A date made

The following day passed much as the previous three, with Michael finding himself increasingly drawn to Erica, while telling himself she had no real interest in him. Flirting came very naturally to her, as he had witnessed. Nonetheless he knew he was smiling more than he had in months.

That afternoon she made a phone call. Hanging up she was obviously annoyed.

"Damn garage. My car won't be ready until tomorrow," she tapped her fingers on the desk.

"I can give you a ride home," Michael offered.

"Oh that's sweet of you. Thank you." She touched his hand, smiling at him.

Michael found himself watching the clock at the bottom of his computer screen, each incremental minute of the day seeming to linger interminably. A fluttering excitement was in him, and though he told himself this was no more than giving a colleague a ride home, the excitement stayed with him.

As they put their coats on, Erica smiled at him again. "Thank you so much for this, I really appreciate it."

"Anytime. I'm happy to do it."

"I'll remember that," she grinned.

When they reached his car she looked from it to him, an ironic smile on her face. "A Mustang convertible? So that mid-life crisis thing is working for you?"

"Sure. I figured if I was going to have one given to me, I might as well get the trappings of the job." He laughed, holding the door open for her.

"And a gentleman too, better and better."

The drive to her home took less than ten minutes. Feeling like a foolish schoolboy, he wished it was longer, just to spend more time in her company. When they stopped in front of her house she paused, looking at him, one hand on the door handle.

"I'll take you for a drink tomorrow to thank you."

"You don't have to do that."

"I know I don't have to, Mr. Rourke. I want to. And I won't take no for an answer." She leaned towards him, slipped her hand around his neck and pulled him to her mouth. Surprised, it took him a moment to respond as her tongue explored him, her lips nibbled him. She pulled away with a shuddering smile, her eyes smoking at him.

"You pick me up tomorrow at six. I want to change first." Her voice was a throaty purr as she left the car.