As Rachel opened the door of her flat, she felt presence behind her. She turned and to her pleasant shock saw Chris standing there with a striking, devilish smile on his face. He winked at her and walked up to her; they stood close facing each other.

He gazed into her eyes, gently kissed her forehead as she raised her head and put her arms around him with her head resting on his shoulders. His lips trailed from her forehead to her jaw, tracing the lines of her ear to her collarbone. Rachel made a soft, pleasant, purring sound deep in her throat as he nibbled softly on her ear, and nuzzled the back of her neck.

His hands wandered down towards her breasts, as she moved a bit closer and moaned pleasantly. He put his hands down on her waist while pulling her still closer to his chest. He was so warm against her skin; she couldn’t stop her heart from pounding in her chest.

She felt his tongue run across her bottom lip and she opened my mouth to let their tongues explore each other sensually. Chris ran his fingers through her long red hair and pulled her to him.

He took her hand and they both stumbled inside as he cupped her face in his hands and brushed his lips gently across his, a sweet prelude of what was about to come. He teased the corner of her mouth, gently, making her wish for just a little more. But when he took her mouth into his, all the sweetness was gone. It was replaced by a raging fire.

His hands ran up her back in an urgency unheralded, pressing against her shoulder blades, pressing her even closer to him before they moved up along her shoulders, her neck, and into her hair. He toyed with the ends before tangling his fingers in the strands.

Rachel wanted to kiss those wash-board abs and moved to take off his shirt……

She was suddenly roused awake. She gasped for breath, and twisted her body.

Where was she?

Rachel flopped back on her bed, she was all alone and in her bed; aroused like hell. She turned her head to see the time; it was four in the morning. 

That was some dream, she mused.

She throbbed for him, her body thrumming in sensitivity waiting to be touched. Not any touch but his. She writhed as waves of desire pummeled her lower abdomen making her ache for him.

Rachel felt hot, she needed a cold shower and preferable some water to drink.

This wasn’t good; she shook her head as she untangled herself from the cool sheets and dragged herself to her kitchen.

After her shower and a hot coffee; feeling awake with not a stitch of sleep in her eyes, she sat down and opened her laptop. She should concentrate on her work. This kind of dream was unsettling her.

What was wrong with her? Must be the implications of the date she had impulsively agreed on.

But, that was one good dream, and Rachel could imagine him to be so much better in real life.

“These thoughts aren’t helping me, you know, “she talked to herself even willing to give a self-prep talk on good behavior but “Oh! Those hands, that wicked mouth, those sensations” Rachel sighed pleasurably and rolling on the sofa settled herself on her stomach for some early mischievous day dreaming.

………

As soon as Rachel stepped inside the little café, she had the ‘talk’ with Trina. As she stood in the café, checking the cutlery for any stains; she remembered that said ‘talk’ almost ruefully. Trina was not thrilled for her that was definitely one given fact but she did manage to take it sportingly well. That is if you do not count those hundred wistful sighs and thousands of reminders about how truly lucky Rachel was.

Rachel could not explain it. The sensation was one she had not experienced since a boy she dreamed about in school had smiled at her.

Now, as she sat behind the cash counter in her little simple black dress waiting for him to show up, she almost felt giddy.

Christopher was happy and very excited. He couldn’t believe he was behaving like a little teenager on a first date finally getting a yes from that hot chick. He looked at himself as he stopped his huge SUV in front of the café.  He knew he looked good in his black pants and a simple blue shirt.  

Finally, the day of redemption had arrived, he smirked. That fiery red haired woman would be out of my system today.

He could hardly sleep last night, though he knew it was due to those ravishing thoughts he had for one red-haired lady, he refused to believe it. He simply pegged it on his work load. After all, he was Christopher Evans, since when did he pine away for girls and that to, a mere waitress; never. It was and always had to be the other way around.

He shook his head and walked towards the café.

He was distracted by Trina and Cassandra’s voices as he stood near the window gazing at the woman who had made him crazy with need.

“Would you look at what my mother sent?" Chris heard Trina laugh,” she loves giving me surprises but I think she went a bit overboard this time, you'll have to help me eat these Cassandra."

Chris snuck a peak from behind his hair to see Trina brandishing a large box in Cassandra's face.

"It's a good thing, I needed that to soothe my nerves," she laughed and on Trina's insistence reached her hand into the box, grabbed a perfect, round chocolate and drew it between her lips.

In that instant, Chris went to heaven and hell in the same moment,

Because watching Cassandra open her little pink mouth, put a chocolate in whole and work her tongue until she finished it all, was pure torture.

Sweet, intoxicating; torture.

A drop of chocolate slid down her succulent lip and, with a laugh, she caught it and sucked her finger into her mouth.

Chris's desire erupted like a volcano; it seemed she was determined to be the death of him. He suddenly was desperate for the feel of her lips on his, her body in his arms, engulfing himself in the exquisite feeling of release.

He shook his head to clear it of those feelings as she bit into another chocolate. Though he appeared nonchalance, he was actually observing her every movement with rapt attention, as he ached for liberation.

Because watching Cassandra eat a chocolate was like making love.

Sensuous and so very bold.

He had to make his presence known before he embarrassed himself as his undying desire throbbed into him almost painfully. Chris took a deep breath and walked towards the entrance.

He saw Cassandra glance at him, smile, quickly stand and walk towards him. Chris found her breath taking, the way her curves showed in that little, barely there dress was nerve- wrecking. She looked classy and worthy of being an heiress than a waitress.

Simply marvelous; sexy with the right touch of innocence.

A deadly mix.

They met half way.

Rachel looked at him and almost lost her senses; he looked so handsome in those snug pants and very fitted shirt.

“You look so beautiful that you made me forget my pickup line,” Chris whispered huskily as he stood near Rachel and took her hand in his and laid a quick kiss.

Rachel blushed and narrowed her eyes playfully, “and that isn’t a pick up line?”

Chris laughed and nodding a greeting towards Trina took Rachel’s hand in his and walked in the direction of his car.

Rachel looked at their joined hands and felt her breath quicken; together they fitted perfectly as if made for each other. She looked at Trina and saw Trina give her a wink and mouth the word ‘enjoy’ with a little happy dance. Rachel smiled and relaxed and vowed to enjoy her date with this handsome man.

He seated her in his humongous SUV by delicately placing his hand on her back, her back burned underneath his delicious touch.

“This is not the time to be aroused,” Rachel scolded herself.

Chris was having a tough time concentrating on anything other than the little angel in front of him. He had to touch her in some way and that heightening desire had made him place her hand in his and he had thoroughly enjoyed her warm touch.

As he put his hands on that appetizing waist of hers, he nearly came undone. His hands felt so good against those curves as he delightfully feathered them under his fingers.

She looked scrumptious enough to eat and Chris was famished.

He made sure she was comfortable; he wanted to help her put on that seat belt against her luscious body and was envious of the way it pressed against those delectable breasts.

Lucky, seatbelt; he mused suppressing his unheeded desire with a lot of difficulty.   

Rachel was lost in need and want. This car suited him perfectly; authoritative and commanding respect. It wasn’t helping her with her wayward thoughts.

She schooled her features and watched as he climbed on looking all majestic and powerful. She sighed blissfully.

“Did you sleep well, my fair maiden?” Chris asked Rachel as he reversed the car.

Thinking of her juicy dream, she blushed and politely replied,” Yeah, couldn’t have slept better.”

Chris turned towards her and gave her a small smile,” Did any handsome man lurk in your dreams?”

“Hmmm. Why they did in yours?” Rachel elegantly raised her brows.

Chris laughed, “No. That must be due to the fact that I couldn’t sleep as a beautiful red-haired goddess kept me awake with her wondrous charm.”

Rachel giggled and smiled sweetly. Chris gazed adoringly at her, finding her giggling to be the sweetest sound he had ever heard.

They reached the restaurant as they entered an elevator Chris wrapped his arm firmly around Rachel’s waist. She was thrilled with his touch. They reached the top floor, where the maître d’ showed them into an enclosed private dining room with a large picture window that overlooked the city and the bay.

The ambience was perfect. The serene beauty enhanced with light, soothing music.

Chris seated Rachel and ordered chicken palate, assorted roasted vegetables as Rachel ordered boiled potatoes and creamed peas with a dash of lemony rice.

Rachel had never dined in this particular restaurant before in her life and she was thankful for that as the maître d’ did not know her so.

Chris after ordering forced himself to look directly into Rachel’s eyes.

“May I ask you a question, Cassandra?”

Her smile was engaging. “I believe that is why we are here Chris to know each other well, isn’t it?”

He winked at her, “What do you do for fun?” Chris laid down a simple question.

Rachel smirked, “I’m not sure if I should tell you that. It’s secret stuff bordering illegality.  What do you do for fun?”

Chris laughed,” but I asked you first!”

“You don't want to tell me? Maybe it's something you're ashamed of,” Rachel exclaimed as she fingered the spoon.

He smiled,” All right, I'll bite. I like to tease bad little girls who won't tell me what they do for fun.”

“Too bad there aren't any bad little girls around here,” Rachel retorted back as the waiter came back with their order and served her some helping.

“Yes there are! There's one at this table, in fact.”

She pretended to be shocked and put a hand on her wounded heart, “Okay, you got me. You’re the bad girl; Here, I thought you were a man.”

Chris laughed as he removed his napkin from the table and placed it on his lap, “You know I am talking about you. It's obvious; you've been trying to seduce me since day one. Thank God we met somewhere public.”

Rachel laughed gleefully.

“So seriously though, what do you do for fun? Paint, calligraphy...?” He asked as he lifted his wine to his lips.

She forked her potatoes, “No. I am more of an outdoor girl. I love sports and love kayaking, rappelling, scuba diving; you name it, I love it.”

“What is it about scuba diving that you love?” He further asked.

She smiled and took her time chewing her food, “It’s delicious. Figured, you would hone on to that amongst all in the list.”

Chris smiled as he took a big bite of his chicken,” I know, right. I love a girl that enjoys diving down,” he winked.

Rachel laughed and just shook her head.

“But, seriously, why do you like scuba diving; a hobby, pleasure?” Chris questioned her.

“I guess it's the sense of freedom, of being in another world almost where the colors are stunning. They just give you a glimpse of a world that is so very different and makes you want to just broaden your horizons,” Rachel replied.

“Broaden your horizon?” Chris asked confused.

“Yes. You know, makes you think if that kind of an unique, alien world exists right under your nose; what kind of new ideas, perspectives may exist if we just twist our thinking a bit, expect the unexpected, “ She quipped.

He was seemingly impressed by this woman, a waitress with such a profound thought. He liked it; Cassandra sounded like she knew what she wanted in life but thought to make the situation light, “That is an interesting take. If you ever get to go diving with me I'll show you some very interesting colors that will really excite you.”

Rachel just laughed and took the innuendo in her stride.

He asked her if she would like to partake desert, she nodded her agreement. As they placed their order, she asked,” What about you, what does Christopher Evans like?”

“Ah! I see so you did manage to google me, eh?” Chris asked propping his elbows on the table looking straight at her.

Rachel giggled, “I don’t kiss and tell, Mr. Evans.”

Chris just shook his head; he loved this witty side of her. He had always loved some good, light-hearted banter and this woman made their conversation truly enjoyable, “I happen to like outdoor too. Sometimes, I feel too trapped at the desk and that gives me a way to outlay my excess energy. There is also the challenge of matching wits with nature that truly excites me.”

"Wow, you sound pretty good at that."

Chris looked at Rachel square in the eye and quipped, "I'm good at a lot of things, Cassandra. I can show you but that depends when you want to test me."

He got up, paid the cheque and assisted Cassandra out of the restaurant. He added,” I love racing; driving through those curves just keeps me going, if you know what I mean.”

“Are you always successful?” she asked, teasing.

“I win more times than I lose,” he answered honestly.

As they sat in his car, Rachel decided to ask him the question she had been dying to ask.

“Why me?” she asked him. “Why wine and dine a mere waitress instead of a socialite more your equal?”

Chris did not mince words. “Because you’re attractive, intelligent, and I’m captivated.”

“But you don’t know me.”

“I hope to change that,” he said, devastating her with his eyes again. “Now, enough of this talk. Let’s enjoy the moment.”

He was determined to ask her out again and see where their wave of mutual attraction might take them. “I’ve enjoyed the evening.”

“You’re very good at flattery.”

He dropped his eyes from hers as he watched her. A man his stature could deduce a personality in one meeting, in one sentence but with her, he was lost. She sounded refined. The way she had a polite smile on that beautiful face when they were greeted by the maître d’ to how she thanked the waiter after their meal, her actions spoke of polished practice.

A person who was comfortable and found such intimidating situations natural; a way of life.

He was befuddled; a waitress with such sophistication, such grace. He did not like this. He always liked to be in control of situations and here, this wonderful woman had created havoc in his peaceful mind.

He had to know more, what was she hiding? Or was that her real persona; a stunning, elegant lady stuck in the wrong place.

He stopped his car where he had dropped her the night before and assisted her out of the car.

“Thank you for the beautiful evening, Cassandra,” he said looking straight into her eyes. She was melting in his intense gaze.

Is he going to kiss me, she hyperventilated at that thought.

“Pleasure is all mine, I enjoyed thoroughly,” she replied earnestly.

“I enjoyed myself more, trust me. Will you give me a chance to enjoy your enlightening company again?” Chris asked Rachel with a hopeful tone.

She could tell that he was sincere and felt a tickle of excitement, her hope rising again that he was truly interested in her. He was far more enticing than she could have imagined. “All right, Chris, I’ll go out with you again. But, how about a place more neutral?”

“How about scuba diving?” he said with a tingle of pleasure e always felt at hearing her use his first name, “May I have your number, I promise to guard it with my life,” he crossed his fingers against his heart.

Rachel giggled and nodded her head.

After saving her number, he leaned towards her as Rachel’s heartbeat quickened; kissed her cheek, bowed a bit playfully and waited for her to leave first, “I would have loved to drop you at your door step but I know it would be really forward of me but if you would tell me where you live, I might,” Chris left the sentence hanging, praying her to bite her good-naturedly laid bait.

Rachel laughed, “Thank you. But, a little mystery is good for the first date.” She smiled and gestured for him to leave first.

He tipped his head and after a quick smile jumped into his car, winked at her; a wink full of promise and drove away.

Rachel had truly loved the evening. She couldn’t wait for her next date with him as she opened the door of her father’s car, she saw someone sitting on the back seat.

She was astonished to see her loud, giggly best friend Anna Bell sitting quietly with a stony look on her face.

“This is a pleasant surprise,” Rachel laughed and tried to hug her best friend but Anna sat in stunned silence, she looked at her and asked in a gritty voice, “Am I under the imperious curse?”

“What?” Rachel asked perplexed, she was used to Anna’s abnormal antics.

“I saw you, Rachel Whitaker getting kissed on the cheek by a gorgeous man. Were you out on a date? Nah! Not my boring, serious; Rachel. Not possible. I am either dreaming or under some curse,” Anna babbled and looked at Rachel playfully.

Rachel narrowed her eyes and jumped into Anna’s arms,” You, you potter-head. I didn’t know you were coming?”

Anna squealed happily as she hugged her bestest friend back, “That is because I didn’t moan.”

Rachel sighed and looked at her giving her a ‘Are you serious’ look.

“See, that is my Rach. The ever gloomy, stern female. Now, less of your well deserved praises, more about that handsome Chris Evans. Yes, I did recognize him. Out with it, details; now,” Anna rubbed her hands gleefully ignoring the glare Rachel was sending her way as the driver took off for their home.

It was going to be a long night, Rachel groaned.