my brother and parents, about my previous marriage to a man. She found this surprising, but I shrugged it off, telling her that we both used the marriage to please our families and maintained extramarital relationships, until we couldn't handle the pressure anymore. Well, actually, until I died, but I kept that to myself. I also revealed that I loved to draw, run on the beach, and bake. I've never connected with anyone the way Callie and I were connecting in that tiny café.

Callie surveyed our finished meals and empty glasses, "Hey, if you're finished, I'd like to show you something." She slid out of the booth and held out her hand for me.

Without hesitation, which shocked me a little, I extended my hand and slipped it into hers. This plain action sent waves of prickling sensations up my arm and caused me to gulp audibly. Callie smiled with a soft blush, then began leading me toward the back of the restaurant. Looking over my shoulder, mildly bewildered, I jerked my thumb back toward the table, "Shouldn't we pay them or something?"

Callie shrugged, "Nope, dine and dash."

I stopped in my tracks, making her jolt as her arm stayed with me, "Uh, what?"

Callie smirked, "I'm only kidding. I have a standing deal with the owners, they're old friends. I pay the rent on the space, and they give me all the food I want. Don't worry, it's all square."

I smiled in relief and allowed her to continue to lead me toward the back door, "The Italian…"

She glanced back over her shoulder, "I'm sorry?"

"You spoke Italian to the woman in the antique store…" I gave sheepish smirk.

"Ah, yes, when you were stalking me." She chuckled. We passed the hostess just before entering the kitchen, and Callie thanked her and kissed her cheek sweetly. After I thanked her as well, she continued, "I lived in Italy with their family for a while when I was younger."

"You are full of surprises, Miss Torres."

"You have no idea, Miss Robbins." She beamed at me as we walked through the kitchen and out the back door.

"Are you going to kill me?" I half teased as we emerged onto a dark and empty patch of land that led to the harbor.

Callie laughed, "Not tonight, I just like to walk along the boardwalk, especially on a night like this." She gestured to the abnormally clear sky which allowed the full and bright moon to shine down elegantly.

I marveled at how easy it felt to be with her, simply walking hand in hand as if nothing else mattered, and we were just two regular people getting to know each other. It felt great. Unconsciously, I shifted my hand so that I could intertwine our fingers, needing to feel even the slightest bit more connection. The feeling of our palms pressing together sent warm chills down my spine. As we walked along the harbor, she pointed out different kinds of boats and offered random details about sailing and rowing. I wasn't particularly interested, but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her melodic voice.

When we began to make our way back toward the parking lot on the other side of the building, my skin suddenly went cold. No, they couldn't be here now. Sucking in a breath and tuning out Callie so that I could focus solely on the warning gripping my body, I knew instantly that it was O'Malley. Subtly surveying my surroundings, I finally spotted him hovering behind a dumpster about thirty yards away. He wasn't planning on attacking me with a human right here, was he? That would be monumentally stupid. Unless…unless he can sense that I would do virtually anything to protect her… That would grant him substantial leverage and a solid excuse for exposing himself to a human. I could never forgive myself if Callie got hurt in the crossfire of my battle. I needed to avoid what looks like a possible trap, it's the right setting. I yanked softly on Callie's arm, slowing her steps, "Uh, actually, I need to be going, it's late…and, I, uh, parked on that side," I motioned to the opposite side, hoping to lead Callie away from O'Malley and possible ambush.

She searched my face, obviously picking up on my concern and unease, "Sure…is everything alright?" Her voice was soft and encouraging.

I nodded mutely, trying to relax my expression and led her the other direction. Callie looked over her shoulder with a curious expression, seeking some explanation for my sudden change in mood, but thankfully didn't press the issue. As we rounded the corner onto a more populated street, I let out a puff of air, then realized that I didn't have a car. I quickly conjured a silver Audi to the curb around the corner and steered Callie the appropriate direction. I scanned the area and looked behind us, searching for any clue that O'Malley or one of his men followed us. Sensing nothing, I returned my attention back the beauty next to me, content that we were safe for now. As we neared the car, Callie suddenly became anxious and shifty. Taking my turn, I looked into her eyes, "Is everything alright?"

Callie nodded, and looked around nervously before sighing, "Uh, yeah, everything is…perfect, actually." We came to a stop next to 'my' car and instantly moved closer to each other. We were standing so close that I could feel the heat from her body and inhaled her sweet scent. My body began to respond to her nearness as she said in a voice just above a whisper, "I had an amazing time with you, Arizona."

I swallowed at the feeling of her breath washing over my face, "Yeah, me too." My breath snagged in my chest as I watched her eyes darken and her body lean ever so slightly toward me. I can't remember a time that I wanted something more than I wanted her lips on mine. I also can't remember a time when I've been more afraid…of anything. My pulse skyrocketed as I thought about what was about to happen. Licking my lips in preparation, I continued to hold my breath and pull her in with my eyes. Even knowing full well that I shouldn't kiss her, I knew that I was going to do nothing to stop it. Her hands came to rest on my hips and I shivered at the contact. Her fingers flexed into my flesh as she pulled me an inch closer. Now her front brushed against mine nearly making my eyes roll back at the new and unbelievable sensations. Her eyes flashed with something akin to passion and her lips parted. We seemed equally afraid of and incapable of stopping our next action. With her lips only a few inches from mine, I prepared myself for the connection I craved.

As soon as I began to allow my eyes to flutter closed, mostly from system overload, she pulled back completely. "Good night, Arizona." With that, she clenched her jaw, shot me a remorseful look and turned around to walk away.

It took me a few seconds to fight through the haze and register what just happened. She was definitely going to kiss me, then something changed at the last second. It's probably for the better. If she had kissed me, I'd probably have been a goner…even though it feels like my heart is shattering, I'll just accept that she saved us both from a lot more heart ache and move on… "Wait! That's it?" I yelped after her, apparently disregarding everything I had just considered.

Callie whipped around toward me with an expression of hope and anguish coloring her features, "I shouldn't kiss you, Arizona."

"Why not?" I asked distraughtly.

"Because…I don't know if I'll be able to stop. And, I need to stop…for both our sakes." She replied quietly.

Wasn't I suppose to be the tortured soul in this relationship? "I trust you." I offered, equally as quiet.

Callie gave me a look full of an emotion I couldn't quite place before striding quickly back to me, sliding her soft hand along my cheek until her fingers hooked behind my neck and pulled my lips to hers. The feeling of her touch, though light, exploded through my lips and rushed down my body. Every nerve in my system jumped and tingled, I could feel her kiss in my toes. Our lips began to move tenderly and determinedly against the others. Her lips were like silk on mine, her warmth greeting my neglected mouth, and hands smoothed down my cheeks, to my shoulders and arms, before resting again on my hips. My arms wound themselves around her neck and I allowed her total control. Even though I hadn't kissed anyone in over seventy years, my body knew exactly what to do with Callie's. I felt her lips part and her velvety, but hesitant tongue trace my bottom lip. Without a second thought, I opened my mouth, inviting her in. Our tongues connected with a burning need and feverish strength. I moaned quietly at the feeling of enlivenment and peace overtaking my body with each stroke of her tongue.

Our tongues tangoed for only a few seconds or so before Callie pulled away, panting hard. Her eyes were dark and excited, and a brilliant smile covered my new favorite part of her. "Sorry," She whispered, "That's my limit for tonight…"

Swallowing hard and trying to calm my pleasantly raging body, I nodded, "Thank you, Callie," Seeing her raise a mocking eyebrow, I elaborated, "For that, for kissing me against your better judgement. It was…incredible." My breathing was still somewhat shallow and my hands trembled.

Callie laughed heartily, "Oh, honey, that was my pleasure." Her expression sobered to a soft smile, "Good night, Arizona."

I grinned back, and whispered, "It certainly is. Good night, Callie."

I frowned when her figure disappeared around the corner. What am I going to do now?

AN: Like? Hate?