"No. I'm not telling ya anything." Tonya eased back into the large garden tub and sighed into the phone as Sid continued to press her about what she was wearing to the party. "You'll have to wait and see, just like everyone else." His whining was so loud that she had to move the speaker away from her ear for a moment. "Just come and pick me up at 7 and don't be late."

She set the phone on the cradle before he could respond and giggled slightly to herself. No one was going to believe what she had planned for the evening. She had hinted only slightly to NormaJean at breakfast and Norma had started pressing her for details. Tonya only smiled and told her that she to would have to wait.

Sid paced the Tavern and couldn't wait three more hours to see Tonya. Numerous times he headed for the door and stopped dead in his tracks. She had informed him that if he tried to cheat in anyway that she would not give him his `surprise' at the end of the night. Moaning loudly, he turned once more to the bar. "I hate waiting."

"You got it bad, don't ya mate?" Sid looked up just as Jeff Mitchell took the stool next to him.

"What are you talking about, poofta?"

Jeff just giggled and patted Sid on the shoulder. "Ever since she got here, you just aren't the same ole Sid." The look that Sid shot him could have been frightening if he didn't look so happy when Tonya was around. "Never seen ya take to any sheila quite like this one."

Sid started to lash out, but decided against it. Life had changed since Tonya came here and he was definitely better off for it. "She's not your average 'sheila'."

"What's bugging ya? You look like your all tied up in knots." Jeff accepted a beer from Andy and they both looked at Sid, expectant for an answer.

"She has hinted around that she's going to surprise everyone with what she wears tonight." Sid looked to both of the men and was shocked when they paused before laughing.

"What's she got?" Andy jumped in. "A new pair of cut-off's or a screaming green tee shirt for the night."

"I don't know. She might come dressed in one of those bikinis she so fond of." Jeff added, laughing at the image of Sid coming to the party, dressed to the nines with Tonya clad only in her tanning gear.

Sid moaned as the same image raced through his mind, but he didn't find it funny. He had a hard-on for her in the biggest way and this teasing wasn't helping any. "I've no idea what she has planned."

"She Irish?" Andy asked as he poured Sid a drink and pushed it towards him.

"Nope. German and Russian." Sid lifted the whiskey and threw the whole thing back in one shot.

"Good. You can rule out her showing up naked then." Jeff laughed and started pounding Sid on the back as he choked on his drink. /The guy is gone. / He thought as Sid struggled for breath. "You alright, mate?" He asked laughing and Sid shook his head, getting up to head for his room.

"That girl has got him twisted up into knots!" Andy remarked as he wiped down the mess on the bar.

"Don't ya know it." Jeff added and looked up when the doors opened and some more of their brothers came in. He and Andy related to the others what had happened and bets were placed on what she would show up in. Colin thought she might dress up for the occasion and throw on a pair of jeans. Cort and East both agreed she would show up leather. Max and John refused to bet on the issue of principles, drawing long looks from those present. Finally, Bud slapped $5 on the bar and wagered she would wear a dress. Everyone turned to look at Bud like he just announced he was gay and then began laughing heartily.

"I got to put some money on that!" John said as he fished out a bill and slapped in the bar. "Ten bucks says no dress." Bills piled up on the bar as everyone called in their bet and Andy wrote everything down and put the stash in a box under the bar. They would all have to wait.

"I don't know. What do you think?" NormaJean was in the middle of getting ready when Brynn called. Instead of talking on the phone, she invited her friend to her room to finish getting primed for the night.

"She's been really secretive." Brynn leaned over to apply some lipstick before turning back to Norma, who was still trying to curl her hair. "Steve mentioned that there's a pool going on what she wears."

"Why is everyone so interested in what she's going to wear?" The question was rhetorical. No one had ever seen Tonya in anything that wouldn't be considered 'slob clothes'. She too was interested as Tonya had given her subtle hints earlier, but had refused to say anything more. Not wanting to press her new friend too much, Norma had decided just to wait.

A knock on the door pulled Brynn from the room as Norma struggled with the last bit of hair. She wanted to look go for Mannie tonight. He was slowly adjusting to the social life that she wanted to be a part of and was finding that he actually enjoyed visiting with the 'guys' when they got together. They had come down from their cabin, after Brynn had called to let them know about the party, and she wanted to make sure that the evening was memorable for him, in more ways than one.

"Hi babe." A blush rose to her cheeks as Mannie leaned against the doorframe, watching her fuss with her hair. "You do know that you don't have to go to all that trouble, don't you?" Stepping into the room, he softly brushed a stray curl from her cheek and pushed it back over her ear, before kissing her softly on the lips.

"Mannie, stop it." Norma made little effort to push him away. "What if Brynn comes in?"

"What if she does?" He moved to whisper in her ear, kissing the sensitive spot just below the lobe.

"Do you want everyone to know?" She whispered. They still had let no one know about how much their relationship had progressed and didn't want to be caught making out in the bathroom like two teenagers, stealing kisses when their parents weren't looking. Suddenly, the stereo in the other room came to life and the song 'Love Shack' blared out, filling the entire suite.

"I have the feeling that some people are beginning to suspect, luv."

Tonya was nervous. Moving around the bedroom aimlessly, she finally decided to sit for a few minutes before continuing her preparations. She had painted her nails, allowing herself plenty of time, which she needed, as she had messed up twice and had to redo several nails. She hadn't 'primped' in such a long time, she wasn't sure is she remembered how, but whenever she doubted herself, or her plans, she needed nothing more than to check out her outfit. Sid had no idea what to expect and no one else did either, with one exception.

Pouring herself a drink to help calm her nerves, she went into the bathroom to apply her make-up. She had to buy all new, because she didn't own any. Still she kept it to a minimum and was done rather quickly. Tonya had even gone so far as to buy perfume, something else that she never indulged in. She had found a wonderful scent that was classic and alluring, but not overpowering. Sid would have enough on for the two of them. /Hopefully he'll wear the Catalyst. / She thought. She'd follow any man wearing that! Turning on the stereo, she finally headed in to dress herself.

A pounding at her door a short while later pulled her back to reality as she realized that she had been daydreaming about the night about to unfold. Grabbing a robe to cover her, she dashed to the door and opened it, finding Sid on the other side, wearing a suit of royal blue, and holding a single red rose. "I know that you're not into flowers or any that 'mushy' stuff, but..."

"Sid, its perfect." Tonya beheld the most perfectly formed rose bud, which was almost crimson in color, and held it to her nose. "There's no scent."

"I know. Why mar the perfection of such a beautiful bloom with any scent?"

"Where did you find it?" He only responded by shrugging his shoulders and stepping towards her.

"You've gone all out tonight." he whispered softly as he moved towards her, pushing the door closed behind him. "I've never seen you wear make-up."

"You've never seen me in a nun's habit either, but you never know about life. Anything could happen." She started to back away from him, but he followed her step for step.

"I've been thinking about you all day." His hands found her waist and pulled her against him. "I've been thinking very HARD about what we could do tonight." Pressing his hips into hers, she could feel exactly what he was talking about.

"Down there, Tin Man. We are going out tonight." She pressed a soft kiss on his lips as she moved to pull away. "I have to finish getting dressed, so you had better cool your jets. Why not have a drink?"

"Okay." He pulled her close and kissed her soundly, parting her lips with his tongue, and deepened the kiss when she opened to him, moaning her pleasure. She felt her knees weaken and leaned against him to keep herself upright, even though he was holding her tightly to his chest. Finally, gathering enough strength to pull away, she pressed her forehead against his, trying to breathe again.

"That's not exactly what I had in mind." He started to pull her close once more and she moved away. "No you don't. You sit down here on the couch and you wait for me to finish up. Understood?" She didn't believe him when he shook his head to agree with her, but he sat down nonetheless. "Back in just a minute."

Sid was out of his mind with desire. All he could think about was getting her naked and under him; it had been that way all day. But she looked so good with her hair done and make-up that he wondered what the next surprise would be. The time passed quickly and soon he heard the bedroom door open. His breath caught in his throat when she stepped out in to the sitting room.

"Come on Liz. This is the first time in years that St. Pat's has landed on a Saturday." Colin whined, but Liz was having trouble taking anyone seriously who was wearing a 'Kiss me, I'm Irish' tee shirt and a bright green plastic leprechaun hat. "I'm the only real Irishman here and that is why I should be off tonight and not tending bar."

"You're Australian, Colin." Michelle giggled from beside him as he tried to plead his case.

"My last name is O'Brien, as you well know, and it's my duty to get shit-faced tonight."

"How is getting shit-faced you're duty." Liz was about to lose it and was having a terrible time not laughing out loud. "I don't believe I've ever heard this explanation before."

Colin sighed loudly and paced around in small circles lifting his arms about in disbelief. "It's my duty to remember my proud Irish heritage and those who had gone before me."

"By following in the grand tradition of liver failure." Michelle tried to stifle the laugh at the look Colin shot her, but failed miserably. Liz tried not to react, but finally just lost it and broke into tears, laughing so hard; she had to lean against the bar.

"What's so funny?" Terry edged up the bar and looked at Liz, Michelle and Colin, each in turn. "Colin, I've got to tell ya, mate, you look fucking ridiculous." Liz and Michelle laughed even harder and Colin threw his arms up in frustration and walked away with peals of laughter following him.

Tonya thought Sid was going to fall down. He had stood up to greet her as she entered the room, but now he looked very unsteady. "Sid, are you okay?" She started to move towards him, but he lifted his hand, stopping her in her tracks.

"You look..." He couldn't finish. Of all the things that he had imagined that she would wear, this wasn't one of them. It was a simple, single piece, black cocktail dress with spaghetti straps and a body-hugging bodice. At her hips, the skirt loosened and flared out slightly, the material moving in waves around her as she walked, accentuating her thighs by stopping several inches above her knees. The tall sandals that she wore, the strappy kind that looked like they shouldn't stay on your feet, further emphasized her long legs. Smiling at Sid's reaction, she turned slowly, revealing the back of the dress, or the lack thereof, and the slight lengthening of the skirt over the back of her legs. As she moved, the skirt wrapped around her, riding up slightly.

"Does this look okay?" she asked using her best southern bell accent and tried to sound as innocent as humanly possible. Sid only nodded his head and she walked to him, his eyes unable to meet hers. "Are you ready to go to dinner?"

"This isn't dinner?" She was able to look him directly in the eye when he looked up at her face. "You look good enough to eat."

Tonya trembled with anticipation as he whispered the words and reached to grab his hand. "Then let's go before your food starts getting cold." He giggled then, that high-pitched, boyish giggle that made him seem more human that anything else he did...well, just about.

"Should I even ask what you've got on under that?" Sid followed her lead and let her pull him towards the door; he wanted to watch her walk, but didn't think that he should for too long.

"I don't think that would help you at any point during this evening."

"Just a hint? It looks like nothing from here." His voice caught in his throat as she spun around to face him, the skirt dancing around her.

"Alright, I'm wearing panties. Are you happy now?" She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, before moving quickly to open the door.

"No, I'm not. Can I have some more details?"

"Alright. They are thong panties." Tonya moved quickly out into the hall as she heard him moan loudly. "Don't say I didn't warn ya!"

The tavern was closed of to the public for the night and only the residents and selected others were allowed to attend the festivities, but there were dozens of people milling above, some in horrific shades of green. Lisa and Jeff had taken over as DJ's and sat up in the booth digging through the CD's, laughing if one or the other found something horrific, like Millie Vanilli. The tunes flowed though and they tried to keep in touch everything light, carefree and fun.

Norma, Brynn, Steve and Mannie all gathered a table just off the dance floor as they watched as Tina tried to get John to dance to a fast song for a change. Mannie and Steve laughed so hard that they were holding onto one another, trying to remain seated as the sheriff tried his best to ignore them.

Bud and Trisha sat at a table with Max, Laura, Cort and Peaches, all deep in conversation. Every few moments, one of the guys would check the door and then deny doing so. After several bad attempts to cover what they were doing, they told the ladies everything about the bet.

Jennifer, who gladly relieved the whining Colin from further bartending duties, joined Andy at the bar. Colin practically jumped over the bar, grabbed Michelle and headed for the dance floor.

"Andy, what's this?" Jennifer lifted the box with all of the bet money in it and held it out for his inspection.

"That's just the info on a little wager, luv. Nothing to worry about." Just then, `Mustang Sally', from The Commitments soundtrack roared from the speakers. Everyone in the bar sang along as loud as they could, drowning out all other noises. Andy stopped singing just as he looked up and saw Sid walk in with Tonya on his arm.

Tonya danced with Jeffery Wigand and felt like she was dancing with her father, or one of her dad's cute friends. Wendy danced with Arthur, his stiffness and failed attempts at conversation made Wendy look even more uncomfortable that she should have been. It seemed like she had dance with practically all of the guys except for Sid. When they walked in, their steps had fallen in time with the music and slowly everyone in the place turned to watch them walk. By the time Sid had gotten her a seat, the song had ended and silence filled the air. Only the sound of Jeff Mitchell's voice on the microphone got everyone to stop staring ("Shit woman. That dress is outlawed in eight states!").

One by one, Sid's brothers asked for a spin and she willingly obliged, loving the uncomfortable look on Sid's face every time she walked back to the table. Once, after Lachlan got a little carried away during a swing, Sid looked like all the color had drained away from his face. It had actually. When she sat down, she leaned over to whisper in his ear, rubbing his thigh, making him nearly jump up out of his chair, casting her an evil look for touching him.

Politely excusing herself, Tonya glanced at Sid to make sure he was watching her and walked to the bar. Pushing herself between Hando and Max, she called out for another White Russian. "Shit, luv. Whad'ya have to go and put something like that on for?" Hando ran his hand down her back and was promptly slapped on his other arm.

"How is that whenever I try and dress up that you never say those things to me?" Stef asked as she leaned over and started talking with Tonya. "It looks like you have really gotten to all our guys tonight."

"Sorry, but I only intended to get to one." Tonya leaned onto the bar with both elbows, pushing her ass out a bit, looking into the mirror behind Andy to watch Sid literally squirm in his chair.

Stef cast a glance to her table and giggled. "It seems to be working. How is that your not dancing with the Sid-ster?"

"Honestly," Tonya pushed Hando back, out of earshot, and whispered to Stef, "I don't think he can walk right now, let alone dance." Stef broke out into giggles as she looked to Sid and quickly agreed.

Suddenly, a loud and slightly off-key version of 'O' Danny Boy' filled the room. Kath, Lady, Trisha, Laura, Colin, Arthur stood at the end of the bar, singing once more, drawing boo's from every direction.

"The song really isn't all that bad until you've heard is sung so poorly, so many times." Max uttered as he watched his O'Brien swaying with the others.

"She's going to regret this in the morning." Tonya observed as she turned to head back to the table. Sid was gone, surprisingly enough, so she headed over to talk to NormaJean. That friendship was growing with every passing day. Once they had finally been properly introduced, they found they had a lot in common, along with being almost complete opposites. After several minutes of visiting, Tonya and Norma excused themselves, heading to the bathroom, with Brynn joining them, despite the taunts from the men about women never being able to go alone.

They chatted as each woman primped in front of the mirror. Norma blushed furiously as Tonya and Brynn both asked how her 'riding lessons' were going now that she was living with Mannie. Tonya got a wicked idea and laughed out loud, the sound echoing off of the stalls in the restroom. "What is so funny?" Brynn asked. "Other than your tormenting Sid. You are evil, you know it."

"I know I am." She exited the stall and ran her fingers through her short hair. "You guys wouldn't love me if I weren't." Leaving the restroom as a group, they laughed as they headed back to the table. Sid had returned to his perch and glared at Tonya. She smiled to herself and went directly to where he sat. "Why so glum? You look like hell."

"You love doing this to me, don't you?" He squirmed in his seat as she leaned forward, giving him a glimpse down the front of her dress. Bud headed for the table with a smile on his face and waved to Tonya to come and dance. Gathering up all her courage, she leaned forward to look Sid in the eye.

"If I really enjoyed torturing you, then I would have no problems doing this." She reached out and kissed him, sliding her tongue across his lips, before he opened them to her, and slipped her hands into his pant pockets. "Just remember that." Tonya turned and joined Bud, who blushed at having witnessed that kiss.

"He's going to kill you." He whispered as he pulled her close for the dance.

"He might think about it." She laughed and looked around the room. "So how did you make out?"

"Did pretty well. The pot hit about $175 when it was all said and done."

"You really should split it with me." Tonya giggled as he dipped her slightly. "You did really have inside information and some people may consider that cheating."

"Who asked who to go shopping?" He laughingly accused.

"Well, I needed a male opinion and you were the first person I thought of." She kissed him lightly on the cheek. They had come a long way since she first got here and had managed to become friends, irking Sid to no end.

"The dress is a hit." She broke out into giggles again as he spun around in a small circle. "I told you it would be."

Sid sat and watched Tonya walk away and didn't know if he was going to be able to walk for quite some time. Someone earlier had whispered `blue balls' and he thought it perfectly described his situation. Bud spun Tonya on the dance floor and Sid moaned, leaning back and sticking his hands in his pockets. He felt something that wasn't there before and pulled out a very small scrap of black satin. The table almost fell over when he jumped out of his chair.

"We've got to talk." Sid pulled at Tonya's arm, away from Bud. "Wendell."

Bud stood there for a moment and watched them cross the room and go around a corner, which led to the game and TV rooms. Trisha walked up and took his arm. Bud quickly swung her around and pulled her close to finish out the dance. "Bud, what was that all about?"

"I think that they just needed to be alone for awhile." He smiled down at her and kissed her quickly. "How about we talk about some alone time?" Trisha giggled and slapped playfully at her shoulder. She knew he was serious.

The door the TV room slammed closed and Sid locked it quickly. The lights were dimmed so that the room looked as if it were filled with candles and not inset ceiling lights. Tonya shook, wondering if she may have pushed Sid a little too far. She then decided that she didn't care if she had. "What's gotten into your shorts, Tin Man?"

Sid placed on arm on the wall next to her head and held up her panties with the other, running his fingers down her arm, watching her shiver and listening to her breathing increase. "You've been very naughty, playing with me like that." His voice was a husky whisper. "What am I to do with you?"

He knew the answer as well as she did, but the anticipation of action was almost palatable. Both knew that once they started down that path of quenching their need for each other that they wouldn't be able to stop. Neither cared.

Sid's head dipped down and he kissed the base of her neck where it meets the shoulder, running his tongue lightly along the line of her neck to her ear. "Tell me that you want me." Nibbling at her earlobe, he pressed closer until he felt her now rigid nipples pressing into his chest. "Tell me that you need me."

Tonya wondered if she was going to leave a puddle where she was standing, as he whispered into her ear, his breath tickling her like hot fingers. She nodded her answer, but he wanted to hear the words. "I need you." She seemed to have lost her voice. The words came out, but they were almost inaudible. Sid moved his hand to stroke down her side until he reached the skirt; slowly gathering up the material in his fingers, until she could feel his flesh against her hip.

"Say it again." Pressing himself against her, Sid groaned at the contact. This would not be a prolonged experience, but it would definitely take the edge off. "Tell me how much you want me."

"I already have." She turned her head kissed his ear as she slid her hands around his waist and down his back. "Everything tonight was for you; me telling you how much I want you and love you."

Sid pulled her away from the wall and crushed her against him, kissing her deeply, as if starved for her, while feeling along the back of the dress for the zipper. By the time they reached the wrap-around sofa, her dress had been left behind, a forgotten heap on the floor and she was tearing at his shirt.

There was no restraint, no holding back and they fell together onto the sofa, joining as soon as she rolled onto her back, giving herself over to him. There were no words spoken as they merged into one, only sounds from deep within as they voiced their pleasure with one another.

Tonya finally screamed out his name as she reached her climax, sending Sid over the edge, burying himself deep within her as he came. They lay there for several moments, basking in the contentment of the moment, looking into each other's eyes. Sid moved off of her and pulled her against him, wanting for nothing else in the world.

"Tatianna, I..."

"Shhh." She pressed a finger to his lips and silenced him. He reacted the same way every time she told him that she loved him, but he was unable to say the words. Kissing him gently, she was glad he never tried to say them back.

Brynn elbowed Norma as Tonya and Sid came out from around the corner. Sid straightened his tie and moved to the bar. Tonya caught sight of the two and headed for the table. "And where have you been, young lady?" Brynn tried hard to sound stern, but couldn't help laughing.

Tonya glanced over at Sid, who was watching her from the bar, then picked up her drink where she had abandoned it earlier. "I was just seeing a man about a horse." Brynn doubled up with laughter as Norma blushed once more.