Some of you wanted another chapter and I finally got some time and was able to accommodate you. Will this continue? I don't know – my muse doesn't always cooperate but if anyone has suggestions, please feel free to let me know.

Joe Cruz couldn't stop smiling. He was smiling when he woke up, while he showered, while he ate breakfast. He saw his goofy grin while he was shaving and tried to wipe it off his face before he seriously gashed himself. He was having no luck – he was happy. He had a date with Sylvie last night and they had a good time. He kissed her goodnight and she invited him in. He still couldn't believe that and shook his head in awe.

"Man, I can't believe she likes me"... he thought to himself... "I can't screw this up – have to be careful. It took everything I had not to follow her into her house last night but I don't want to rush her. I don't want her to think it's just sex because I really care for her."

He finished dressing and as he left his apartment, realized that he was whistling. He also realized that it was going to be a very good day.

Sylvie Brett woke to her alarm blaring next to her. She slammed the snooze button in annoyance. "No, no, no – I wasn't finished with my dream." Her lips curved into a soft smile as she realized who was in her dream. "Joe Cruz – who knew? Last night was so much fun and his kiss was amazing. And a perfect gentleman to the end. I would have been fine with him coming in but I love that he said no. I love what he said – that some things are worth waiting for."

She sighed and swung her legs out from underneath the sheets. It had been a long time since anyone had treated her so well. Joe respected her talents as a paramedic and was not interested in changing her or keeping her all to himself. He wasn't at all like her former fiance who wanted nothing but to keep her "barefoot and pregnant." Well maybe not literally but his intentions were obvious.

Sylvie found herself hurrying to get ready, pausing only briefly to gulp down a cup of coffee. She was out the door in record time, looking forward to her shift at the firehouse. "It's gonna be a good day." She laughed as she realized she had spoken the words aloud.

Mouch and Otis were standing beside the truck, checking out the gear when they saw Joe walk in the door. Of course they immediately noticed the grin plastered on his face.

"Hey Cruz! What's with the stupid grin?" Otis looked at him a bit suspiciously. "You're never happy in the morning."

Joe actually felt himself blush, much to his regret. "Ahh, nothing. Leave me alone Otis. Can't a guy be in a good mood sometimes without you getting all in his face?"

Otis held up his hands in mock surrender. "OK, OK, enjoy your "mood" big guy. Be advised, though, I'll find out what's behind it - sooner or later." He laughed as Joe made a dismissive gesture with his hand and that would have been the end of it but then Sylvie walked in.

She walked up to the group, as always with a smile on her face. "Hey guys! Good morning!" When her gaze met Joes eyes, she bit her lower lip as she felt an involuntary blush spread across her face. She looked down shyly before continuing. "Are you doing breakfast this morning Joe? I just found a great frittata recipe that we could try."

"Sure Sylvie, that sounds great. I'll be there in a minute." He couldn't help but notice the looks Mouch and Otis were exchanging and wanted to head off any comments they might be inclined to make. He watched Sylvie turn and walk away before confronting them with a frown.

"Don't even say it." He growled as he saw both of them on the verge of exploding. "OK, Sylvie and I went out on a date last night and that's it. That's all you need to know so no questions, no comments and don't embarrass Sylvie."

With that he walked away, leaving both Otis and Mouch with disbelief on their faces... not only at the fact that Cruz had actually persuaded Sylvie to go out with him but that she seemed to like him. Mouch was the first to recover, slapping Otis on the back. "Well lucky him. Lucky her too, I guess since they both looked smitten."

"Smitten? What the hell is that?" Otis queried.

"Don't be ignorant. It means they have a crush on each other."

"Why didn't you just say that? Why do you always have to be so... I can't even think of a word to describe you sometimes."

They went on sniping at each other as was their custom and soon Joe couldn't hear them anymore. He stood next to Sylvie smiling down on her. "So what's this recipe?"

"No recipe...I just wanted to talk to you for a second." She glanced across the room to make sure they were alone before continuing. "I had a really good time last night. I'm thinking we should do that again real soon. Only this time I'll cook for you."

"Oh yeah?" Joe's face lit up with a smile even bigger than before. "That would be awesome but why do you want to cook for me? I love taking you out."

Sylvie reached for his hand, hidden behind the counter, twining their fingers together. "Because you'll already be in my house when I ask you to stay."

Joe squeezed her hand gently wanting nothing more than to kiss her but knowing he couldn't. They could only talk with their eyes, their smiles, their growing affection for each other clearly apparent.

"Ahhh, jeez" Hermann griped as he walked into the room. "Will you two cut it out and get some breakfast going!"

It was then Joe realized that Otis and Mouch blabbed and it was then he realized that he did not care in the least.