The ride home was quiet, with neither wanting to break the spell cast that evening. Although Shane had to concentrate on the unfamiliar road, he would have much preferred replaying scenes of their evening together. It had been a success in so many ways. Kim looked like she was genuinely having a wonderful time. And he felt they had really connected, with no walls between them that evening. And when he embraced her while dancing, oh how he loved the feel of holding her in his arms. The entire evening had been a reminder of what their life use to be like and gave Shane a glimmer of hope that they could have that life again.

He looked over at Kim who seemed lost in her own thoughts. Momentarily, she looked up and caught Shane's gaze. They smiled shyly at each other as if they shared a secret no one else knew.

Pulling up in front of the house, Shane helped Kim out of the car and walked her to the door. The two stood together on the top step, neither one sure how to end the night. Kim looked up at Shane expectantly, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. Reaching over, Shane gently brushed away a tendril of golden hair that had blown against her cheek. Maybe it was the moonlight or too much champagne but Kim turned to Shane and against her better judgment asked, "Would you like a nightcap or a cup of tea?"

"Tea would be nice," Shane replied, thrilled she had invited him in. He was not ready to let the warm feelings of the night end.

Kim fumbled with the lock and she hoped Shane couldn't see her hand shaking. A case of nerves had suddenly come over her. But he seemed oblivious to it as he took the key from her and effortlessly unlocked the door. "There, sometimes it gets a little tricky to turn," he offered as an excuse as he lead the way into the living room and turned on the lights. Kim followed trying discreetly to step out of the strappy sandals that were killing her feet. Shane may have missed the shaking hands but he clearly noticed the sandals. "Come on Kim, put your feet up. The tea can wait," he said guiding her to the sofa.

No, no, I'm fine," Kim protested.

"Nonsense. What you need is the famous Shane Donovan foot massage," he decreed as he reached down and took hold of one of her legs. Kim started to protest again but when Shane began to massage her finely pedicured toes, all she could do was let out a deep sigh that sounded more flirtatious than she intended. Shane smiled at Kim as he continued massaging her feet and then quipped, "See, you did need this."

"Yes, thank you," Kim agreed nervously and then gently pulled her foot from his grip. "But I better get you that tea I promised." Shane stood up and watched Kim leave, bemused and content and finally for once, totally at ease.

Kim disappeared in the kitchen, relieved to have a moment to gather her wits. Unlike Shane, she was far from at ease. Things had certainly started to get hot and Kim wasn't sure where the night was heading. She filled the teakettle with water, and then took the opportunity to splash a little cold water on her face. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, just as the teakettle startled her with its whistle.

Carrying a tray with the tea and cakes, Kim returned a short time later and after pouring them each a cup, settled next to Shane on the sofa. "I had a splendid time this evening," Kim remarked matter-of-factly trying to diffuse the night's earlier intensity, "And I saw so many people I hadn't seen in such a long time."

"Including old-what's-his-name?" Shane asked, referring to the anonymous gentleman who had interrupted their toast.

"I haven't the faintest idea who he is!" Kim exclaimed wide-eyed, forgetting her nervousness for the moment, and they both broke out in laughter.

"Jeannie looked like she was having fun, too." Then with a raised eyebrow, Shane cautioned, "Did you see all those boys swarming her?"

"That's our daughter. She's always been one to attract the boys."

"Like her mother."

"Oh, I hope not." Kim rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Kimberly, you did a wonderful job raising her, and Andrew too. I always said you were the best mother."

Shrugging her shoulders, Kim blushed. "Well, they come from good stock."

"Yes, they do," Shane said looking intently at Kim.

Uncomfortable under his gaze, Kim quickly changed the subject. "You know, I was surprised you didn't ask Jeannie to dance."

"I'm not sure she would have appreciated the gesture," Shane reasoned and then said more softly, "Anyway, I liked my dance partner." He looked at her longingly and leaned in. For a brief instant Kim thought he was going to capture her mouth in a kiss and at that moment Kim knew she would not have resisted; instead would have welcomed the softness of his lips on hers. But then her old fears resurfaced and she stiffened and leaned away.

Shane sensed the change in Kim's demeanor and had to fight the urge to capture her mouth with his; sadly realizing she was not ready for anything more. He held her gaze for one second longer, then sat back and cleared his throat. "You have a day of travel tomorrow. I better get going so you can get to sleep." Then, as an afterthought added, "Do you need a ride to the airport?"

"No, not necessary. It's all settled. Jeannie takes me to the airport and she can have the car. Just make sure she's not out late while I'm gone. Okay?"

"You can depend on me," Shane assured her, then stood and Kim followed him to the foyer. He paused for a moment at the door, yearning to pull Kim into his arms once more, to hold her one last time. He swallowed hard and instead, bowed his head and gave her a small kiss on the forehead. Kim closed her eyes at this gesture, surprised how this simple contact sent a surge through her, like electricity illuminating a room. "Have a good trip," he said tipping a nonexistent hat, then turned and left.

Kim stood for the longest time leaning against the door, watching Shane disappear down the stone path. Only after she saw the lights go on in the guest house did Kim close her front door. She took a moment to think about the night and had to admit that she and Shane had really connected,

Tonight, for the first time, Kim hadn't felt the heartbreaking pain she had felt everyday since losing Shane's love. Usually it was just a dull ache but sometimes when the pain was so excruciating, Kim would actually wish she could go back in time and magically erase meeting him, knowing him. But she knew even if she could do that, she wouldn't because along with the pain there was the sweetness of feeling all that she had felt for him. And Kim wouldn't trade that for anything.

She was thankful she was leaving for New York tomorrow. The trip couldn't come at a better time. She needed time away to get a grip on things, to figure out how to handle Shane and all she was suddenly feeling again. Yes, a few days away were just what she needed.

"