Sorry I missed posting this yesterday - unexpected visitors.

EASTER SATURDAY

AFTERNOON

"Jemima looks uncomfortable."

Barbara shook her head and laughed. "Tommy?"

He lifted the life-sized rabbit across to the sofa and used the ruse of sitting it up to watch the television to sneak a pack of pralines into his jacket pocket. "Should we leave the television on for her?"

"Ugh." He smiled as Barbara rolled her eyes at him.

"That's a no then?"

"As cute as Jemima is, I am not wasting electricity on a stuffed animal watching television."

Tommy covered the rabbit's ears. "Shh. You'll hurt her feelings."

"Are you coming? Or do you want to stay with your toy?"

Tommy hurried over to her before Barbara pulled her door shut and double-checked it was locked. "Cab or walk?"

"Why don't we take a boat from Camden Lock?"

"It's quicker to walk," Barbara replied with a slight frown.

"But not as... nice." He stopped himself saying romantic.

She blushed slightly then nodded. "Okay. Any animals, in particular, you want to see?"

It felt as if she wanted to avoid any discussion about their feelings. He would give her time and space. "Cute and cuddly ones I think. No reptiles or hungry carnivores."

"Last I heard they don't feed paying guests to the animals."

He could almost feel her eyes rolling. "I'm not taking any chances thank you."

She smiled up at him. "Wimp."

He sighed. "Yes, I am."

The boat was full of slightly inebriated Aussie backpackers on their way to Little Venice. Barbara and Tommy sat at the stern and shared little jokes and comments about their fellow passengers and their amazed reactions to the sights and sounds. Barbara did not object when Tommy put his arm around the back of their seat. He leant in close to say something she never heard. His breath tickled her neck. Even though she had suggested coming out to avoid anything physical, she now wanted to grab him and pull him into a fierce kiss. She clenched her fists and hoped her face did not betray her.

When the arrived at the zoo pier, Tommy took her hand to help her alight. He held it until they were through the gate and inside the zoo. "I didn't want to lose you in the crowd," he said when he released his grip. Barbara did not say there was little chance given they had only seen three other couples and a family with two young boys.

"Africa first?" he asked looking at the map he had been given by the ticket seller.

"Yeah, why not. Although Africa has lots of hungry carnivores."

"Yes, but they are over here." He pointed to the map, "In the Land of the Lions. This area only has the giraffes and hippos."

"Hippopotamus kill more people than lions," she told him as they walked towards the enclosure. "They attack people swimming in their watering holes or crossing rivers."

Tommy stared at her as if looking over glasses. "Thank you, Barbara. I am aware of that, but I do not plan on swimming with them."

"I just thought I would imitate you, Scaredy-cat Font of all Knowledge."

Tommy frowned. "Right Miss Pugnacious Porcupine," he said making a grab for her but missing as she sidestepped him, "I will swim across their pool to show you I am not a scaredy-cat."

"I wouldn't tempt fate if I were you. I reckon you've got a better chance trying to cuddle a lion."

Barbara slowed, and Tommy pounced. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. Before she could object, he kissed the back of her neck. Her struggling stopped instantly. He kissed her neck again before letting her go. "Am I really such an arrogant prince?"

Barbara turned and gave him a smile that took his breath away. She was flushed and slightly out of breath, and her eyes were wide. She looked contented and as if he was the centre of her world. It was a look he wanted to see often.

"Mostly," she said breaking the momentary spell.

"You are full of cheek today."

"Mmm, I have mischief on my mind." She raced on ahead. "Come on. The giraffes are up here."

They spent two hours strolling through the zoo. True to his word, Tommy avoided the reptiles and lions. Despite the chilly weather, he bought them icecreams, so they stopped to watch kangaroos lazing in the grass.

Barbara finished her cone and sighed. "I wish they had wombats here."

"Why wombats? They look boring. Why not something more exotic like polar bears or a cuddly animal like a panda?"

"No! Wombats are great. They're feisty little things with minds of their own."

"Oh, I see, there are family connections."

"What?"

"Ow!" He rubbed his arm.

"You deserved that."

Tommy put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his side. "You are so predictable, Havers," he said as he placed a kiss on her head.

"Would you want it any other way?"

"No. No, I don't think I would."

Tommy turned and pulled her into a full embrace. Barbara hesitated then put her hands on his hips. They both looked at each other expectantly, but he did not attempt to move closer. She wondered what he was thinking. "Tommy?"

"Would you like some chocolate?"

Barbara closed her eyes. "Yeah, why not?"

Another hour later they were standing at Penguin Beach, a large swimming pool fashioned after a South American beach. Humboldt penguins stood in the sun as if sunbathing.

Barbara pointed excitedly. "With those white stripes running from the eyes to their ears, it looks like they're wearing sunglasses."

"You have a very vivid imagination, Barbara."

"Too vivid at times for my own good."

"What?"

"Nothing."

Tommy frowned, seemingly oblivious to her growing frustration. She had decided to come to the zoo because it seemed romantic and a far more natural environment for them to finally shed their nerves and move towards what they both seemed to want. Only Tommy had been more interested in chocolate and animals than her. At the Outback display, she had assumed the kangaroos would be the only witnesses to their first kiss. Instead, the roos had watched him feed her chocolate. Admittedly it had been excellent chocolate, and he had caressed her face as he fed her, but he had not kissed her. It seemed to be a barrier for both of them. She knew that once it happened, they would virtually run back to her flat and tear each other's clothes off, but they had to kiss first. Her need was becoming so urgent that it was affecting her whole body. Every touch was sweet agony.

As they watched the awkward birds waddling around, Tommy surprised her by taking her hand. Progress!

"Barbara?"

"No more chocolate."

He laughed. "I haven't got any left."

"Good. My trousers already feel more uncomfortable than before."

"Mine too."

The exchanged a cheeky glance. "Barbara?"

"Yes?"

"Do you want to walk back to your flat or take the boat?"

She sighed. "Walk." She needed to burn off energy. She turned to walk away.

"Wait."

She turned back, suddenly aware he still had her hand. "Is this where you kiss me?"

He smiled. "Is that what you want?"

What a question! He eyes looked so earnest and concerned that she lost her nerve. "Just a little one?"

"Like this?"

Tommy lowered his head and stopped millimetres from her. It felt as if electricity was arcing between them. "Yes, like that. Only closer."

Their lips barely touched. Barbara stopped breathing. Tommy's hand tightened around hers. His face was slightly rough as it brushed against hers. The woody, clean scent of aftershave and soap filled her head and evoked memories of being in his car. She felt safe yet scared. Alive but wanting to break free of her old shackles. She grabbed the railing of the enclosure before moving her hand to find Tommy's waist. He pressed his lips harder then pulled away. No!

He stood back with an embarrassed grin. "We shouldn't do too much more of that."

"Why not?"

His grin turned hungry and to Barbara's mind, decidedly sexy. Her whole body tingled with anticipation.

"When you said you wanted to come to the zoo, I thought you needed time. I want to honour that. I don't want to rush you into anything you're not ready for."

"I do. Well, I did. I thought I did. Now I want..."

He kissed her again. This time their arms circled each other pulling their bodies together. Barbara sighed when his hand squeezed her waist then slowly moved down over her hip and around to cup her rump. She swayed forward, jumping slightly when her stomach rubbed against his groin. It was evident that his body wanted the same as hers.

"Tommy, we should leave. Right now."

"When we get to your flat, pack a bag. I think we should go somewhere else tonight."

"Your place?"

"No. Would a hotel sound too... forward?"

She blushed. "No." Her voice sounded an octave higher than she intended.

"Good. I don't want you to think that... I'm not a gentleman."

Barbara laughed. "And here's me thinking that the Valentino of the Met would be strong and assured."

"Not with you." He caressed her backside sending shivers up her spine. "It's a lot easier when it doesn't matter. When you care deeply about someone, it's important not to rush."

"Not much fear of that after this afternoon. I thought you would never kiss me."

Tommy bent close and whispered in her ear. "If I told you what my body wants right now, you'd be shocked."

She nibbled on his earlobe taking great satisfaction in his whimper. "No, Tommy, I wouldn't because mine wants the same thing."

"It does?"

"Is that a surprise? Right now I'm eyeing that beach and thinking From Here to Eternity."

They both turned to look at the enclosure. Several penguins had gathered near their feet looking up at them. They turned and squawked at each other. Tommy laughed then took Barbara's face with both hands. "They seemed to be enjoying the show."

Barbara slipped her hand under his shirt. "One more so we don't disappoint them?"