Chapter 11

Stolen Kisses

I'm a fool to want you

To want a love that can't be true

A love that's there for others too

I'm a fool to hold you

Such a fool to hold you

To seek a kiss, not mine alone

To share a kiss that devil has known

Time and time again I said I'd leave you

Time and time again I went away

But then would come the time when I would need you

And once again these words I'll have to say

Take me back, I love you

Pity me, I need you

I know it's wrong, it must be wrong

But right or wrong, I can't get along without you

~Frank Sinatra

*Author's note:

Two songs are referenced in this chapter, recorded by Frank Sinatra: "All of Me"(April 1954), and "I'm a Fool to Want You." Sinatra's 1957 recording of Fool is superior than its original. Sinatra referencing his "soap opera" relationship with Ava Gardner wrote "A Fool to Want You". Sinatra attempted suicide twice after the tumultuous affair ended and lore recounts that after he breathed the final note at the LA 1957 recording, he uttered not a word, but slipped out into the rainy night. Both selections are found on the 1990 release: Frank Sinatra, the Capitol Years CD.

Location: Kim's home

Shane exited Kimberly's study dressed in full black tie attire.

"Oh Laddie, you look smashing!" Peachy chirped as Shane strolled over to the wall mirror by the front door to adjust his tie. The man wore a tuxedo as comfortably as an old pair of shoes. Seeing the deadly serious expression on her partner's face,

"You're still thinking about Collier, aren't you?" Peachy asked gravely.

Shane whirled around to address the question, but the mere mention of the jaded producer rendered him mute.

"You think the Lassie has any inkling of the sort of man Phillip is?"

Shane stared off into space, pondering Peachy's question.

"Perhaps… in a way?" He replied vaguely.

Fumbling with his silver cuff links, he replied with jaw clenched.

"I…I just can't shake the feeling that there's a link between Kimberly's downward spiral last year and Collier."

Shane spat out the name with such venom that Peachy reciprocated with a disapproving look.

"Laddie, you'd better compile more than intuition to back up that assertion, not that I don't disagree with the assessment." She observed soberly.

The sudden movement from above interrupted their conversation. He glanced up to see Kimberly happily descending the staircase in a plum-colored strapless evening gown. The form fitted bodice showcased her petite frame, and the layer of delicate silk chiffon flowed away from Kim's body to make dancing easy. Yet the smooth silky fabric clung to the curve of her backside, giving the dress a nice blend of elegance and seduction. Her hair was pulled up into a loose twist; a halo of soft curls lining the perimeter of her face.

"Kimberly, you're …simply…stunning!" Shane exclaimed clearly affected by her appearance.

Kim blushed slightly at the remark.

"Phillip likes purple." She explained hopefully.

Shane smiled at her reassuringly. He had forgotten all about his cuff links, but Kim noticed being oblivious to the effect she was having on him.

"Come here. Let me help you with those." Kim offered graciously.

She stood before him now adjusting the links, lifting her eyes to smile at him occasionally as she worked. The way her nails glided against his skin elevated his heart rate, the allure of her perfume coaxing Shane to bend ever so slightly towards Kim in order to breathe her in. Unexpectedly she moved.

"There, that's better!" Kimberly exclaimed triumphantly, flashing him her winning smile before holding a diamond choker for Shane to put around her neck.

"Could you?" Kimberly inquired innocently.

Shane winked his approval as Kim turned her back towards him, so he could work the clasp. Strands of her hair hung freely against the nape of Kim's neck as Shane maneuvered the pricey necklace around her shoulders. He let his fingers drag along to feel the softness of her skin, consumed by her aroma. Shane traced the area with his eyes, still aware of exactly where to place his lips sending Kimberly to a place of ecstasy.

"Will it fasten?' Kim asked anxiously, turning her head towards the side; snapping Shane out of his trance.

"Uh, hmm, yes, we are ready." Shane replied hastily, but Peachy caught the exchange and eyed him sternly as they exited the house.

Once inside the limo, Shane inquired casually:

"Phillip's home is, uh quite interesting."

Kimberly glanced out the window, and back towards him chuckling.

"Soooo, typical huh?"

"Yes." Shane replied evenly his tone inviting Kim to elaborate.

"You know," She pivoted her body to address his question directly. Kim's eyes sparkled illuminating the dimly lit car, and her hands gestured as she spoke,

"It's like Europeans with their tiny cars, or tornados hitting trailer parks,"

Shane grinned.

"If you live in Malibu, your home MUST be modern, with harsh lines, full of glass, and pretentious artifacts-the owner frequently unaware of their significance besides the inflated cost."

"The Curtis's home doesn't fit that description." Shane remarked amusingly.

"Because neither Neil nor Liz give a hoot what that crowd thinks of their style!"

Kimberly chuckled at the thought, before adding.

"And that's precisely why everyone flocks to their parties."

Shane smiled appreciatively.

"That couple is a touch Old Hollywood if you ask me."

"Much needed class for the area." Kimberly beamed in agreement.

The atmosphere inside the limo warm and inviting, he treaded carefully with his next question.

"That's quite a view from Phillip's personal study."

Kimberly mulled over his observation, her brow crinkling. The expression perplexed Shane.

"I think I've only been in there once or twice." Kimberly explained cautiously.

Shane nodded his head slowly.

"Phillip keeps a lot of personal business stuff…contracts…"

Her voice trailed off and the sparkle disappeared from her eyes briefly as Kim searched her memory compounding Shane's uneasy feeling.

"I'm not sure if he likes that ultra contemporary flair, but it's charming in its own way I suppose." Kim offered softly.

Immediately Shane switched subjects. He had no intention of ruining her evening but his instincts warned the spy of the danger lurking amidst the shadows of Kimberly's present relationship with Phillip. Shane knew to tread lightly.

The rest of the ride to the event was pleasant, Kimberly filling Shane in on who was to attend, or more importantly whom they were connected to, their title, and what they were after. Such was the case in the land of illusions. Upon arriving, Shane escorted the lady into the building, a few light bulbs flashing along the sidewalk. As Kim rattled off the names and matched the faces for Shane, he couldn't help but notice how out of place Kim was in Phillip's world. She was fresh faced and educated, refined and polished amid a sea of plastic expressions and shallow conversation. Everyone in the room was angling for something, mostly money, and young starlets hoping for attention and willing to do anything to get it! Shane observed detached pondering the irony of Kim's past profession and the events of last year along side these vultures. Despite her experiences, Kim was the most innocent creature in the room. As was prone to ones who possessed this quality, men fell completely under her spell when she addressed them. Shane hung quite close to her as though he were Kim's bodyguard, several people asking point blank if this was the case. Approaching the Dining Room, Kim gestured towards the grossly overweight man waddling towards them and whispered in her most pretentious voice,

"Darling, this would be Stewart Perkins." Kim's blue eyes radiated impishly. Shane leaned closer to her, engrossed in their private little joke- his deep attentive eyes widening as he played along with her.

"If you're a woman, he'll make you famous…for a price." She said patting her hand against Shane's chest as she clutched his left arm with her other arm.

"And if you're a man with sufficient means…." Kim added playfully leaning back and giving Shane an elaborate up and down glance,

"Such as yourself…then you might want to hide your wallet." She said with a wink, right as the overbearing man reached the two. When Kimberly introduced Shane, Stewart perked up and began to pitch his next idea for a major motion picture franchise to him.

"You could be in at the ground level!"

Stewart proclaimed with as much enthusiasm as actors say, "You were the first!" to wide-eyed groupies. Shane reminded himself that these people were Phillip's business acquaintances but made a note to have Peachy work up a dossier on Perkins as well.

Everyone gathered at the table with Stewart sitting to the right of Shane, who sat directly across from Kimberly, leaving the seat at the head of the table empty for Mr. Collier, who was sponsoring this event. As Stewart prattled on, Shane looked at an amused Kimberly and mouthed,

"I'll get you for this."

To which Kimberly responded in kind,

"Good luck with that!"

She flipped her head towards the woman to her left who was seeking information regarding Phillip's whereabouts.

The evening progressed with the appetizers and wine as the conversation flowed from monotonous business talk to the latest Hollywood gossip, which there was plenty. Shane managed to cut Stewart off at the pass, politely of course, mainly nodding and responding appropriately while watching Kimberly for most of dinner. She held Shane captive with her wit and ability to entertain these overdramatic bores while her fiancé was god knows where! Instinctively Shane placed his hand on the table a mere inches from hers when she set her glass down, and there it remained for support in case she requested it. No one noticed the guest of honor enter the room an hour late for his own gala.

Tied up for two hours on the phone with an irate agent, Phillip cleverly extricated himself from the confrontation so he could arrive before dinner wrapped up. He hurried up the grand staircase that led to the Dining room and adjacent Ballroom for his guests. The ornate crystal chandelier over the banquet table was the only source of light, which was lowered to create intimacy for the event. Shielded by the darkness and the sheer volume of chatter coming from the occupants, Phillip slipped into the room unnoticed except for the attending waiters and waitresses. Kimberly's back faced him, the left side of her face visible as she listened attentively to the director's mistress. Phillip could always count on Kimberly to keep the festivities flowing beautifully, the investors happy, and the servants on course. The fact that his male associates envied him for having her on his arm added the brightest feather to his cap! Kimberly Brady was quite the asset to Phillip's career and so he found other ways to cope with the nuisance of their present platonic predicament.

The smirk on Phillip's face did not last long as his eyes scanned the room before him. Perhaps it was the intimate lighting and the advantage of the darkness that enveloped him that allowed Phillip to observe something for the first time since meeting Kim's ex husband. Phillip admitted that the stories and images of her dashing, adventurous ex were what romance novels and high grossing chick flicks were made of, but when he met the wheel-chaired bound gentleman eighteen months ago, Phillip was relieved as well as amused to find a broken down shell of a man. There was no competition to eliminate. Why the notion that Phillip could feel insecure about Donovan's abilities was laughable to him! The only thing Phillip felt was pity for the man and it was clear that even if there were lingering feelings, the gulf between the two was too vast for anything to result. At the time, the thought encouraged Phillip as he set up shop in Salem and played the role of doting fiancé to Kimberly's white bread family. Once Phillip escorted Kimberly out of her hometown and back to LA, Phillip relaxed. But this vision before him was like a stab in the gut for his perfectly laid out plan. For what Phillip saw sitting across the table, smiling adoringly at his Kimberly was a man far from broken. Shane Donovan exuded confidence, coolness, and burning passion for the woman he was eying. Twisting the knife further was the apparent attention the debonair gentleman garnered from several female participants sitting at the table. Being a producer, Phillip spent hours trying to mimic this image onscreen with his leading men and women. It was what they called in the biz, "chemistry," and usually gave birth to phenomenal love scenes both on and off the set.

Perhaps the most disconcerting aspect of what he saw was how vivacious Kimberly appeared to be in Shane's presence and completely unaware of what was happening between them. She was engaging and glowed with vitality, her fingertips a mere inches from her ex-lover's. In that moment, Phillip's blue eyes froze as he clenched his jaw and cursed Shane Donovan under his breath. Phillip rushed over to the table and placed his hands on her bare shoulders startling Kim, who turned her head to the right to greet him.

"Everyone!" Phillip greeted heartedly to the guests with a twinkle in his eyes.

Making the most of the attention and especially to the enemy across the table before him, Phillip swooped in and planted a kiss on Kim's lips; who reluctantly reciprocated the gesture in masked embarrassment. Shane averted his eyes at the display taking a large gulp of his wine, swallowing hard while nodding appropriately at the lame statement bubbling out of the fool seated to his right. Phillip took his seat at the table, clasping Kim's right hand encouragingly as he commanded the attention of those around him. Shane tried to catch Kim's eyes but she kept them fixed on anything and everything but the two men seated closest to her. Kimberly continued to play her role, politely answering questions and commenting when needed, but otherwise she appeared absent from the occasion. Shane was determined to entice the enchanting woman he had spent the evening with up to this point, out again. Once the dinner was over, everyone waltzed over to the ballroom to enjoy some evening flare.

"So how many of these things must you suffer through?" Shane teased her once the music began and everyone was either dancing or plotting their next movie venture.

He placed his hand tenderly on her right shoulder and let it slide softly down her arm. It was the first genuine smile Shane had seen on Kim's face since Phillip's arrival. Her official date for the event was engrossed in a lively debate with his co-producer on the upcoming film to even notice.

"Too many." Kim replied returning Shane's gesture with a coy grin.

With hungry investors' appetites and the libations flowing freely, the room was a buzz with conversation and music. Phillip mingled in and out of the party as the waiter continued to interrupt with pressing phone calls. He did not want to leave Kimberly unattended, or more accurately did not want Donovan to spend any more time with his ex wife as was necessary.

"So what kind of business do you dabble in?" One of Phillip's co-producers questioned with disinterest. A group of about a half or dozen or so men and women gathered near the balcony.

"Global commodities." Shane answered flatly, taking a sip of his after dinner brandy.

Kimberly stifled a laugh.

Dead air enveloped the tight little circle since the response failed to ignite interest among the party. Taking that as his cue, Shane pointed towards the balcony and retreated for a breath of fresh air. Kimberly narrowed her eyes in displeasure as Shane whispered in her ear reminding her flirtatiously,

"Payback darling!" Before exiting outside.

She longed to join him as the conversation quickly devolved into the more Hollywood gossip. Reluctantly turning towards the party, Kimberly nodded "ooh and aaahed," playing along with the rest of the females in the group. A petite redhead leaned forward, scanning the room before she spoke, and whispered breathlessly,

"I hear, that Timothy Dalton is done playing 007!"

"You're kidding!" Several members of the group muttered excitedly.

Speculation quickly erupted with several guesses to why the actor would abandon such a lucrative role. The group pulling her into their discussion, Kimberly hadn't noticed Shane slip back into the suite leaning against one of the Corinthian columns that lined the wall of French doors leading out to the balcony. He lazily sipped on his brandy while observing the group, or more precisely Kimberly and her contributions.

"Perhaps to claim the role of Rhett Butler?" Inquired a high-level casting agent.

Kimberly snorted at the suggestion, raising more than a few eyebrows. Now on display, she exhaled,

"Eh, he was a mediocre Bond at best." Kimberly offered nonchalantly as Phillip approached to her right.

"My fiancé now believes herself to be a casting director."

A few mild chuckles rippled through the group as Phillip commanded attention. In the land of illusions, once an idea was bandied around, the lone voice of dissent was going to be squashed. Her date informed her in a patronizing tone:

"You see, babe, Dalton's portrayal is much more in line with Fleming's version."

Kimberly cut her eyes towards the cocky producer and replied tersely,

"I'm well aware of Dalton's intentions in relation to the novels."

She had no idea what triggered his foul mood, but was not going to allow Phillip to disparage her in front of a group of high-powered execs. She had charmed classier participants than this in her day! Gripping the wine glass tightly, Kim's fiery Irish temper boiled over as she spoke.

"I appreciate the desire to remain true to an author's intent dear." She began with a flick of her tongue commanding the attention of the group.

"But there's a fine line between cool, calculating spy and a rogue that belongs on the psychiatrist's couch." Kim paused to punctuate her critique.

"I do believe that was the actor's characterization of the role." Her lips pursed tightly, before she added sharply,

"What translated onscreen for me was simply an emotionally stunted creep who lacked sexual appeal." Her blue-green eyes sliced through Phillip's ego.

Kimberly shrugged her shoulders and dramatically sipped her wine.

"Too each his own, I suppose."

The whole group erupted into gales of laughter.

"Phillip, your fiancé is enchanting!" The older man, who had asked the original question, observed.

"Let's do lunch."

"You can count on it, Max!" Phillip insisted boastfully as he started to maneuver Kimberly away from the group. At the corner of his eye, the producer noticed his newly discovered enemy close by observing the display.

Instructing Donovan just who held the cards, he slid his hand possessively around Kimberly,

"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm taking my gorgeous fiancé out on the dance floor."

Once out of earshot, Kimberly suggested curtly:

"Don't ever belittle me again in front of those arrogant little trolls!"

Phillip smiled arrogantly, amused by her offense.

Laughing heartily, he pivoted her around dramatically.

"Come now, babe..."

The skepticism radiating from her accusatory eyes, prompted Phillip to modify his demeanor.

"I apologize. My phone exchange was a bit contentious and I let it spill into our lovely evening." He lied convincingly.

"No harm, no foul?" His cold blue eyes shifted around the room and above Kimberly's head making it difficult to read his motives. Phillip's good humor returned as suddenly as it had vanished earlier.

"You had them eating out of the palm of your delicate little hand."

Phillip flashed her a winning smile, leaning in for a kiss. Still perplexed by his behavior, Kimberly hesitated, turning away just in time to see where Shane had ventured off. Phillip's eyes followed along as a knowing grin simmered beneath the surface. The awkward couple slowly swayed to the rhythm of the music.

Leaning against the meticulously sculpted wooden bar, Shane gestured

"A club soda!"

Shane knew he had to give every appearance of tranquility in public. He could let his emotions fly once he was alone, or at the very least, out of Phillip's watchful eye. The producer was no longer patronizing but had rapidly shifted to a simmering hostility towards the Brit. While he sipped on his drink, a green-eyed, black haired vixen slinked his way and purred,

"Well, hello there handsome."

The leggy woman wore a dress too tight and short for public viewing; but then, that was the point! She slid her hand provocatively along Shane's arm. The actress eyed the spy lustfully.

"I'm Charity, Charity Lane."

No doubt a stage name…

"You've got to be the sexiest man in this room!"

Shane smiled politely, disinterested in the woman's attempts to seduce him. Kimberly attempted to discreetly read the body language while dancing with Phillip, but various couples weaving in and out of her line of vision created a false impression.

After several minutes of allowing the up and coming actress to flirt shamelessly with him,

"Uh, excuse me, Ms. Lane…" Shane announced formally ending the exchange. He shifted his address to the bewildered bartender tossing a couple of twenties at him.

"The lady's next drink is on me." He offered with a cordial wink.

Then turning back to Charity, the color draining from her face as Shane offered graciously.

"It's been charming, but I have to leave."

Her green eyes widened with a suggestion.

"Alone." Shane replied firmly before politely kissing the woman's hand. The last image he saw was Kimberly's appealing backside as she stood beside her fiancé chatting up a few patrons. Phillip's demeanor flagrantly suggested his intentions with Kimberly afterwards as he let his hand slide slowly down her back towards her shapely posterior.

Finally the opportunity for Kimberly to scan the room for him presented itself. There was no sign of Shane or the little tart he was conversing with. Noting Kimberly's anxiety, Phillip remarked nonchalantly,

"Last time I saw them, they were together. He probably took her home."

Deflated, Kimberly sunk back into his arms, playing the role as Collier's doting fiancé.

Location: Kim's home

Shane exited the limo, tipping the driver generously before bursting through the door, slamming the house keys down on the table in the corner. Peachy rushed to the foyer shushing him before he woke the children.

"Laddie, the children!" She admonished.

Shane breezed past her, running his fingers through his hair. Frustrated and focused on retreating to an isolated location, he swiped an opened bottle of Cab off the bar as he blew past, rounding the counter to grab a wine glass. When Peachy pressed him, Shane merely motioned towards the patio, disappearing into the night air.

Meanwhile, Kimberly had endured as much of the public display as she could handle.

"Phillip, I am really tired." She whispered frantically.

"Ready to head back to my place?" He asked playfully.

"No, no. I just…" Kimberly fought to control her emotions. "Just take me home tonight. I don't feel well."

The producer narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Irritated by her request, Phillip drove to his fiancé's home tempering his resentment for being rejected once more. Kimberly waged a battle between her head and heart during the unbearably long drive. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to block out her over active imagination. Kimberly had seen how the little tramp behaved around Phillip when he didn't know his fiancé was around. What bothered Kim most was how much pleasure her fiancé seemed to derive from the attention. How could Shane find that starlet even remotely interesting? The torture continued for the whole ride back to her house.

Upon arriving home, Phillip walked Kimberly to her front door. Ending the evening this way felt especially cruel to Kim. Anxiously she took a deep breath as Phillip pulled her in for a hungry kiss goodnight.

Kimberly felt nothing.

Smiling politely, she murmured something properly affectionate as he bid her adieu. Satisfied, he retreated to his car and sped away into the night.

Kimberly entered her home slowly wiping away the sensation her fiancé's lips left behind. There was no sign of Peachy, but the light towards the back of the house shined brightly indicating someone was still up. Walking through the dark dining room, she entered the kitchen looking for a wine glass. At the corner of her eye, Kimberly noted the opened door leading to her patio.

"He's here?"

Kimberly stepped out onto the patio and gazed at Shane, who slumped casually in the chase lounge. Still dressed in his tux, she smiled knowingly at his loosened tie, the two buttons of his dress shirt unclasped so he "could breathe," the brilliance of his gold chain catching the light filtering outside from Kim's home.

She inhaled deeply.

In his right hand, Shane swirled the contents of his red wine in nice melodic waves. He studied the water that reflected the crisp moonlit night.

"A penny for your thoughts?" She inquired coyly.

Her presence startled him briefly, before smiling approvingly at the sight to his left. Similar to Kim's torture, Shane sat brooding over the likelihood that Kimberly would not return home for the night. Seeing her standing before him produced a mixture of complicated feelings for the weary spy: relief, desire, and defiance at the thought of losing control of his emotions once more.

"Ah,"

Shane's voice was as smooth and robust as the Cabernet he sipped.

"They're worth more than that." He replied flatly.

Kimberly was a little surprised by his guarded manner. Shane sat, alone in the night air, cursing himself for allowing the evening to carry him away with her beauty and titillating conversation. There wasn't room to allow his wishes to navigate this thorny path. Yet, her physical presence tempted his desires to the surface, taunting Shane over the possibility of their relationship igniting into more. Kimberly inched closer, extending her wine glass to him as a peace offering. He reached over and poured her a drink as Kimberly sat down beside him. A small glass side table separated the two.

"I didn't expect you home." She revealed poignantly.

Shane's eyes abruptly met Kim's at the revelation. Its obvious implication flooded between them as his eyes magnetized her with their intensity holding the implication of Kim's revelation over them. Silently she cursed Shane for not letting her politely retreat from her blunder. Finally,

"She wasn't my type." He replied mysteriously.

"Oh!" Kimberly blurted out, relieved.

"I told Phillip she wasn't...!" She stopped short.

Suddenly Kimberly blushed realizing how she sounded taking a nervous sip of her wine and letting her eyes flutter around the landscape. An electric charge pulsated around them. Shane let his eyes soak in her bare shoulders and the way the diamond teardrop shaped choker lay against the curvature of her cleavage. He turned his attention back towards the pool and took a hearty sip of his wine. Setting the empty glass on the table, the awkward tension mocked them. Once Shane regained his bearings, his cool aloof demeanor returned.

"That's a nice bottle of Cab you have." He complimented evenly.

"We… I picked it up in Napa." Kimberly replied fretfully correcting herself.

"Did you enjoy the dancing?" Shane asked formally, his tone betraying little emotion.

"Phillip isn't much of a dancer." Kimberly shrugged her shoulders. "But it was a productive event for him…"

Her voice trailed off.

They sat quietly as the water tapped lightly against the pool's edge. Its rhythmic waves sparkled in the moonlight. Looking carefully one could see the shadowy outline of the mountains in the distance. Her expressed disappointment carefully lured Shane back into her orbit as he stole intimate glances in Kim's direction. His mind rationalized ways to appropriately engage her without crossing the necessary boundaries their history placed upon them. Then their eyes met, and Kimberly smiled demurely at him. He placed his finger to his lips and remarked pensively.

"Ah, I bet there's an arrangement of Pachelbel or Bach in the CD stereo?"

A curious look graced Kim's face before grinning guiltily. Shane knew her so well. Setting her glass down and leaning forward with interest,

"I've been reading in bed lately, so no."

Kimberly's eyes betrayed a flirtatious flair as she shifted in the chair, her movement in the confines of her silky dress intermingled against the bluish haze of the moonlight, enticing the male imagination.

"What are you suggesting, Mr. Donovan?"

Shane gazed at her for a second before rising, purposefully strolling into the house.

"Wait here." He instructed leaving a perplexed Kimberly in the dark.

"Shane?"

Pressing the button, sounds of a classically trained orchestra flowed through the house and out towards the patio as Shane turned on his heel and extend his hands inviting her to join in.

"Come dance with me, Kimberly." He requested in a low voice that dripped with sultry affection.

Her lips parted slightly to protest, but the alluring appeal of Sinatra championing the dashing spy's cause beckoned Kimberly to accept the invitation. Shane inched closer to her, snapping his fingers to the beat of the quirky number. The move melted Kim's resolve. Who could reject Sinatra's silky voice cooing, 'All of me, why not take all of me?'

Taking her hand, Shane assumed the lead as they elegantly fox trotted along the pool outside. Their feet delicately shuffled to the upbeat rhythm of the Big Band number. The light breeze flowing between them created an ethereal effect as though the two danced among the clouds above them that peppered the moonlit night.

Shane was the consummate dancing partner, creating a comforting environment irresistible to the lady. Submitting to his charm, a girlish laughter escaped Kimberly's lips, which only fueled Shane's desire to romance her. Feeling liberated, Kimberly tossed her head to the side kicking up her heels in response to the agility of her partner. Shane pulled her swiftly towards him in a tender embrace sliding his free hand up her back. The sensation of Shane's hands, the way his fingertips rested against her exposed back, energized Kimberly in a way that had become foreign to her. She felt dizzy.

What began as an innocent dance to quell the melancholy of the evening, quickly devolved into something more! When the percussions swelled, Kimberly sashayed alluringly around Shane's torso, their eyes never leaving the object of their fantasy. Their fingers united, kept the delicate thread of circuitry intact until Shane twisted Kimberly back into him.

"Y o u r good-bye, left me with e y e s that c r i e d."

Their body's in synch, the two coiled and uncoiled throughout the deceptively seductive melody.

"H o w can I get a long with out y o u?"

Swinging Kimberly around enticed Shane's hands to linger closer towards her silky posterior each time she landed into the crook of his right arm. The dance becoming more involved their steps sweeping them closer and closer to a fever pitch!

"Y o u know you got the part that used to be my h e a r t.

So why not… why not take a l l of m e e e…"

Consumed by the climax of the song, Shane flicked his wrist impulsively dipping her- Kim slinking back into a full arch!

The combs in Kimberly's hair broke free as Shane's body thrust her forward and back into a passionate embrace. The rush of her blonde tresses cascaded across her bare shoulders. The exhilaration plastered all over Kimberly's inviting face produced an urge that Shane couldn't resist. Pressing her closer to his body, he slid his hand along her shoulder sweeping up the nape of her neck allowing his fingers to intermingle amidst her soft flowing hair.

"She's committed to another!"

The silent alarm ringing between the tortured spy's ears echoed around the two.

Simultaneously an achingly sorrowful wail of violins stole the moment for reconciliatory kisses. A hauntingly revealing melody ensued as the legendary crooner bellowed out the lyrics regarding a torrid love affair gone awry.

"I ' m a f o o l to want you…"

Shane jerked his hand away before crossing a line he knew they both would regret. Swiftly he transitioned into a makeshift waltz, but the way Kim's head fell back and to the side in proper fashion exposed a neck that begged him to lavish it with soft, hot kisses! Not ready to let go of Kim, yet Shane couldn't continue to gaze at the vision he held either. Passionately Shane pivoted Kimberly around, the movement sudden and forceful! Gasping, Kimberly fell longingly into his arms- their bodies properly positioned to the regretful rhythm of the music. Wrapped securely in his embrace, Shane cradled her close as they continued their requiem dance.

"I ' m a f o o l to hold you…"

The song proceeded to level indictments against them. Having skirted the perimeters of what was appropriate, the two avoided eye contact for the remainder of the song. Kimberly couldn't resist the hypnotic effect of the ballad despite the growing urge to flee. Shane's warm, moist breath against her neck lulled Kimberly into a dream like state as she rested her chin gently on his shoulder. Her nails clung against the fabric of the tuxedo jacket as they glided gracefully along the patio, her heart racing through each quarter turn, their legs weaving in and out from one another with each step, thrusting them forwards and back. Buried deep beneath the rubble of Kim's well-fashioned walls, a little spark ignited inside her heart. Feeling light-headed and alive, her body yearned for more!

The tormented singer struggled on with his tale of woe as Shane and Kim's smooth fluid movements dwindled into a slow steady rhythm mimicking their suffering. Feeling every curve of Kim's body pressed tightly against him, Shane closed his eyes burying his face into her hair. Inhaling deeply, he knew the time seeped away from them. Kimberly fell limp into Shane's arms.

As the orchestra hummed in anguish, the harp signaling the last minute of their time together, a desperate plea reverberated between them.

"Take me back, I love you…"

Kimberly abruptly pulled away.

It had been horribly naïve to think the two could play with fire without feeling its effects. Shane clasped both her hands together holding them towards his chest in an attempt to prevent Kim from leaving.

"I know it's wrong. It must be wrong." Their moderator lamented.

Their eyes locked into a sensual standstill. Kim's wide with anticipation, and Shane's burning with intensity!

Their lips temptingly close, their labored breaths mirrored the final notes played.

Suddenly the spell broke, Kimberly wrenching her hands out of loving captivity as she stepped to the side her eyes damp with emotion. They stood shoulder to shoulder in a tortured standstill. Kim swore when she escaped to LA, she'd never again! Not with anyone and especially not with him!

"Kim?" He whispered in a hush. Shane leaned towards her, his fingers grazing the outline of her left shoulder.

Panicking, Kimberly sprinted towards the shelter inside, seeking safety from the storm. Defeated, Shane stood attentively watching her exit through the doorway, the swish of her dress skirt drawing the allusion that Kim was more apparition than being. But dreams didn't affect him the way she did in his arms. Discouraged, he ran his figures through his thick wavy black locks.

"Damn!"

Turning forlornly towards the pool, Shane's focus drifted into the crystal blue water reflected by the moonlight.