They were barely in Annie's apartment before the kisses resumed; hot, demanding kisses that left little to the imagination. There was no time to move to the bedroom, for the need was suddenly consuming her like a white hot flame ready to ignite a whole forest fire of passion within her. She kissed Jimmy everywhere, running her hands down the length of his body, from his shoulders to the curve of his hips, even daring to go a bit further. She'd never wanted anyone like this before, nor did she have a clue where this hunger was coming from. All she knew was that she wanted Jimmy Callahan. She wanted him desperately. And he wanted her; she could see it in his eyes of blue. Experience had taught her the signs of desire; the flash of light in a man's eyes, the suggestive smiles, the longing of-
"Annie?"
Brought back into the moment, she cupped Jimmy's face in her hands and kissed him deeply. When his lips trailed from her mouth to her neck, she arched her head back sighing with pleasure at the kisses he placed on her heated skin. Her need for him was increasing with each passing moment and it was all she could do not to-
He sat up abruptly, both of them fighting to catch their breath, and she pushed the hair back from her face. "What's wrong?"
"It's late and we have a show tomorrow."
Perplexed , she shook her head. "Wait a minute, a show? What-."
He laughed and pulled her into his arms, a gesture that both startled and elated her. It was funny how such a small thing could mean so much. Taking advantage of his touch, she leaned against him, relishing the feel of him against her. But she couldn't help wishing-
"The show." He repeated. "Remember? Our show? The famed Broadway musical? The sign of our existence? Gosh I can't wait to get on that stage again, singing and dancing my way across the stage!"
"But-."
He kissed her lips softly. "You need your beauty sleep, all right? Although I doubt that you could ever become more beautiful than you are now. But still-"
Tears glistened in her eyes and she wrapped her arms around him, her mouth pressed against his in an effort to silence him. "Stay, please…" She breathed, hoping her body language and the lack of space between them would tell him how much she needed him. But unexpectedly he drew back. "Jimmy-."
"I can't stay. I'm sorry, Annie." He kissed her once more. "I'll see you tomorrow night, on stage. I love you."
"But Jimmy-."
At the door she stared longingly at him. "Goodnight, Jimmy."
After one last kiss, he smiled at her. "Goodnight, my beautiful feline."
He turned to leave and tears welled in her eyes, watching him walk away. When he disappeared from sight, she brushed the tears from her cheeks and looked around her apartment. God, what was she thinking? What was wrong with her, falling for a man like Jimmy? It was wrong, even more wrong than allowing him to be in a show where he clearly didn't belong. But she'd learned from experience, the heart speaks louder than words.