Part 5

The first kiss he freely gives is slow to start, unsure but eager. Then it builds up and up as their minds finally accept what their bodies have been telling them for some time now. She forgets her firm restrictions to 'take it slow' and her tongue sweeps inside his mouth, seeking him. He flinches a bit. "Sorry," she mumbles, "I didn't mean to…"

He tightens his grip on her, "Do it again."

She does. She feels his breath speed up as their tongues touch, slide over each other, caress and dart. It is the best kiss she's ever experienced. She is shocked. She is delighted. She can't breathe!

She breaks contact, pants in cool draughts of night air, "Richard POOLE! WHO taught you to kiss like that?! I'm going back in time to shake that girl's hand and then I'm going to SHOOT her!"

He is trying to recapture her mouth, "You did. Just now. Stop talking." He kisses her again. This one

is just as intense but different. He is exploring her mouth, questing, searching. Wonderful sensations stream down her body. He is making love to her! She submits totally, slips her arms around his neck, and caresses his nape. She can feel her arousal matching his.

This time he breaks the kiss. Panting, he puts his forehead against hers, "Um, Camille. This is getting a bit out of hand. A romantic kiss in the moonlight is one thing. This is something else altogether. As much as I hate to say it, this is the time but NOT the place."

She groans. Stepping away is the hardest thing she's ever had to do. It takes her two tries before she can speak. He smiles to see it. "You're right" she says, "…besides, you have ANOTHER duty tonight."

"I do?"

"Yes. You're supposed to be baby-sitting Rosie."

He gasps, "That's RIGHT! I'm late! I have to go. But I don't want to leave you. What…?"

She takes his hand, "I'm going with you, of course. Two can baby-sit as well as one."

"How will I explain my tardiness? Your presence?"

As they walk, hand in hand, she smiles, "You won't have to explain anything. It's Erzuli's Festival."

He smiles back, "Oh, well, mustn't disappoint, must we?" A pause, "Other duty?"

She gives him a cheeky sideways look, "Other than starting to plan our future together, I think you know VERY WELL what your other duty will be."

Sighing happily, he puts his arm around her shoulder, hugs her to his side, "Jolly good. Just checking."

Within moments they are just a couple walking on the beach in the dark, a not-very-big-man with a slim and lithe woman tucked into his side, exactly the right height and fit for each other.

Made to order.

END part 5