He was late. Only by ten minutes, but that was enough to make Drea Cesarone wonder if Mac Taylor had stood her up. She wondered, as she waited in the lobby, if he'd thought twice about meeting her, even though he extended the invitation.

Catching her reflection in the glass of the front door, she noticed how nervous she looked. "Get a grip," she muttered, staring her reflection down. "It's Mac. He doesn't stand women up…"

As if on queue, the door opened and Mac walked in, bringing with him a blast of cold November air. She watched as his eyes scanned the lobby, found her, and a smile overtook his features.

"I'm sorry, Drea," he began, stepping to her, "Traffic was a nightmare."

"Its okay,' she dismissed, feeling silly for doubting him, "I had them hold our table."

XXXXX

Dinner was delicious and they talked and laughed while they ate, just like they had in the diner on the previous night. He was nervous at first too. She could see it in the tightness of his jaw, which dissipated through their meal.

She realized, as they scanned the dessert cart, that she'd monopolized the evening's conversation. A lot had gone on in her life since they'd last seen each other and he prompted her to tell him all of it. She'd tried to draw some details out of him, but he insisted that nothing much had changed and encouraged her to go on.

He was attentive, curious, and flirtatious. Mac Taylor didn't flirt in an obvious manner, this she'd known for a long time. No, Mac's flirting was so subtle she doubted he even recognized what he was doing. It was in his eyes, his smile, the way he leaned closer when he spoke.

Drea did her best to subtly flirt back. After all, she didn't want to be too obvious and scare him off. She guessed she was doing something right because his demeanor didn't change. Drea decided she hated this silly mating game and that one of them was going to have to make a move soon or she would totally lose her mind.

"Do you see anything you like?" he asked, with twinkle in his eye.

"I do," she replied, deciding that she would take a chance, "But you mean on the dessert cart, don't you?" His smile told her that she hit her mark.

"The dessert cart," he said, then, added, "For now."

She smiled back at him, her eyes lingering for a moment before returning to the array of sweets. "I think I'll go with the tiramisu."

"Sir?" the waiter said.

"Just coffee," Mac dismissed.

"Oh no you don't," Drea laughed, then to the waiter, "Could you please bring two forks?"

"Yes, Miss," he smiled, walking away.

"I'm not eating dessert alone," she said, laying her hand down on the table. "I don't like to eat dessert alone."

Mac reached out and took her hand, "What else don't you like to do alone?"

"Mac Taylor," she playfully said, "You're flirting with me."

"I'm trying to," he laughed, "Not too sure how good I'm doing."

"You're doing an excellent job," she smiled. "I was wondering if you asked me out to dinner as a date or as a friend. But I didn't want to ask."

"I really didn't think about it when I asked," he admitted. "I wanted to see you. It didn't matter on what terms."

Something about that statement touched her heart. "That's probably one of the nicest things a guy has said to me in a long time."

"I meant it when I said I've been thinking about you," he went on, his tone serious, thoughtful.

"Me too. I've wanted to call you so many times…"

"Why didn't you?"

"I don't think I was ready," she admitted, raising her eyes to him. "You were right. I needed to get my bearings, to mourn for a while. I wouldn't have done that if we…" She trailed off.

"Drea, I don't want to push you into anything."

"You're not pushing anything, Mac. I called you, remember? I've thought of you probably more than I should have," she nervously said. "A lot has changed, but through out all of it, my thoughts kept coming back to you and the fact that I wanted to see you again. But I wasn't sure if you felt the same."

"We've been friends for too long," he simply said.

"We have, but that's only part of why I couldn't get you out of my mind," she went on, deciding that she'd come this far so she might as well keep going. "I've always found you attractive, Mac…and after Frank…when we kissed…." She stopped, fearing she went too far.

"If you only knew what that kiss stirred up," he softly chuckled.

"So I'm not the only one?"

He shook his head, "You're not the only one."

The waiter brought their dessert and coffee, giving them a brief respite from their conversation. After he left, Drea nervously took a mouthful of tiramisu. It was delicious and she savored it for a moment before swallowing.

"That," Mac wryly observed, "Is a look of bliss."

"It's amazing," she said, taking a forkful. "Here," she brought the fork to his lips and fed him the mouthful.

He slowly took the tiramisu from the fork, chewed and swallowed. "It's not one of my favorite desserts," he admitted. Then with a smile, "But there is something to be said for the way it was delivered."

"I can feed you more, if you'd like."

He raised a brow, "Hm…."

Drea laughed, "Did I touch on some dark hidden fantasy or something?"

"Maybe," he laughed with her, then grew serious, "I need you to know something…"

"Yes?"

"I…" he stopped, gathering his thoughts for a moment.

"Mac," Drea said, her voice soft, "I don't need some grand declaration of your intentions…"

"Maybe I need it," he quietly said. "This….can't be a one night stand."

Curious she said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

"You're a friend and more than that, you were Frank's wife. I can't treat you like you don't matter, like our past doesn't matter."

"So, you want to try a relationship?"

"I want," he said, giving her hand a squeeze, "To do whatever will make you happy."

His words brought out a rush of emotion that took her by surprise. "From any other man, I'd take that as a slick line designed to get me into bed. But from you…"

"So, what will make you happy?"

"To get you into bed," she softly laughed.

"And then what?"

"We'll see where it goes? "

"Sounds fair to me," he agreed. "Now, finish your desert."

"Why? Do you have something planned for the rest of the night?"

With a sly smile he said, "Yeah, making you happy."