The next couple of days passed quickly and before they knew it, Wednesday arrived. They had talked for hours on the phone over the last few nights, and waved to each other on their way to work.

These feelings that were developing for her scared him. He didn't think he could handle another big letdown, and wasn't sure that he wanted to take the chance. But, she was edging her way into his heart, and he couldn't shake her loose.

She resolved that what happened on Sunday would only happen that one time. She wasn't ready for an affair just yet, and maybe not ever. There was still so much pain from her last relationship...but as she got ready for the bowling date, his face flashed before her and she sighed. Damn, she thought to herself.

His nerves were frazzled as he showered and dressed; then went out into the yard and cut a white rose for her. He walked up the street to her house, maybe a bit too fast, but seemingly apprehensive.

As he went into her yard, and up the sidewalk, he noticed her in the window. His heart lunged in his chest...even from a distance, she was a knockout. He handed her the rose as she opened the door. She looked as gorgeous in tight blue jeans and blue silk blouse, as she did in those frayed cutoffs. She took the rose inside, filled a glass bowl with water and set the rose in.

She told him that she was ready to go and gave him the keys to the car...the look on his face was inevitable.

He kissed her cheek, and opened the door for her, and helped her into the car. She smiled as she watched him go around the front of the car to the driver's side. She snickered...he looked just as good in blue jeans as he did out of them.

At the restaurant, they were shown to a table in a dimly lit corner. A candle gave off a soft glow. As he pulled the chair out for her, he leaned down, kissing the back of her neck. She sighed as she sat down. He moved around the table and sat across from her. He held out his hand and she placed hers in it. He closed his around it, bringing it to his mouth, kissing the back of it...his lips lingering.

The waiter took their order...then came back a few minutes later with their drinks.

A toast was made to a new friendship, and they chatted about the last couple of days, avoiding the subject of the events of Sunday. That wasn't mentioned in the phone conversations either.

Dinner was served, but they didn't eat much. He couldn't take his eyes off her, and every few minutes, he’d reach across the table, caressing her hand. The candlelight glimmered in her eyes. He felt queasy every time his hand touched hers. All he really wanted, was to be alone with her...she read it in his eyes.

They went to the bowling alley without finishing dinner. That turned into quite a fiasco. She loved to bowl, but for some reason, most of the balls ended up in the gutter. She chalked it up to nerves, and maybe a little too much alcohol. He laughed and teased her about it endlessly, but didn't do any better, saying there would be other nights when they'd go again. She told him that one day she would get her revenge, and she wasn't only thinking about the game. Her thoughts drifted back to Sunday, and she blushed.

It was late when they pulled into her driveway. As he walked her to the door, he handed her a key to his house, telling her to use the pool anytime she wished. She thanked him and asked if he would like to come inside for a coffee. He wanted to...wanted to feel that close to her again, but wasn't pressing his luck. He declined, saying that it was late and they were both tired.

She leaned against the door as his lips touched hers, his mouth recalling the last sweet kiss. He pulled her into him and hugged her, feeling her shiver. He wondered if it was him, or the cool night air, wishing it was him. She snuggled close to him, his warmth wrapped around her. She could have stayed in his arms forever, feeling safe and secure, but she pulled away. It was time for him to go.

As he turned to leave, she said that she may use the pool in the next few days if that was okay with him. He nodded his head, and replied that would be fine...whenever she wanted.

As she lay in bed, she mused...there had be a way for to get back at him, even as a joke, and she knew just how to go about it. Sleep caught her.

His dreams were filled of her...wanting and needing to be with her. The night was restless, and sleep evaded him till the wee hours of the morning.