Just so you know, chapter one is at the bottom of the site. Somehow chapter 1 was removed, I might have done it by mistake :); When I reposted it, it went to the bottom of the site. Here is the order of the story on the site: No. 1. Is chapter 2, No 2. is chapter 3, No. 3. ischapter 4, No. 4. is chapter 5, No. 5. is chapter 6. No. 6. is chapter No. 7. is chapter, No. 8. is chapter, No. 9. is chapter 1 and No. 10. is chapter 10.

8.

Chapter 10

Lee, who had been at home, trying with all his might to sleep or, at the very least, rest his body, had difficulty sleeping. Besides being overtired, his thoughts constantly ran through what he would say to Amanda and how their conversation would turn out. Having decided to go for a drive; the car practically drove itself; and going by Amanda's. He'd told himself that she was most likely asleep. And that he would only knock if he saw the lights on.

Now standing on Amanda's doorstep, he still had a chance to leave before she opened the door, Lee thought to himself but decided it was time this conversation was over with, no matter how the outcome turned out.

***SMK***

Amanda opened the door quickly before she changed her mind. There was no mistaking the look of worry etched on Lee's face.

"Hi Amanda, I know it is late, but I was out for a drive, no that's not true, well it is but not completely–"

"Lee, it's okay, I wasn't asleep."

"Could we go somewhere for a cup of coffee?"

Amanda didn't even hesitate; she said quickly, "Just let me write my mother a note."

Some moments later, the two of them were seated at a nearby cafe, both of them with a cup of decaf before them, quietly sipping their drinks and eating the piece of cake they shared between them.

Finally, both spoke simultaneously.

"Amanda, I–"

"Lee, I–"

"Amanda, I wasn't sure what I wanted to say to you tonight, except I couldn't sleep. And I wanted to clear the air between us."

"I know how you feel, I didn't even try to go and lay down."

"No matter what you think, I want you to know, that I did not come up with feelings for you just like that," for emphasis, he snapped his finger. "And it was not only because of Voelkner, it is just that," he ran his fingers through his hair, "after some thought, I realized that I love you, Amanda."

"Lee, I am–"

"And for now, I am okay with you knowing. I know you just ended a relationship so there is no pressure; you may need time to think about how you feel."

"Yes, Lee, I think I would like some time."

"For now, can we enjoy the evening?"

"I would like that very much."

**SMK***

Sometime later, the two of them were standing outside Amanda's house, Lee said, "I know we didn't clear up everything but I hope tonight was a good start."

For Lee's part, he had admitted that he was wrong to have not told her sooner just how it was that he felt, that it must look to her as though he was just jealous and although he was jealous of Dieter his feelings for her went much deeper than that. For

the first time, he was really in love.

He allowed all his love for her to shine through. Although Amanda hadn't admitted to loving him, she had acknowledged that she had feelings for him. For now, he would have to be satisfied with that.

Amanda smiled as Lee took her hand in his and gently kissed it.

"Goodnight, Amanda!"

"Goodnight, Lee!"

Amanda watched Lee as he walked away.

"Amanda! Is that you?" Amanda hears Dotty's voice.

"Yes, Mother!"

"Why are you standing in the doorway; aren't you gonna come in?" Dotty asked, now directly behind Amanda in the doorway, holding the note Amanda left her. "How did coffee with Mr. Stetson go?"

Amanda smiled and just listened as her mother continued to talk as they headed inside; Amanda's smile never wavered nor did the feel of Lee's lips

upon her hand.

*** SMK**

Later the following week, a limo sat several feet away from IFF. The figure in the back of the limo was dressed head to toe in black with dark shades.

"They think they've won! Did they really think that they could shut down ALL the organizations? Do they not realize how many people are loyal to me and would risk everything for me? I am not done with them yet!" She let out a short laugh.

"You may drive off, now!"

"Yes, Senora!"

That's all for now, folks! The story is now complete.

Thank you so much for reading and your patience!