Dane

As she scanned the room, Dane tried to see the studio apartment as she must, for the first time.

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The door opened straight into the living area which was a good size, but filled with thick, comfortable furniture.

To her left was a thick, leather sectional placed in a U-shape around a fireplace with a television over it. Just ahead and to her right was a small dining area with a table that could probably seat six at a pinch. And behind that, a small but obviously well stocked kitchen. There was a short hallway and a couple doors beyond the living area, but the whole place was maybe as big as her apartment, if he was being generous. But with rich, dark walls, a plush, light colored carpet, the newest appliances, and obviously high quality furniture… The only thing he couldn't stand about this place was the lack of windows. But for what it was designed to be, he had to live with it. It added to the sense of escape, when he could bear it.

In short, he had tried to make himself what felt like a little bed and breakfast. He wondered if it felt that way to her.

"Do you like it?" he asked, feeling oddly vulnerable.

"Are you kidding, Dane? I love it!" she gushed, beaming at the room.

He took a deep breath. He hadn't thought she needed the luxury of the Penthouse, but the joy on her face was obvious. And even though he hadn't really thought about it, that brought him a fierce sense of relief. Her giddy joy at this little hideaway meant she wasn't with him for his money. The place was well equipped, but very modest. And she was delighted.

"Good," he said, smiling. "I love it here too. And don't get to come here often. So… welcome home for the weekend. Come see your bedroom." Feeling more relaxed than he had in weeks, he led the way through the living room to one of the doors on the opposite corner of the room, Lila touching furniture as she past, and getting excited about the fireplace, and the art on the walls.

He led her into the nearest bedroom and dropped her bag gently on the bed. She walked in smiling shyly, stopping at the door for a minute to scan the room, until he turned around. Her eyes followed every dip and valley of the room, taking in all the details—the wooden framed bed, and deep blue quilt. And him. There was an odd look on her face that made him stomach drop.

"What is it? If you don't like it you can have—"

"No, no, it's not that. I'm just…thank you for bringing me," she said quietly and threw herself across the space between them and into his arms. He caught her easily and squeezed her close. He wasn't sure why she was emotional, but he was glad she was happy.

"So, the door right there is the bathroom. It's not very big, but it has everything you'll need. And you saw the rest of it except the other bedroom when we came in. I know it's not very big, but there's everything we'll need. And I think…I think we should just enjoy it. Together," he said, then cleared his throat.

She tipped her head up, craning her neck back so she could meet his gaze. "Together," she said quietly and smiled. But his uneasiness grew because the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Then she looked around and pulled out of his arms to sit on the edge of the bed and bounce on it, patting the space next to her. He raised an eyebrow at her and she scratched her arm, then looked down at the bed, smoothing the cover with her free hand. "I'm really glad we get this time, Dane," she said quietly. So why did she seem tense all of the sudden. Then she smoothed the already smooth quilt on the bed again and he understood.

"Lila," he said softly and extended a hand toward her. She took it and he pulled her up to stand. Staring into her eyes, he stroked her hair back off her face until her smile warmed. She reached up to his neck and pulled him down, kissing him soundly, but he was careful to keep himself calm and under control. He let his fingers trail up and down her back as he kissed her, until she relaxed into his arms. When she snuggled into his chest, he dropped his chin enough kiss her under the ear, then whisper to her. "You don't need to worry. We aren't here for that this weekend."

"What?!" She pushed him back a step, her eyes wide. "Why not? Isn't that the whole point of getting time to ourselves?"

"Of course, but this isn't the last time we'll be alone," he said cupping her face. "This is time to…get to know each other better. To get comfortable."

"I can't think of a more comfortable way to get to know each other—"

"Lila," he whispered. "It will happen when it happens. And when it happens, it'll be perfect. I promise. But I don't want you walking around this weekend thinking that's the reason we're here. We're here to have a break. And get closer. Leave the rest to god, or fate, or whatever feels right."

She frowned, examining him. "I want to."

"So do I," he smiled.

"I'm not ruling it out."

"I'd be heartbroken if you were," he countered, but he was glad to see she'd relaxed. Until her face fell.

"Are you freaked out by the whole virginity thing?" she asked, her voice not quite as strong as it had been.

"No. I'm just avoiding rushing. That's all."

She held his gaze for another minute, then shook her head. "You're pretty amazing, you know that?"

"Sure. But it never gets old hearing it again," he chuckled.

She slapped his chest, then fell into his arms, both of them chuckling.

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