Second chapter in one day. Hope people are still reading after such a long hiatus.

The parts that are italicized are a sort of flashback. (Hopefully you can tell)

(I own nothing)

Stepping into the condo with Andy close behind her, she dropped her purse onto the table not stopping until she reached the couch and flopped down on it. A bark of laughter came from Andy's direction. She knew she was being less than graceful, but at the moment, she couldn't muster up a reason to care. She straightened up from her prone position, sporting an unimpressed expression and responded.

"Are you just going to stand there and laugh at this injured old woman or would you care to join me?"

Her efforts to seem imposing were met with a soft smile as Andy closed the distance and sat next to her.

Cuddling into his side, Sharon settled her head against his shoulder and curled her legs so her knees were resting in his lap. His heartbeat was soothing against her cheek while his fingers drew a gentle pattern up and down her arm. The condo was silent for a few minutes before Sharon spoke.

"Thank you for being here."

His hand paused for a moment and she could feel his chest rumble as he answered.

"It's the only place I want to be."

A warmth spread through her at those words. She knew they were sincere. Andy was under no obligation to be there, no obligation to stick it out with her if he didn't want to. They'd spent so much time together, developing a friendship before they decided to try their hand at this dating thing. That was why, at the end of their first 'real' date, she gave him an out.

They had spent the dinner making casual conversation yes, but they'd also discussed where they saw this relationship going. That's when she'd outlined her parameters, and the reasons why they'd be moving slowly.

As they stood in front of her condo at the end of the evening she wanted him to be sure, to know that it was okay if he wanted to remain friends.

Her keys dangled from her hand, but before she opened the door and ended their night, she had to be certain. So she turned back around.

"Andy, thank you for dinner, it was wonderful."

His reaction surprised her as he sported an almost bashful smile and rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke.

"It was, I mean, thank you for coming Sharon. I had a great night, a really great time."

She felt herself smile in response but dropped his gaze before she replied.

"I also – I just want you to know, that it's okay if you don't want to keep doing this." She watched as the smile slid from his face, prompting her to keep going, "I mean, if you're not sure, now that we've discussed, now that I've explained how I would need this relationship to proceed cautiously… it's fine if you want to stay as friends. I wouldn't be hurt at all."

She had averted her gaze partway through her ramble and was not prepared for the feel of his fingers gently nudging her chin up, or the closeness of that ridiculously handsome smile as he leaned in.

His voice was almost a whisper when he spoke but she heard him loud and clear. "Sharon." A warm feeling spread through her and she desperately hoped she wasn't blushing. "I'm sure." He paused a moment, a silent request for permission before she leaned up and their lips touched for the first time. It didn't last very long, and she might deny it if asked but that short kiss had her toes curling in her high heels.

When the door swung shut after they said their goodbyes she leant against it. A smile on her face, fingers touching her lips almost in an effort to hold onto the feeling of his lips on hers. A groan left her as she pushed off the door, she could so easily get lost in this man.

The feeling of Andy caressing her arm again brought her back to the present. She'd lost herself in a man before. She'd been madly in love with Jack when they'd gotten married. So much so that she maintained their relationship for far too long, had ended up enabling his destructive tendencies.

It was these mistakes that prompted her to proceed cautiously with Andy. Not because he was like Jack, he'd proven time and again that he was different in so many ways. She needed to be sure that she didn't repeat her mistakes. But she was confident in her choices now, in their relationship.

Andy excited her, made her feel happy and exhilarated at times, but also safe and comforted. Like now, when her face was swollen and she just wanted to be done with the day. She was allowing herself this time to not think about the consequences that might come from what happened earlier. She almost laughed when she thought of the situation.

Since their first 'real' date they'd shared a few kisses, held hands, but hadn't proceeded much further physically. Now that she was ready to progress the physical side of their relationship she was looking as far from sexy as possible, with a swollen face that would probably be looking harsh for a few days. Not to mention the pounding headache that was now interrupting her thoughts. She snuggled in closer to Andy in an effort to chase away the feeling, he tightened his arms in response.

The warmth of him had her eyes feeling heavy. Despite her injuries, she was enjoying being held. There was no need to rush, but she was feeling excitement now that she was ready to move things forward between them. She had a feeling that Andy might be excited at the prospect too.

Thanks for reading. Reviews would be fantastic:)