Disclaimer: As always I own nothing associated with the WWE.

Chapter 12

Meet the Parents

With each passing day Peyton found it increasingly harder to contain her excitement. She could hardly believe that she of all people would be going on the road with Stephen "Sheamus" Farrally. They talked all the time as it was, but since agreeing to travel with him it seemed they talked more if that were possible.

The end of the school year came quickly. The last five to ten minutes of the last class was always the same. Peyton listened as her students talked about their great plans for their summer vacations. As her students talked, Peyton was caught off guard by hard swift knock at the classroom door. Looking at her class, she smiled a little confused, "hold that thought Thomas," as her students waited less than patient, Peyton went to answer the closed classroom door. Poking her head outside the door she was a little surprised to see Carrie standing there rather impatiently waiting. Peyton assumed that a parent was in the office to pick up a student. As she started to ask which student Carrie was there to escort to the main office, Carrie cut her off quickly. "Sorry to interrupt the last few minutes of class, but you have a visitor who insisted he couldn't wait till the bell rang."

"Excuse me?" Peyton questioned slightly confused about who could be 'visiting' her here at school.

Stepping into view of the door, Stephen smiled "No excuse meh lass. I hope that yeh don't mind ah got an early flight and just couldn't wait."

'Stephen' her mind raced. Happier to have him standing right in front of her than she ever imagined she would. "Stephen – you're here!" she exclaimed. Her first extinct was to launch herself into this arms and hang on tight. Before the thought had fully crossed her mind, Stephen beat her to the punch. Reaching for her hand, Stephen pulled her into this warm embrace. "Damn!" thought Stephen as he held onto Peyton. He honestly couldn't remember the last time holding a woman, any woman, in his had felt this good – this right. As he held her, Stephen gently kissed on top of the head. His senses were overwhelmed with the scent of shampoo, lotion, and something that was uniquely Peyton.

Peyton couldn't seem to control the smile bright smile that was breaking out across her face; as she laid her head against his chest. Secretly grateful that her position allowed her face to be partially obscured from view; Peyton reveled in the strength of his embrace. Inhaling deeply, Peyton was overcome with the clean strong scent that was pure heaven to her senses.

Carrie smiled, grateful for the chance to see her best friend this happy. A small chorus of young giggles and whispers drew Carrie's attention to the classroom door. As she looked more than a dozen students stood in the open doorway. Smiling big and bright they giggled and whispered about Ms. Ross' 'new boyfriend.' Carrie smiled like a little kid at Christmas time; secretly agreeing with the giggles and whispers of the class. With her smile still in place, she ushered the children back inside to their desks; all the way assuring them they were missing nothing out in the hall.

As if suddenly realizing they were not alone, Peyton reluctantly pulled back from Stephen's all too warm embrace. Suddenly unsure of herself Peyton's eyes filled with a shy hesitance, while her face flushed a beautiful shade of scarlet rose. Watching her blush, caught Stephen off guard. Since when does a blushing woman turn him inside out? He expected her shyness; he'd heard it lacing her words in almost all of their phone conversations. This was different, seeing the blush of cheeks, the shyness in her eyes, feeling her body close to his; he wanted desperately to kiss her long, soft, and deep. Shaking his head, he hoped to clear the need from his mind and his face.

Idly Peyton wondered what he was thinking. She could the wheels turning in his mind. She noted a glimmer of strong emotion pass through his eyes. Whatever it is was, with a shake of his head it was gone. "Sad" thought Peyton "whatever it was flashing in his eyes looked damn good on him." Reaching out she took his hand and smiled "Come inside meet "my kids"?" She had meant it as a statement it came across more a question.

Looking at their joined hands Stephen grinned "Honored to lass!" he replied. Following her into the large classroom – Stephen watched as she transformed from Peyton, the star of some of his most recent daydreams, to Ms. Ross beloved school teacher. If he were honest with himself the 'mini' transformation was almost sexy. He watched her perched on the edge of her desk, he noted her dark knee length skirt, pink cotton blouse, black pumps, and the ever present silver cuff bracelets (one at each wrist). Hell's bells who was he kidding, Peyton Ross wasn't almost anything, in his book she was down-right damned sexy. Changing directions, he watched intently the way she interacted with her students. Glancing at the clock he figured there could only be another minute or two before the final bell of the school-year rang.

It was then that Shannon with some serious prodding from several other students sitting in and around here raised her hand "Ms. Ross?" She exclaimed.

"Is Mr. Sheamus your boyfriend?" Shannon asked with all the innocence of a small child; as those around her giggled uncontrollably.

Stephen smiled instantly loving the way the little lady's mind worked. Moving quietly – without drawing attention to him to or Peyton; he leaned against the desk standing as close to her as he could. He whispered for her ears only "Yes Ms. Ross, do tell – is Mr. Sheamus yeh boyfriend?" Stephen couldn't help the gentle smirk that crossed his face as he watched her blushing hotly. Without looking directly at him she swatted his arm playfully. From her vantage point near the door, Carrie was about to correct her daughter, when Peyton spoke. "Shannon," she began very patiently, her cheeks still rosy and pink "Mr. Sheamus is here as a friend to me and this class. I hope that answers your question."

"Yes Ms. Ross!" Shannon replied politely before turning to her giggling classmates, "see I told you he ain't Ms. Ross' boyfriend." Within seconds the final bell rang, Peyton stood at the door wishing her students a safe and happy summer vacation. As her students exited her class for the last time that school year, the moment felt bittersweet to Peyton. As you spend an entire year with your students; it's inevitable that some of them become special to you in some way. While Peyton loved all of her students, something about this class this year was special. Smiling wistfully she wondered if it were Stephen that made this class special.

Carrie watched as the students had exited the room, she and Shannon waited with Stephen beside Peyton's desk. Closing the classroom door, Peyton turned to her guests. After several moments of small talk; Carrie and Shannon made their exit while promising to see Peyton over at her grandparents on Saturday at noon. Collecting her things, Stephen and Peyton made their silently across the parking lot.

Stephen agreed to follow her in his rental back to her apartment. Peyton was secretly glad for the quiet fifteen-twenty minutes of alone time the short car ride allowed. She suddenly found herself needing the quiet time alone to settle her raging nerves. Humming along with the radio, Peyton began to think out loud. "What's wrong with me? One hug….one damn mighty nice hug and my nerves go all wonky!" Looking at herself in the rear view mirror she smirked mirthlessly "It was just a hug Peyton Kathleen…it's not like he kissed you for crying out loud – GET A GRIP!" Stopping at a red light she pounded her hand against the stirring wheel. The mere mention of a kiss had her imagination wondering.

Following Peyton, Stephen was anxious to be back to her apartment. After all the long nights on the phone he was anxious to just spend an evening talking in person. If nothing else, over the last several weeks he had definitely fallen in love with the sound of her voice. No matter how bad a day he was having – the second she picked up the phone and said hello – he felt better. In a very short time he had come to think of Peyton as special – different maybe. There was absolutely nothing he couldn't tell her. Trusting this completely was an unusual situation for Stephen. Working for the WWE – being in the public eye didn't lend itself to a lot of trusting relationships. Sure he had unique friendships with John and Randy; they were on the road with him – they understand the day in and day out of the life. Yet when it came to total honesty it was his folks, his sisters, and Peyton.

As they neared the apartment, Stephen thought of Peyton earlier at the school. He couldn't help but smile as the thought of her wrapped in his arms crossed his mind. He had wanted a kiss from her so bad he could almost taste it. He knew she was very shy – tentative about this relationship. Still, if they had been anywhere but the school; he was certain that he would have attempted to kiss her at least once.

Pulling into the parking lot, Peyton motioned that Stephen should park his truck right next to her. Entering the apartment, Peyton suddenly remembered the small pot roast she had thrown in the crock-pot first thing that morning. The small apartment smelled delicious the aroma of tender well-seasoned roast filling the air. Excusing herself she carried her stuff to the bedroom. "Are you hungry?" she asked as re-entered the living room.

"Somethin' sure smells good!" Stephen murmured as he followed her to the kitchen. "Please" she gestured towards the table make you're self-comfortable while I check on the roast. With her back to the table she checked on the state of dinner.

With her back to him, Stephen noted that she had stopped to change out of her dark skirt and into a pair of really comfortable looking jeans, the pink top and bracelets remained. As he watched she began to move about the kitchen, "Please lass, is there something Ah' could do to help?" Reaching into the cupboard closest to her, she removed plates and bowls, grabbing silverware she turned to Stephen. "Dinner is almost done – but you could set the table."

In companionable silence they finished dinner and set about cleaning up the kitchen. Soon they were both seated sideways on the sofa facing one another. Tilting her head just a little she rested against the back of the sofa. Quietly she watched Stephen for several long seconds – her gaze missing nothing. She noted his beautiful cerulean blue eyes, his well-trimmed beard, how well his long black cotton shirt fit across his broad shoulders; yes her gaze missed nothing.

Stephen felt the weight of her gaze clear to his toes. Her dark eyes gazing across his face, more intense in that moment than a lover's urgent caress. In that moment he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his lap and kiss her until they were both bloody damned breathless and eager for more. Reaching out slowly he took her left hand in his and gently toyed with her long soft fingers. The soft innocent contact seemed to be enough to break the spell. Peyton averted her gaze – looking anywhere but directly at him. Although her hand remained within his grasp, Stephen felt her pulling away. Without thought he spoke "Don't lass…don't do that!"

"Don't what?" she questioned softly without meeting his gaze.

Releasing her hand, he slipped his thumb and fore-finger under chin gently lifting her head. Her dark confused gaze met his clouded gaze. "Don't pull away from meh. Ah' liked the way yeh were lookin' at meh."

It was Peyton's turn to speak without thinking, "you did?" Cursing herself seven kinds of idiot for asking such a stupid naïve question, she felt herself blushing hotly, desperately trying to avoid his gaze. "What grown woman asks such a naïve question?" she thought embarrassment not nearly strong enough to cover how or what she was feeling at that moment.

With fingers still tucked under her chin he whispered "Ah did baby-girl…" Moving his fingers from under her chin, he trailed them softly up her chin and briefly across her soft full mouth. "Dammit!" he cursed silently, the urge to devour her mouth like that of a sucker punch he never saw coming.

The minute his hand dropped away from her face, he reached for her hand once more intertwining their fingers. Unable to let go of the minor contact, he squeezed her hand reassuringly before resting their twined fingers in his lap. Squeezing her hand once more, he sensed her struggle and quickly sought to change the subject.

The evening was early, as they sat together talking about every little thing that came to mind. One minute they would be talking about the things Stephen missed about Ireland; the next one of them would be rambling on about ice cream and a sweet tooth as big as Dallas.

The next time either of them looked at the clock it was nearing eleven. Stephen had reserved a hotel room about ten minutes from Peyton's apartment – but he wasn't ready to leave just yet. He told himself that it was getting late and that they had a long day ahead of them; it didn't work. Every time he thought about saying good-night – he looked into her eyes and quickly forgot about it. Nearly twenty minutes later he caught her trying to stifle a yawn. Standing he laughed "yeh tired lass…Ah should go check into meh room and let yeh get some rest."

Resisting the urge to yawn again, Peyton quickly stood from the sofa. "Don't go" she pleaded before thinking she pressed on "it's late and silly for you to leave now just to be back in the morning to pick me up. Why don't you just crash here with me tonight? Then in the morning we can head over to my folks place…whattya say?"

What could he say? Stephen was more than a little surprised by the offer. He stood watching as Peyton filled with a nervous, anxious energy. Her face flushed a delicate pink as he watched her. "Are yeh sure lass…Ah don't want to be in the way?"

She laughed as she plopped back down on the sofa. "You won't be in the way…honest." Standing once more she stood directly in front of him with a giggle she spoke "Just say yes…I'd be glad to Peyton…Thank you"

With a giggle of his own he parroted "yes…I'd be glad to Peyton…Thank you."

"Great it's settled then! Why don't you go out and get your bags from the truck and I'll get things ready in here."

"Don't go to no trouble over meh lass…." He called out as he exited the front door towards the truck.

As he reentered the apartment he was little surprised at how quickly Peyton worked. Already she had the sofa made up with sheets, blankets, and pillows. She called out from the back of the apartment something slightly muffled; repeating herself as she made her way back down the short hall. "I'll take the sofa…you can have my room."

"Luv, Ah will not be taking yeh bed away from yeh…Ah'm not doin' it."

"Stephen" she began dropping the extra blanket onto the sofa, placing both hands on her hips "look at me and then look at you. You're what six foot two or something – roughly what two hundred fifty pounds?"

"Close enough…" muttered Stephen trying to contain his smirk as Peyton squared off against him hands on hips obviously very sure of herself.

"Then explain me to how you think a man of your size will possibly fit here."

The urge to see her blush once more was just too much. Closing the distance between them, he leaned in nice and close whispering in her ear "Oh lass…you would be surprised at the places I'll fit." He felt her quick sudden intake of breath. Moving he watched her face flush deep scarlet. He was certain she was going to speak…to say something. When she didn't he began to wonder if he had offended her. Turning to spread the extra quilt over the sofa she replied seriously but with just a hint of humor. "That may be true Mr. Farrelly, but tonight you're just going to have to settle for the bedroom."

A short time later, they were both settled into the respective "beds" ready for sleep. Stephen tossed and turned over and over. No matter what he did he couldn't rest. At first it was an almost guilt that covered him. Here he was 'sleeping' in her bed when she was out on the sofa. As he turned for what felt like the hundredth time he noticed her scent lingering on the pillow. Inhaling deeply, he felt his respond to the delicious smell. "This is ridiculous" he murmured "Grown adults…" he muttered "nothin' gonna happen" he assured himself as he climbed from bed nearly half an hour later. Wearing grey sweats and a plan white t-shirt, with bare feet he padded silently down the hall. Standing at the foot of the sofa, he watched the gentle raise and fall of her chest. She was obviously already sound asleep. While she didn't look exactly uncomfortable; in Stephen's mind she didn't look exactly comfortable either. Careful so as not to wake her, Stephen gently pulled back the covers and lifted her from the sofa. Quietly and gently as possible he carried his precious cargo back down the hall towards the bedroom. Quickly and quietly he gently laid her sleeping form on the right side of the bed. Moving to the other side of the bed, Stephen made himself comfortable. With a last glance at her sleeping form, Stephen closed his feeling that this was right he promptly dozed off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~WWE WWE WWE WWE WWE WWE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning they both slept a little later than planned. As they scurried around the house getting ready, collecting their things, neither said a word about the night before. Each took turns carrying Peyton's things out to Stephen's SUV. The plan was that they would make the forty-five minute drive out to her grandparents place, enjoy the day, spend the night, and then leave for the airport from there the next morning. Peyton was anxious to see her family and more than just a little nervous about taking Stephen with her. Introducing a man – any man was new territory for her.

By eleven they were on the road, Peyton riding shotgun providing Stephen with the need directions. As they drove, Peyton noted idly that they were making great time. They would arrive to her grandparents place just about lunchtime – which would be perfect. Realizing this would likely be the last time they were actually really truly alone until they boarded the plane Peyton bit the bullet so to speak. "Uh Stephen…?"

"Yeah luv…?" he replied absently watching traffic as he changed lanes.

"Care to explain to me how I ended up back in my own bed last night?"

Concentrating on traffic, Stephen stopped just short of grimacing. He had really hoped to avoid this conversation all together. "Should have known better" he thought idly. Choosing his words he laughed "would yeh believe sleepwalking?"

"Uh…let me see…" she pretended to mull the idea over while gently scratching her head "No I don't by sleepwalking."

Laughing he replied "Ah couldn't do it luv….I couldn't leave you to the sofa – while I took the sofa it wouldn't been right….So…"

"So you came and got me…carried me back to bed."

Stephen nodded at her more statement than question. Peyton watched Stephen as he continued to drive. Continuing along – they drove in silence. The only conversation when Peyton told him to make a left here or a right there. Glancing out the window, Peyton watched passing scenery without real interest. She had shared the same bed with Stephen and nothing happened. She and Stephen had slept in the same bed nothing more – nothing less, With a nearly silent sigh, Peyton wished all of the screaming thoughts racing through her mind would simply 'shut the hell up!' Frustrated she leaned her head against the window and briefly closed her eyes. Her thought continued to spin, with every racing thought she felt herself grow more agitated. She was hard pressed to put her finger on what made her feel worse; her self-imposed sheltered lifestyle or the past that led up to it. Why she wondered with more than a pinch of sadness couldn't she be just like every other normal thirty year old woman out there.

Looking up from her melancholy musings she realized that they were just about to her old neighborhood. Looking around at the old familiar surroundings her spirits lifted once more. As she directed Stephen through the last twists and turns leading them straight to her grandparent's front door.

The last twenty minutes give or take had been some of the most frustrating of Stephen's life. He sensed instantly the moment Peyton's mood changed. Not for the first time, he wished he were a mind reader. What he wouldn't give to be able to read her thoughts. Watching her from the corner of his eye, he knew she was sad. He just wished he knew why. Watching her sit so very still, her head leaning against the window, the nervous way she chewed at her lower lip, and the way she toyed nervously with her silver cuff bracelets; all obvious signs something was wrong. Stephen groaned inwardly, if he hadn't been so concerned with what she was thinking he would have noticed just how damn cute watching her chew her lower lip could be. As they drew closer to her grandparent's place he noticed that she seemed to perk up; becoming her usual self more. Without ever meeting her family he was grateful for any little thing that changed her mood for the better.

As he pulled into the drive-way, he could hear Peyton rummaging around in her purse. Shutting the truck off – he turned just in time to watch her remove both bracelets. As he watched she tucked both of them into an old frayed blue velvet bag; tucking them safely back into her purse. Shaking his head, he quickly climbed from the truck and came around to open her door for her. As she exited the truck, they were greeted by the familiar squealing of a very excited child. "Aunt Pey…Aunt Pey you're here…you're here!" Turning to face the front porch, Peyton knelt down with open arms and waited for the little girl to launch herself into her arms. Peyton laughed as the little girl squeezed her tight. "I'm happy to see you too Sammy Jo." Scooping the little lady up into her arms, Peyton stood and turned to Stephen. "Stephen I would like you to meet my niece Sammy Jo. Sammy Jo this is my friend Stephen." Reaching out Stephen shook the young girl's hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you young Sammy Jo. Stephen is going to stay with us for a couple of days. What do you think about that?"

Both Peyton and Stephen could see the wheels turning in the young girls mind. Within in seconds she was squirming in Peyton's arm desperate to get down. The minute Peyton set her feet on the ground she was off like a shot. Racing up the front steps, Stephen laughed as heard her screaming "Nana…Nana…OH NANA…!" A muffled response could be heard from just inside the house. When Sammy Jo exclaimed "Aunt Peyton's home and GUESS WHAT….SHE BROUGHT A BOY WITH HER!"

Peyton flushed, slightly leaning against the truck she shook her head laughing "Sorry about that" she giggled.

Stephen laughed "it's all good lass" He was surprised at how fast he was enjoying himself with Peyton's family. Just in the few minutes since they arrived, Peyton seemed lighter – more open. He hoped that someday she would come to feel that way with him.

Grabbing their bags they made their up the steps and into the house. Peyton was immediately swept up into a giant bear hug. Laughing with pure joy she squealed "Put me down Alex…." Spinning around the entry way; Alex's booming laugh filled the air. Kissing her cheek, "Welcome home little sister – bout time you come and visit."

"I know….I know" Peyton agreed. With Alex's arm still protectively wrapped around her shoulder's Peyton smiled turning "Alex I want you to meet my friend Stephen. Stephen this is my brother Alex."

Stephen extended a hand to Alex; "Nice to meet yeh."

Shaking his hand, Alex eyed Stephen with some caution "You too," he agreed. A strange feeling washed over Alex as he and Stephen shook hands. As a life time wrestling fan – it was surreal to know that Stephen "Sheamus" Farrelly was actually standing in his childhood home. At the same time, he thought "Holy-Shit! My sister actually brought home a man!" He couldn't decide which thought baffled him more.

"Where is everyone?" asked Peyton as they moved further into the house.

"What do you mean 'everyone'?" questioned Alex. "I thought you came home to see me – after all everyone knows that I'm your favorite."

Following the trail of voices coming from the kitchen Peyton smiled "Of course you are Alex…of course you." Stepping into the kitchen doorway, Peyton felt a since of homecoming and peace wash over. She watched unnoticed for a moment or two as her grand-dad and Matthew debated over one thing or another at the kitchen table. Matt's wife Connie stood near the stove as Carrie was pulling out the last of the homemade bread for the lunch later. As the back door creaked, announcing another arrival into the already busy kitchen; Peyton looked up "Gramma" she whispered before rushing into her gramma's embrace.

Caroline Ross was a petite woman, rather on the short side with long snow white hair that she kept in one neatly plaited braid straight down her back. Wrapping her granddaughter in her arms she smiled "Peyton…Sammy Jo said you were here." Straightening Peyton made introductions. As she spoke she could feel the return of the spastic butterflies rumbling for an all-out street fight in her lower belly. In a very short time Stephen had become very important to her. She was so nervous about all of this. She wanted desperately for her family to like Stephen and welcome him in.

It took no time for conversations to start flying. There was Carrie and Connie fussing with Gramma about the food, Matt and Grand-dad continuing their earlier debate, and of course Alex couldn't resist the change to talk with Stephen about some of the legends of wrestling. With the chatter provided welcome cover, Peyton slipped out the back door to watch her nieces and nephews play. Sammy Jo and Carrie were taking turns pushing each other on the swing set. Her nephew Aaron was playing in the sand-box trying to convince the dog to try one of his latest mud-pie creations. Sitting at the picnic coloring was Matthew's oldest son M.J. doodling in his notebook. Joining M.J. at the table, Peyton asked "watcha doing?"

Turning his sketch pad around for his aunt to see his cartoonish design of Aaron and the dog in the sand-box M.J. asked "Did you really bring home some famous wrestler?"

Nodding in the affirmative Peyton grinned "Wow your little sister travel's fast!"

Smiling brief and almost sarcastic the young man replied "come on Aunt Pey in this family news like that travels at the speed of light."

The afternoon passed quickly. Neighbors, friends, extended family soon arrived bearing well-wishes, food, and in some cases presents big and small. The picnic tables in the back yard were filled to the brim with people visiting and eating their fill. Peyton felt glorious as she watched everyone interacting. Here in her family's yard – he was just Stephen – her friend nothing more or less. Everyone seemed to be getting along fabulously.

Caroline asked Stephen if he wouldn't mind going inside and bringing out another pitcher of lemonade. As he searched the frig, he heard the back door open with a now familiar creak. Sitting the pitcher on the counter, he noted Matthew waiting as if he had something to say. After a moment Matt spoke "So how long have you known Peyton?"

Stephen expected some sort of questions; he figured they would be from her grand-dad, but wasn't surprised when they came from the eldest brother either. "A few months" he replied firmly.

"How did you two meet?"

"Her school" was the only answer Stephen gave.

"She mentioned the whole 'Be a Star' campaign coming" Matthew noted.

Once more the back door creaked as Connie came inside. Eyeing the two men cautiously, Connie wrapped her arm around her husband's waist "Matthew Daniel please tell me you're not in here grilling your sister's friend?"

Without waiting for a response she smiled understandingly at her husband before turning to Stephen. "I'm sorry if my husband is giving you the third degree Stephen. You just have to understand this is…this is…well its rare."

"Rare?" Stephen questioned a little confused by her choice of words.

"Connie" Matthew cautioned.

Shaking her head Connie sighed, "No Matt its ok – I think he should know. Stephen you're the first man - hell the first anybody aside from Carrie that Peyton has ever brought home."

The door creaked and bang once or twice more announcing the arrival of others, before Stephen had the chance to question Connie further she was off and running once more. Once more Stephen and Matt were alone. Eyeing the tall Irishman Matt heard a thousand questions playing through his mind.

As an older brother himself, Stephen recognized the look Matt was shooting him. He knew that Matt only wanted to protect his baby sister from hurt. He knew there was more to Peyton's past than she had admitted to yet. Obviously whatever it had been – it made the Ross sibling as closer than most siblings were. "Ah'm not out to hurt yeh're Sister Matt."

Concern overwhelming his usually good common sense Matt laughed "see that you don't – because if you do; I don't care if you are Mr. WWE or not I will kick your ass seven ways from Sunday." With that said he turned and exited the kitchen in search of his wife. Picking up the almost forgotten pitcher of lemonade Stephen headed back outside. Depositing the pitcher on the nearest picnic table, Stephen scanned the crowd for Peyton. Finding her standing alone under a large old oak near the back of the yard he went to join her.

Taking her hand in his he squeezed "having a good time lass?"

"Oh yes" she replied a sense of peace and joy lacing her words "I love being home with them like this." Turning to face Stephen, she smiled shyly "Are you having a good time? I saw Matt head into the kitchen after you. Please tell me he didn't make an ass of himself."

"It's all good lass…just a little man to man chat if yeh will."

"Man to man chat huh?" Peyton scoffed "more like my brother wanting to give you the third degree."

Releasing her hand Stephen cupped her face, his large hands resting softly against both her cheeks "It's all good lass" he repeated "honestly!"

Peyton quietly studied him for several long seconds before asking a little breathlessly "What are you thinking right this second?"

It was Stephen's turn to flush just a little "Lass Ah'm not sure that's a question yeh want to be asking meh right now."

"Yes…I think it is the exact question I want to be asking you right now."

Stephen smiled soft and sweet "are yeh sure yeh prepared for the answer?"

Peyton slowly nodded her head slowly, wondering what he could possibly be thinking about so seriously. Stephen took a deep breath before continuing "Ah'm thinking how much I want to kiss you right now."

Peyton blushed furiously Stephen's words echoing loud and clear in her mind. This beautiful man wanted to kiss her. His hands still cupping her cheeks, Peyton laid her hands across both of his broad wrists. Looking into his bright clear blue eyes she searched for unknown answers. "Slow…" she murmured an almost bare whisper "Slowly" she whispered with more force.

Sliding his finger along her cheek he smiled with a slight flush to his cheeks "As slow as yeh want lass" before he leaned in claiming her lips.

Author's note: Well this is not where I had planned on this chapter ending. However it is time for me to motivate and get moving for the day. So that said I guess this is a good ending place. As always thank you to everyone who reads, follows, favorites or reviews. I love that you guys are enjoying this little bit of fluffy goodness as much as I am; obviously with 5,000+ words I'm enjoying this quite a bit. Thanks again.