Foreign Affairs (closed)

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn took a small sip of her beer as he explained how they would go about getting her a role with this new girl he was about to take on. She was trying to take this beer slow because she knew for a fact that they were starting to get to her mind. Dr. Crameri patter her hand and after a few more moments she removed it, knowing it was probably inappropriate and not wanting to stress their relationship if they were to be working together.

"I love seafood" she answered him when he asked. "So how do you know the guys in the band we are going to see?" she asked conversationally.

She glanced in their direction and noticed them looking her way. She blushed softly when one of them grinned and winked at her and turned back to face the doctor."I must admit I'm rather excited to check out their music. I've always enjoyed hearing new bands".

She wondered suddenly if he danced... or if the music the band played could even be danced to. Either way she knew she would have some fun. She took another small sip of beer and saw that he had finished half of his already.

"Ugh I'm afraid I can't drink as fast as you" she admitted with a grin, intending no harm from the innocent comment, but seeing him glance warily at her when she said it.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Robert saw she had noticed the boys acting like idiots behind her. He smiled. They’d be happy that he was out with what they would call a “hot chick.”

The joys of youth.

"So how do you know the guys in the band we are going to see?"

"Ugh I'm afraid I can't drink as fast as you."

He was worried about that, but tried not to show it.

“Sorry,” he said, “I’ve been under a bit of stress lately and I tend to chug through them when I’m in the mood. Please don’t feel like you have to keep up.”

He didn’t want her remembering this poorly. He changed the topic back to her question.

“I know Jake’s mother. I grew up with her.” He smiled. “She was the older girl I had a crush on.”

He took another sip of his beer. It was a nervous reflex.

Slow down, Crameri.

“When the guys wanted to do a clip for their new song, there were a few ideas, but the best one involved a skip rope world championships. Being musos, the boys are more into drinking and late nights than fitness so they had to get into shape. I helped them out for a while and the clip went well.”

He looked at them and then back to her. Her eyes were on him. She had the ability to make him feel like he was the only one there, like they were in an intimate setting, not a pub. He could get used to this.

But could she?

Stop it. She’s way younger than you and will be going home in a few months. You’ve only just met her. Just enjoy it.

“I guess you’d call them alternative,” he continued, “but I think they’ll do really well if they can get a slice of luck. The young crowd love them and they’re great live. You’ve picked a good introduction to Australian music by coming with me.”

He looked at her.

“And a great person to go with.”

He couldn’t help it. The booze and her interest was bringing his confidence back.

“Let’s finish these and get out of here,” he said. “We’ll find somewhere to eat. Then we can talk some more.... if you’re not sick of me yet.”

Always self-deprecating.
“I’ll get us a cab.”

He looked again at the guys behind her.

“Plus, if we don’t get out of here soon, one of them will come over here and try to take you off this slow-moving doctor!”

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn smiled as he explained how he had been under stress and how he had came to know he boys in the band. He then proceeded to explain their music and how they were great for an intro to Australian bands ... and how he was great for a guy to go with.

She laughed softly.

"You know... I think you're right. You WILL be a great guy to go with" she said with a grin. "I'm in no way shape or form tired of you. In ready whenever you are".

He mentioned the guys taking her away and she grinned again. "Don't worry doc... Moinesgetting me away from you tonight" she said as he stood to get them a cab. She stood with them and winked at the playful guys behind her making them hoop and holler.

She turned back to Rob then and grinned. "Something to keep them thinking" she said teasingly. "Shall we?'

 

[Fish_Tales]

She was certainly fun. The guys went wild when she winked at them. His chest puffed out a little. He thought it was involuntary, but she did make him feel like the top of the heap.


Now you really are acting like a kid, Crameri.


"Something to keep them thinking," she said teasingly. "Shall we?'


He took her by the hand instinctively and led her out of the pub towards the taxi rank.


Shit, I hope that’s not too forward.


He waved one of the taxis over from the rank and it pulled up at the kerb.


Well here goes, he thought.


He opened the rear door for her.


There was no way he was going to sit in the front. Not when this beautiful woman was going to be in the back. Where she was, he was going to be.


“I hope it’s ok, but if you scoot over, then I can sit back there with you.”


Before she answered, he smiled.


“I get a sore neck turning around,” he said, jokingly, “and there’s a lot to turn around for.”


He gestured for her to get in.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn walked out hand in hand with Rob. She wasn't sure how smart it was to be holding hands with him... probably not smart at all... but it felt nice so she didn't even try to pull away. She enjoyed it too much.

He flagged over a cab and then opened the rear door asking if it was ok of he shared the back with her. She grinned at him and slid over.

"I would be honored to have you sit with me" she said with a sexy smile as she patted the seat beside her.

Rob slid in and she felt his thigh press into hers. It, like his hand had, felt very nice there and she made no moves to pull away... if anything she pressed against him even more. The heat of hos thigh was comfortable even though she barely knew the man. She just knew thaybshe enjoyed his company a lot... and it wasn't just the beer talking... she didn't think.

 

[Fish_Tales]

"I would be honored to have you sit with me," she said.

And she looked like she meant it as she patted the seat.

Robert took a deep breath and jumped in.

“Donovans, please,” he said to the driver as he closed the car door and the cab immediately pulled into traffic and headed towards St. Kilda.

He could feel her against him. The heat that came through her jeans and onto his thigh felt incredible.

I’m sure it’s my imagination.

She seemed to press into him harder. He was going to have an impossible job of hiding his erection if this continued for the rest of the trip. He shifted himself slightly in the seat to protect his modesty, but he made sure to maintain contact with her.

I’m not going anywhere, he thought.

This was the best he’d felt since…. Carolyn. He didn’t feel like he had to say anything and he was silent for a while. He was tempted to reach over and grab her hand again, but he was worried that would be too much. Having her leg pressed against his was enough.

For now.

He cleared his throat.

“I hope we haven’t gone too hard, too early on the beer,” he said, just to say something. “Maybe some wine will be the way to go. Might slow us down a little.”

He forced a smile.

He had to fight to keep his eyes pointing ahead. He really wanted to look at her, to see what she was thinking about them being so close together, but his throat felt tight.

“Donovans is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Great seafood. Then we’re not too far from the Corner Hotel where the band is playing. I hope that’s ok?”

He swore she was pressing more tightly into him.

Then again, she was a beautiful woman and he had an overactive imagination.

Or was it his imagination?

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn smiled over at him. "I think I might just need that... seems the beer here is strong than on America" she sent him a sly smile. "Or maybe its just that I haven't had many beers in my recent days" she said laughing softly.

She glanced over at him and noticed he seemed a bit uncomfortable. When she glanced down she noticed why.

Oh shit... he has a huge tent in his pants.

If she were being honest she would notice that her own panties were a bit damp...

Don't think about it.

"The restaurant sound great. I hope im dressed ok... when I dressed oh wasn't expecting a night out... a Jersey isn't necessarily very fashionable" she said with a shrug and a grin.

The cab hit a bump and caused Devyn to press even closer to Rob, or at least that is what she told herself. Nevermind the reason... she didnt pull away, she enjoyed the contact entirely too much.

Back off, girl. This is dumb. Supposed to be a working relationship.

Her mind was correct... but she ignored it completely and continued tonlean slightly against the handsome doctor.

 

[Fish_Tales]

"The restaurant sounds great. I hope I’m dressed ok... when I dressed I wasn't expecting a night out... a Jersey isn't necessarily very fashionable," she said.

Robert almost didn’t hear what she was saying. His mind was firmly focussed on the fact that he was….well…. firm!

He couldn’t believe he’d just asked her to work with him, she was a student, she was much younger than he was and yet he was sitting in the back of a cab with her, buzzed on alcohol. Besides jumping in her lap, he couldn’t possibly get any closer to her.

The car hit a rut and now she was leaning against him.

If she couldn’t see the bulge in his pants, then she was blind.

Get us there quickly please, Mr. Cab Driver.

He tried to take his mind off things.

A little.

“I wouldn’t worry about dress. I haven’t exactly pulled out the Armani myself,” he said trying to distract himself. “They’re pretty casual on a weeknight.”

Plus you'd look good in anything.

Or nothing....

But he kept that to himself, thankfully.

He tried to shift himself in his seat to relieve some of the pressure in his pants. He felt like it was going to snap in half. He shifted slightly, but all he succeeded in doing was pressing even more tightly against her and, worse still, now the top part of his arm and tricep was pressed against the side of her breast.

Jesus. It was easier being a teenager.

He was thankful that it was dark. If she had seen him blushing, he’d be the colour of a beetroot.

Oh, don’t use the word “root”, you fool!

The cab crossed over Nepean Road. That meant he only had five minutes to survive.

He knew this incident might be funny later, but at the moment, it was the most uncomfortable he’d felt in a long time. He was even getting a little sheen of sweat on his forehead.

“Nearly there,” he said without looking at her.

She didn’t seem too worried, but be hoped he didn’t seemed stressed.

Uncomfortable, yes.

But fucking nice!

 

[play_and_ride89]

She could tell he felt awkward and felt bad about that. He shifted slightly as if trying to make it less noticeable.. or less painful. Yet she still didn't move away. He told her they were nearly there and she figured he was probably relieved.

"So what's be best thing to eat at this place?" She asked trying to take both of their minds off of the hard-on that was like the proverbial pink elephant in the room. They hit another bump and her hand went to his thigh totally on accident.

She gasped softly and pulled it back, and brushed the tent, again totally on accident.

"Oh shit... I... I'm sorry..." she said quickly as she felt her face flame bright red. Nice. Feel up the man you're gonna be working with and learning from for the next couple months. Brilliant idea Devyn. She leaned her head back and groaned. "Sorry" she repeated. "That's kinda... embarrassing and awkward for a first meeting".

She realized he may think she meant his boner was awkward ... when she really meant her touching it. "Oh! I didn't mean your... uh... problem... was awkward I just meant me touching your... uh... yeah... was embarrassing... annnnd I'm just gonna shut up now" she said and gave an embarrassed laugh.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Devyn’s hand fell on his thigh. It was only for a moment, but it felt unbelievable. When she removed it, she brushed the erection trying to break out of his pants.

He stifled a groan.

Oh my God!

He’d only known the girl for a few hours, not counting seeing her at the cricket ground and then thinking of her in the shower while grabbing his….

Are you kidding me? Why the hell did you think of that? That’s really gonna help plenty, mate.

She was bumbling, mumbling and stumbling with her words.

Now he was feeling bad that she was feeling bad about him feeling bad.

What the fuck was he going on about?

He was a world respected trainer and sports performance expert and he was about to explode in his pants like some kid having a wet dream.

“I'm just gonna shut up now," she said.

Great. She does feel bad.

He’d be lucky if she didn’t complain about him at the university.

You do manage to get yourself into trouble, Crameri. That’s for sure.

He looked across at her and she was blushing furiously. At least he hoped she was blushing furiously and wasn't just downright furious.

He made a final effort to move himself discretely a little away from her. They were nearly there anyway.

He tried to be funny.

“Yep. Definitely wine for us at dinner, I reckon,” he said. “And only a bit at that.”

He looked at her.

“I’m sorry if you feel bad,” he said. “I promise the rest of the night won’t be as hard as this.”

What the fuck?

“Er, I mean the rest of the night won’t be as difficult.”

This girl had him tongue tied and stiff as a board to boot.

If he didn’t get out of this cab soon, he’d need a towel.

Looking at her in profile, she looked so beautiful.

He’d managed to separate their bodies so they were now a little apart.

Then for some inexplicable reason, he leant over….

….and kissed her on the cheek.

Are you out of your fucking mind, he thought as he sat back on his side of the back seat.

He rolled his eyes to himself.

He was sure she’d be staying in the cab to go home when they got dropped off.

You are an idiot, Crameri.

Can’t you control yourself?

 

[play_and_ride89]

“I promise the rest of the night won’t be as hard as this.”

Devyn couldn't help it. She threw her head back and laughed out loud. Not a giggle or a chuckle... but a full out laugh, so hard until she had tears running down her cheeks.

"Oh my God's she gasped when she was done. "I'm sorry I'm not laughing at you ... I'm laughing at US" she said breaking into a fit of giggles.

Finally she gained composure and found him staring at her oddly. He leand over and kissed her cheek making her smile and blush softly.

She saw his look of shock... at himself? And laughed again.

"Lord we make a pair..." she mumbled and then leaned over and placed a kiss on hos cheek in return. "Dr. Crameri.... I believe we are going to have an incredible night" she said as the cabnpulled into what she presumed was the restaurant.

 

[Fish_Tales]

She started laughing. Not a small giggle. Not even a reasonable chuckle. But a full throated, loud laugh that had tears rolling out of her eyes and down her cheeks.

"Lord we make a pair. Dr. Crameri.... I believe we are going to have an incredible night.”

He almost breathed a sigh of relief.

She was actually having fun! Robert thought he’d blown the whole thing, and she was enjoying it. She was enjoying so much, that she planted a kiss on his cheek.

Gee, doh, you really are on the same wavelength as women, Crameri.

He felt like such a dolt. He thought she’d be totally put off by him giving her a kiss. He wasn’t very good at reading people, especially women.

Maybe my arrogance gets in the way? I’m not arrogant, am I?

“Well, Devyn, I didn’t mean to kiss you,” he said. “Um, I mean, I obviously meant to kiss you, but I didn’t mean to be so forward. Except that I kissed you and that’s forward, I guess….”

He thought he’d better shut up now while he was still ahead. Anyway, the cab had made it to the restaurant, thank God, without any eruptions in his pants. The uncertainty he’d felt after kissing her had lessened the tension somewhat, but her kiss had brought it back bigger and better than ever.

So to speak.

He paid the driver and he got out. He offered his hand to her as she got out.

“Let’s eat,” he said. “I’m starving and we need to do something about all that alcohol in our system.”

He felt self-conscious standing there with her.

What I really need to do something about is the bloody hard-on that makes me look like I've got a footy sock shoved down the front of my pants.

Of course, he kept that to himself.

Which was about the only thing he had so far….

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn laughed softly. "I didn't mind the kiss at all" she assured him in the back seat of the cab. Maybe she should have minded... she probably should have cut the evening short right the andtl there. But she was enjoying herself... she didn't want to. Plus... she was hungry as hell.

"Im definitely ready to eat" she said as she climbed from the cab, her tight ass and toned legs giving Crameri quite a show as she did so.

He offered her his hand and she took it without hesitation. Together they walked hand in hand in to the restaurant and she inhaled the delicious but strong scent of many types of seafood.

"Mmmmm this place smells delicious!" she said with a broad smile at Robert. "Great pick!"

 

[Fish_Tales]

He watched her get out of the cab, which did nothing to help his tension, but it sure looked good.

Think good thoughts, he said to himself. Good thoughts….

She took his hand and in they went.

There go the good thoughts.

"Mmmmm this place smells delicious!" she said "Great pick!"

She seemed genuinely happy to be there, much to Robert’s relief.

“Are you happy to sit next to a window? It really does give you a great view of the bay in the moonlight.”

He raised his hand to the maître d, who smiled at him and came straight over.

“How are you, sir?” he said, extending his hand.

He was breaking protocol for such an establishment restaurant, but they knew each other well.

Robert shook his hand.

“No ‘sirs’ tonight, thanks Gino, just a casual dinner. Window seat would be nice if you can get it,” said Robert.

“Not a problem, doctor,” said Gino and he led them around the bar to a quieter section of the restaurant that overlooked the bay. They were early enough that the place wasn’t full yet, but it was already bustling as the evening got into full swing.

When they were being seated, Robert realised he hadn’t yet let go of Devyn’s hand and he felt a little self conscious.

“Um, sorry,” he whispered to her.

They sat and Gino offered them the wine list.

“I’d recommend the Tahbilk,” said Gino. “It’s the marsanne and we have the 2006 which is just perfect. That’s if you want white?”

Robert looked over to Devyn. He so wanted to reach out and hold her hand or extend his leg. Just touching her made him feel vibrant and alive.

Maybe I’ve done enough damage for tonight, he thought ruefully.

Gino walked off quickly to attend to something.

“So, Devyn, would you like the marsanne?” he asked her.

She seemed impressed by the place.

He was still preoccupied with what had happened in the cab. He leaned forward a little so that he wouldn’t have to speak too loudly.

“Um Devyn. So about the trip here. I’m not normally so forward. I think it was the beer and the fact you’re so easy to talk to,” he said. “I just don’t want to get off on the wrong foot.”

He paused for a while.

“And I meant what I said. I really do want you to work with me for a while.”

Just so I can be with you, was what he meant to add.

But he didn't.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn looked around, impressed by the restaurant. It was fancy and she felt a bit underdressed but she didn't mind. It really did smell amazing in there. Crameri seemed to know the maître d and greeted him warmly. He had spoken of people thinking he was a loner but she didnt see it. He seemed friendly, fun and outgoing to her.

The man led them to a table with a gorgeous view and Devyn gasped softly, staring out at the moon shining over the bay. It reminded her of home. "Gorgeous" she gasped softly.

Rob asked if she would like the wine the maître d had mentioned and she nodded. "Sounds delicious to me" she said, sending him a soft smile.

The room was dimly lit, casting an intimate glow across the table.

"Um Devyn. So about the trip here. I’m not normally so forward. I think it was the beer and the fact you’re so easy to talk to... I just don’t want to get off on the wrong foot.”

Devyn smile and waved a hand in the air nonchalantly.

"Really its no big deal. I told you I didn't mind. I really didn't" she said with a smile. "Its already forgotten".

Liar. her head whispered. She had not forgotten. Wouldn't for a long time. That chaste kiss to her cheek would remain in her head, taunting her, for a long time to come.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Devyn seemed happy with his apology.

Not that I really feel sorry about it.

He just didn’t want her to think he was some sort of lecherous old academic.

"Really its no big deal. I told you I didn't mind. I really didn't," she said with a smile. "It’s already forgotten".

He felt better, although, ridiculously, a bit miffed. He didn't want her to forget it. Maybe just excuse it. He certainly wouldn't be forgetting it in a hurry. He called Gino over and said that the marsanne was an excellent recommendation and they would try that.

“I think we should start with some little tit bits – prawns, squid, mussels and maybe some oysters,” he said. “Of course, that’s if you like them. Then, we can have something else to fill us up.”

And soak up the alcohol.

He kept looking at her. She still had that ability to make him feel like he was the most important person in the world at the moment. She was….

Empathetic.

That was the word he was looking for. She seemed to understand people and make them feel good. A great gift. Especially for someone like him.

Empathetic.

He was glad she was enjoying the view as well. It really was a nice place.

A nice place for a date.

Stop thinking like that, Crameri. You’ve already had to apologise a number of times and you’ve only known her for a few hours.

They were in a more private part of the restaurant so he didn’t feel like he had to behave too formally. He sat back in his chair and extended his legs. He felt relaxed.

“So, what do you know about tennis?” he asked.

Not that he cared at the moment. She could say she knew nothing and he still wouldn’t care.

At all.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn listened as he suggested some appetizers. "I love anybseafood" she replied with a smile. "But what are prawns?"

He kept looking at her and it made her wish that she had dressed a bit nicer. But when she had dressed she hadn't planned on the doctor she was meeting being completely gorgeous and able to turn her on with merely a look, a word, a touch. She wished she had at least put on a hit more makeup or something.

He leaned back a bit in his seat and her eyes immediately were attracted to his lean, powerful looking body.Bad idea, homegirl. He's off limits, no matter how bad you want him. He's gonna be like a mentor to you... behave.

She sighed softly.

“So, what do you know about tennis?

She chewed on her lip for a moment and then gave him a hesitant smile.

"Not a lot... I'm afraid" she admitted. "I've always been more into softball, baseball and American football... that's why I'm here.. trying to broaden my horizons a bit". She shrugged and smiled at him.

 

[Fish_Tales]

He couldn’t stop looking at her. Not very professional, he knew, but she was simply gorgeous. He liked the way she looked fresh and natural.

"…. what are prawns?" she said.

He laughed.

“Sorry, I keep forgetting you’re probably not familiar with the Australian vernacular,” he said. “Prawns are what you guys call shrimps. They’re usually bigger here. Maybe that’s why we call them prawns rather than shrimps. Nothing ‘shrimpy’ about them, like most things in Australia.”

He winked.

She admitted she didn’t know much about tennis, but that didn’t matter. She was interested in sport and that was the most important thing. Even he didn’t fully understand many of the sports he worked with. He’d found it was all about biomechanics, repetition, fitness and mental strength. He was a strong believer that you could do something right until you’d done it thousands of times.

“I'm here trying to broaden my horizons a bit,” she said.

“Well, I’ll certainly try to do that,” he said.

He realised what’d he’d just said and quickly added, “From a sports perspective, of course.”

They were drinking their wine and he took a nervous sip of it.

As he stretched his legs further, he bumped into hers. He noticed her looking at him. His first impulse was to retract them quickly, but he didn’t want to look nervous again. So he shifted them slightly so that they were just apart. He could still feel the heat from them, but at least he didn’t look like he was a putting a move on her.

Even though I’d like to.

“Most of my background is in what we call ‘football’ and in water sports. So obviously, I swim a lot. I coach the local kids in surf lifesaving.”

He looked at her listening.

God, I want to touch her again….

He tried to get that out of his mind, so he continued.

“I should explain. When I say ‘local’, I actually mean where I live. I have an apartment here in town because of my work, but I actually live on the south west coast, about ninety minutes from here,” he said. “I guess once we know each other better, I would love to take you there. It’s a beautiful place.”

He glanced at her.

“That’s if you’re interested and are happy to sit with me in a car for ninety minutes. After our cab ride, I would understand if you had some trepidation,” he said, grinning at her.

I doubt I would even trust myself.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn giggled when he mentioned all things in Australia being bigger. "I thought that was Texas's motto" she said and winked back.

Crameri didn't seem fazed by the fact that she didn't know much about tennis and she was relieved. She had been hoping this working relationship wouldn't end before it began because of that.

She laughed when he said he would broaden her horizons... in sports. If she were perfectly honest with herself she wouldn't mind broadening her horizons with him anyway. Boy but she needed to stop thinking like that.

She was intrigued that he had a place on the coast and sat up. "Oh really? I love the ocean!" She said smiling broadly. "I would love to see your place!" ... and spend 90 minutes in a car alone with you, she added silently.

Then their appetizers came and she took a "prawn" and popped it in her mouth, sighing at thebdelicious taste.

"Perfect!" She murmured and sent a wink at him.

 

[Fish_Tales]

"Oh really? I love the ocean!" She said smiling broadly. "I would love to see your place!"

Wow. She seemed genuinely interested in going with him. He was disappointed now that he had to get on to Kristin Lane’s management tomorrow. Maybe they could leave tomorrow afternoon?

Or was that too quick?

It wasn’t like he had any sort of bad intentions. He thought that he should possibly allay any fears she might have. She might be surprised that he would want to take her tomorrow even thought it was a Friday and the ideal time.

Weekend?

What makes you think she’d want to stay there?

For a whole weekend?

A bit dodgy don’t you think?

He was brought back to the present when she ate a prawn.

“Perfect,” she said and winked at him.

No, you’re perfect, he thought.

"Um, look. Tomorrow’s Friday and the weekend is supposed to be great. Now don’t get the wrong idea because I have three bedrooms,” he said, “but if you’re keen, I’d love to take you there for the weekend.”

Phew.

There. He’d got it out.

He couldn’t believe how nervous he was.

Before she’d had a chance to reply, he said, “I could wait till you finish classes and then we could go. Don’t worry about any swimming gear and the such, I’m sure I’ll have something that fits you.”

He was about to trip over his tongue again, so he stopped.

Is this too fast?

“I find it so easy talking to you. I’m sure you’d have fun,” he said. “And I promise not to do anything unchivalrous.”

Unless you want to, he thought.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn was surprised when he invited her to his place that very weekend. Her immediate reaction was to say yes. She wanted to go bad. But was that stupid? She hardly knew the man, after all... but he was a doctor, and a damn good one at that. So he couldn't be that bad. And he said he had three bedrooms so she wouldn't have to feel awkward or anything... right?

He said dont worry about swimwear and she was relieved because she didn't think she had packed one.

"I find it so easy talking to you. I’m sure you’d have fun and I promise not to do anything unchivalrous.”

What if I want you to?

"I trust you" Devyn finally said. "And I would love to go with you. I think it would be a lot of fun... especially with you!!"

She smiled gratefully at him and her pretty eyes shone with excitement at the prospect of going.

 

[Fish_Tales]

“... especially with you!!"

He felt like a teenager again. Asking a pretty girl on a date, but not knowing if she was going to say “yes”. He felt like jumping in the air and high-fiving the closest waiter.

He didn’t, of course.

Not cool.

He looked at her smiling at him across the table and wondered how he would ever be able to work with her and maintain a professional relationship? He didn’t actually think it would be possible, but maybe it could be as professional as possible?

Yeah right.

The only way he would remain professional, was if he didn’t see her again.

Period.

There was no way that was going to happen. Just being around her had made him feel re-energised. His enthusiasm for what they could do grew the longer they talked to each other.

She’s just a kid. A student.

But she makes me feel good and surely that was worth something?

He smiled back at her.

“I’m pleased you want to come,” he said. “You'll enjoy it. It’s one of the most beautiful places here. It’s pretty quiet, too.”

The need to reach across and grab her was almost over-powering. He so wanted to touch her, but he didn’t want to scare her. She’d just said she trusted him and he didn’t want to betray that.

What was going on? The sensitive Crameri? Since when did he care about anyone's feelings?

Robert realised that he hadn’t even bothered to order the main courses for dinner. His mind had been totally on her. He was about to apologise, when Gino came to the table with a couple of platters of nearly everything and a new bottle of wine. Good old Gino.

Shit! Have we drunk the whole bottle….

No wonder he’d forgotten to order – they were probably drunk. The time had passed so easily and quickly that he hadn’t even realised he’d been drinking so much. At least he hoped it was him. Devyn had been pretty high before they’d got to the restaurant, so he hoped she wasn’t matching him with the drinking.

“Hey,” said Gino. “You two lovebirds were talking so much and looking at each other that you forgot to order.”

Robert almost blushed.

“Er, thanks, Gino, I really appreciate it….”

“Hey. It’s nothing,” he said.

Gino put the platters down and then poured them some more wine.

Robert smiled and rolled his eyes at Devyn as if to say, yeah, like I need another drink.

Gino put the wine in the ice bucket and made an exaggerated motion of leaving. He winked at them and left.

“He’s a good guy is Gino,” said Robert, “but he has a touch of the romantic about him. I’m sure he would have been a matchmaker if he didn’t have this.”

He raised his glass to Devyn, smiling. He knew there was a restaurant somewhere, but he couldn’t see it. All he could see was her. Her face framed by her dark hair.

Exotic.

Beautiful.

Shit. Snap out of it.

“Well, seeing he went to the trouble of bringing the wine out, it would be impolite not to drink it, don't you think?”

He felt a warm buzz.

Lovebirds?

Was it that obvious?

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn smiled and leaned back in her chair. "Mmmm peaceful is definitely a good thing. After trying to get ready for this trip I could use some peaceful days". Her eyes twinkled as she said it. She took another sip of wine.

That was when Gino came with another bottle of wine and two plates of food Devyn didn't remember them ordering. Gino's words confirmed it. They hadn't ordered it. He had taken it upon himself to bring it... calling then love birds.

Devyn felt her cheeks grow warm and offered him a small smile. Did they truly look like that? More than likely. Crameri had killed more of the wine that time than she had but she had still had a fair amount and her mind was still a bit fuzzy.

After Gino had walked away Crameri grinned at her and called Gino a romantic. Devyn laughed softly. she accepted the wine that he poured into her glass. Why the hell not? She smiled at him.

"I guess we might look like love birds as he had said... this is a kind of intimate restaurant. I love these types of restaurants".

She stretched a leg out then and it brushed against his. She didn't immediately pull away, instead she chose to leave it there, pressed against his beneath the cover of the table cloth.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Devyn smiled at him and she leaned back. She looked perfect sitting there, her cheeks a little flushed from the wine or Gino’s comments. He didn’t know which. At the moment, he didn’t really care. She was here.

With him.

"I guess we might look like love birds as he had said... this is a kind of intimate restaurant. I love these types of restaurants," she said.

He nodded.

“Yes. It’s perfect,” he said. “My day started off so badly and look what it’s turned into.”

He felt her leg press against his. He felt an initial shock, but the effect of the wine and the talk had made him much more relaxed. She meant this. This wasn’t like the cab.

Go with the flow, Crameri.

It was so easy to feel her leg against his. To feel the warmth coming from her.

He smiled at her.

“I believe, Ms. Griffith, that your leg is pressing against mine,” he said. “Now if I were a gentleman, I would very discretely move it away and acknowledge that you may have made a mistake placing it there.”

He looked at her.

“However, this time, I’m going to make sure it stays there.”

He pressed back harder on it. He was going to enjoy this and bask in the attention of this beautiful woman.

He was glad of the long table cloth, otherwise, anyone passing by would have known that he was enjoying this evening.

Immensely.

 

[play_and_ride89]

His words made Devyn grin and then he truly did push harder against her leg. She enjoyed the contact and smiled over at him. "How do you know it wasn't an accident, sir?" She asked with a flirty smile and a wink.

Then... feeling bold... she didn't know if it was because of the wine or just him... she slid her foot slowly up along his calf and back down in a sort of caress. She smiled innocently at him as if she was doing nothing wrong.

"Maybe that was an accident too" she said in a low, husky voice.

She had leaned forward against the table and braced her hands on either side of her face as she smiled across the table at him. She shrugged softly.

"But then again... maybe its not an accident" she said with a wink as she pulled her foot down so just her leg was against him again.