Chapter 3

Wrapping her slim figure in a large, soft, white towel she felt rejuvenated. The bath had been a good idea, one that she was thankful to Kurt for allowing her the time to do. Walking into her closet she smiled noticing everything had been put back, and in its proper place at that. The man was observant she had to give him that. This organizational system had taken years to perfect and had only grown more complicated as she acquired new pieces of clothing. Slipping into a pair of fitted yoga pants and a V-neck white t-shirt she managed a certain level of sex appeal while retaining comfort. Diane aware that she had a nice pair of legs understood that regardless of the fabric her best quality would look great in a pair of fitted pants, and that was definitely the case with the pair she easily slid into as she got ready for dinner. Removing the clips from her hair she headed downstairs and welcomed by the warm smell of pasta stepped into the kitchen. She was pleased to see Kurt removing a fresh vegetable lasagna from the new stainless steel oven, not feeling the least bit ashamed as she admired the view.

Looking up from the oven Kurt noticed that he was no longer alone and turning toward the door way smiled "Perfect timing. Did you enjoy your bath?"

Smiling back Diane once again became lost in those golden eyes but managed a response "It was wonderful, thank you again"

"Don't mention it. The table is set what would you like to drink?"

"A glass of wine would be wonderful."

"Coming right up." Kurt sat the lasagna in the center of the table and turned back to the wine cupboard pulling out a bottle of merlot that happened to be a favorite of Diane's and one he felt would pair well with the evenings meal. Pouring two glasses he seated himself at the table across from her, pleased to have someone to prepare a meal for once again.

"Wow, this is wonderful." Closing her eyes she took in the explosion of flavor that erupted on her taste buds. She was aware it wasn't the best of etiquette but at that moment she didn't care. It needed to be done. And Kurt took great pleasure knowing that she appreciated everything.

"I'm glad you like it." He smiled watching her as she savored each bite.

"How could I not, it is wonderful" Following their shared smile they sat in silence as they finished their meal simply enjoying the company of the other. Each happy to be back in the presence of the person they love. It wasn't until Kurt inquired to how long he would have the pleasure of her company before they would return to real life that the peaceful silence was broken.

"So when do you go back to work?" He said hoping it wouldn't be anytime soon but suspecting otherwise.

"I'm taking the day off tomorrow and was thinking about Thursday as well. I need to go in Friday and pick up some work to catch up on over the weekend so I am ready for court next week."

"Well there was something I wanted to show you. Would you mind taking a drive with me tomorrow afternoon or would you prefer to have a few days of just rest?"

"Do I get to know where you are planning on taking me?"

"Nope. Does that influence your decision?"

"Not really, it does however make me a bit curious." She said eyeing him waiting to see if he'd give anything away, but when he only returned her gaze she continued on knowing that there was no way she would be able to find out what he had in store for tomorrow other than by agreeing to go. "A drive does sound nice, and I'm happy to spend my time back with you."

"Nevertheless I would understand if you wanted to stay in." he replied cautiously

"No, no. I really am curious and would like to see what the day has in store." She tried to convince him that she really was looking forward to see what he had planned for the next day.

"Then it is settled. How about dessert?"

"Dinner and dessert how lucky can a girl get?" she smiled playfully

"Very lucky if you play your cards right" at this she burst into laughter and once gathering herself replied with the most mysterious look she could muster under the situation which wasn't much.

"Then I better play my cards right." She said as she waggled here eyebrows in a playful gesture. This elicited a chuckle from Kurt. There wasn't really a way this woman could play her cards wrong, he always had a weakness for her and he was fine with that. She was worth it.

"How about you head to the living room and I will bring the dessert to you?"

"Sounds good cowboy." Standing to walk toward the living area she made a short detour to kiss Kurt once again. Not having him there to be kissed for the past week had been a torture of the cruelest kind and she had every intention to make use of the time they had together before she would return back to work. Without a word she turned and walked into the next room unable to see the smile on Kurt's face that very much mirrored her own.

~O ~O~ O~

Walking into the living room she was pleased to see that the fire had already been started. Sitting down on the couch she pulled her feet up, it felt good to be home. She was just beginning to become lost in her thoughts when Kurt walked in with two delectable looking hot fudge Sundays, impeccably made down to the whipped cream and cherry on top. It was perfect and after handing her the small cup he took his seat next to her allowing her to scoot in and lean against him. Getting comfortable they took pleasure in the closeness and began catching the other up on the events of the past week.

He told her about the efforts he made in the garden and the cases he was working on as well as his day fishing (strategically forgetting to mention the lake house) and when he was done she told him about her week in DC. About the frustrations and about finding time to visit the Smithsonian and how she would like to go back with him as he intently listened. He loved hearing her talk, she would speak faster as she became more passionate or excited and he could see her eyes light up when she spoke about something she particularly cared for not unlike when they debated over the political topic du jour. When she had finished informing him about her week in DC she sat up and smiled at him leaning in ever so slightly, inviting him to come closer. He happily obliged and they began to kiss softly at first but quickly becoming more passionate.

It was evident that they had missed each other immensely and as the kiss became deeper he could feel her hands on his chest and although he still had his shirt on they were exploring his body. As the kissing became more heated he began following her lead and grabbing each side of her waist pulled her in closer. Diane quickly withdrew from him laughing a bit as she grabbed his wrists and set them back on his lap. She stood up biting her lip in response to his questioning look before turning and quickly running up the stairs. Kurt understood this as an invitation to follow, and smiling to himself he hastily walked toward the stairs in hopes to finish what they had started.