see disclaimer chapter 1

His hand in the small of her back, Stan guided Abby through the door into the restaurant, and kept it there as they wove their way to the table.  Abby knew she was gawking, but she couldn't help it.  Smoky glass surrounded each table, giving the illusion of privacy.  Soft music played unobtrusively in the background, and the golden glow of candlelight danced on the glass.  "Is this okay?" Stanley murmured in her ear as she sat in the chair he held for her.

"It's wonderful, Stanley," Abby whispered, looking up over her shoulder at him.  He couldn't resist; he kissed her gently before taking his seat.

As they enjoyed dinner, conversation was light and comfortable.  But then the dishes were whisked away and a silence fell between them.  Stan gazed at the woman sitting across from him, wondering what to do next.  "Dance with me," he finally said.

Abby raised startled eyes from Stans outstretched hand to his face.  "Right here?"

Stan shrugged.  "Why not?"  He took Abby's hand and pulled her into his arms.  The silk of her dress rustled against him as they swayed to the music.  The same floral scent that warmed on her skin, wafted softly up from her hair.  He nuzzled the top of her head, inhaling deeply.

"Stanley?"  Abby looked up inquiringly, but lost her train of thought as she met glowing hazel eyes.  "Why?" 

He smiled self-consciously.  "I wanted to touch you and this was the only way I could think of."  Electricity seemed to charge the air around them as they stared into each other's eyes.  Slowly, Stan's head lowered until his mouth found hers.  The kiss was soft, questing.  But when Abby parted her lips in answer to Stan's tongue, the kiss exploded.  He ravaged her mouth while his hands wandered over the curves of her body.  Abby's hands had been braced against Stan's chest but slid up to tangle in his hair.  A moan escaped him when her tongue rubbed against his.

Breathless, they parted.  Abby looked up at Stan in wonder.  His hand was tracing small circles on her back, sending shivers down her spine.  "Wanna get outta here?" he asked.

"Yeah."  Stan took care of the check but never let go of Abby's hand while he did it.

In the car, their hands clung to each other, fingers intertwined.  It was the longest drive Stanley could remember.  Neither one said a word, but the looks they exchanged spoke volumes.  Finally, Stan parked in front of Abby's house.  Her hands shook when she tried to fit the key in the lock, causing her to drop them.  "Damn," she whispered and bent to pick them up, presenting Stan with a nice view of her backside.

As soon as the door was locked behind them, they were in each other's arms.  Clumsily, they made their way to the couch.  Stan lowered Abby while she held onto his shoulders, pulling him down with her.  He feathered his lips across hers.  "Abby," he whispered, "you taste so good."

She could feel the length of his body along hers, the weight of him pressing her into the cushions.  Holding his face in her hands, she stilled him and looked into his eyes, searching.  "Is this for real, Stan?"

A slow smile spread across his face, making his eyes sparkle in the dim light.  "I hope so, Abby."  He kissed he softly.  "I think so."  With that, he crushed his mouth to hers, robbing her of breath.  As their tongues melded together, Abby's palms slid over the fabric of Stan's shirt, stretched taut across his wide shoulders.  His lips slid down to taste the skin on her neck.  When his hand covered her breast, the nipple pebbled against his palm.  Abby moaned softly, bringing Stan's mouth back to cover hers.  It was like kissing for the first time for both of them, the wonder of it, the newness.  They lost themselves in it.

Somewhere, a clock chimed midnight.  With a groan, Stan dropped his head into the crook of Abby's neck.  "I have to go," he murmured.

"You're joking," she whispered, hugging him to her. 

Stan looked into her blue eyes.  "I wish I was.  I promised Holly I'd be home before midnight."  He sighed, "I'm late."

"Well, you need to go then."  He could hear the disappointment in her voice.

At the door, Stan turned to her, "This is not over, Abigail".  He kissed her hard.  "It's just the beginning."

Holly met Stan at the door.  "How'd it go Dad?"  She was literally bouncing up and down.  "You're late so it must have gone well."

Stan sighed and quieted the stream of questions with a gesture.  "Aren't you supposed to be in bed, young lady?"

"But Dad..." Holly pleaded.

"Don't 'but dad' me," he said with mock sternness.  "Get to bed."  As he watched his daughter walk away with her head hanging low, he added, "It was amazing."

Holly ran back to her dad who was kneeling, waiting to catch her.  "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, baby."  He squeezed her tight.  "Now scoot.  I'll see you in the morning."