Telling it like it is

Missie wiped down the sink and rolled her eyes at the half-eaten box of message hearts that Mark extended towards her. She'd come to the conclusion that the man must buy out everything that is left in the stores on February fifteenth at the discount price, cause a week later he's still eating sweets that are red and pink.

"I take it you really like Valentine's day candy?" Missie asked, drying the barware in the racks and shelving them.

"What makes you think I didn't just have a lot of Valentine's?" He winked and play-punched at her harm.

Missie was getting the bar ready for the night crowd. She'd worked less while she'd been dating Mike, but lately she found herself picking up extra shifts just so she had an out. She knew that she didn't have a really good reason to feel this way, and she recognized that she always did this. She panicked when guys got serious. She tried to calm herself down and get over it. She'd taken Gina's advice to keep things interesting, and she'd even went as far as to meet his parents. She really liked Mike, he was a cool guy. They had fun, and the sex was good, when they had it.

He was just ready for something she wasn't. Mike was making it clear that he was crazy about her, and while Missie did like him, she just wasn't where he was.

"So tell me Mark, how do I let this guy down easy?" Missie asked.

Mark winced and sucked a breath in through his teeth. "You may be asking the wrong guy." She thought he was walking away but he just slid around the bar and sat on a stool across from where she was drying glasses. "I am not known for my great break-up etiquette."

Missie laughed. That was definitely true. Mark's reputation preceded him. "I know." Missie said, "I just don't want to make things awkward, but I wasn't looking for a relationship. I really wasn't. He's a lot more into me then I am into him too, and that is just a recipe for disaster."

Mark nodded and popped some more candy into his mouth. "I think," he mumbled around the sugar, "you're just going to have to be honest and tell it like it is." He swallowed and then pointed at her. "You're also going to have to get used to the idea that he's going to be offended, or hurt one, and except the fact that he isn't going to want to see you for a while."

Missie sighed. She had always prided herself on remaining friends with the guys she hooked up with, but Mark was right. This would be different because she'd let it become a relationship and Mike was going to feel rejected.

"Don't do it all at one though." Mark said. Missie frowned and tilted her head.

"I mean, create some distance first. Maybe blow him off once or twice before you tell him, that way he will either already be frustrated with you, or at least not feel like it came out of left field." he shrugged and got up from the stool. Missie laughed, that was true Mark advice.

"I need to check on the kitchen before the dinner crowd. You'll be fine though, Missie. You've never been a liar. Just lay it out there." He nodded towards her before walking away. Missie stood there still drying and shelving glasses and thought about what Mark said. maybe she was naive to think there was such a thing as an easy break-up. She let herself get comfortable with Mike, but the comfort felt suffocating. It shouldn't feel that way. Not to mention, he was talking about introducing her to his extended family and that simply wasn't something that Missie was ready for. Maybe she was being self-centered, but she just wasn't ready. She needed space.

Maybe she'd leave out the part about feeling suffocated. No need to deliver any extra blows if she didn't have to.

Valentine's Day

Gina adjusted the straps of her dress and pulled her heavy coat from the closet. It was chilly out tonight, and she'd need the extra warmth since there wasn't much to her dress. When she'd asked Josh what to wear he'd simply said, "something nice." Apparently guys didn't understand that girls wanted a little more direction than that.

She was a little surprised he'd pick a nive place for Valentine's Day. She sort of expected he'd want to stay home or just do something simple. She wasn't too high maintenace with that sort of thing and he knew it. She sort of expected him to take advantage of that fact.

She heard him knocking at the door and took one last glance in the mirror. She was satisfied. She'd worn a sexy lingerie set beneath the dress for later, and thinking about it made her shiver. She headed towards the door. She hadn't seen him all weekend and she was missing him. She grabbed her clutch from the arm of the sofa and got the door. Josh was waiting with a few roses wrapped in paper and wearing black slacks, a burgandy dress shirt and a jacket. He looked sharp.

"Well hello," Gina purred, taking the roses as he held them out. Josh stepped inside and lowered to kiss her. Gina let herself ink into the kiss. her heart was beating in her throat. She loved this man so much. He held her close even after he pulled his mouth away.

"You look beautiful." He said. Gina smiled and laughed.

"You look pretty good yourself!" She took the roses into the kitchen and found the only vase she owned beneath the sink. It was a little big but it would work. She filled it with water and then plaecd the flowers in it before turning back to Josh. He was standing with his hands in his pockets looking like someone from a movie. She found herself wishing they didn't have dinner plans. She walked over and placed her hands against his chest and lifted her face for another kiss. Josh quickly obliged, cradling her face with his hands.

Gina let herself lean into him, pressing her hips against him. Josh graned and they both laughed. "Let's go," Josh said, "or I'll skip straight to dessert and mess up your pretty hair." Gina laughed and let him lead her out of the apartment where she locked up and followed him to his car.

They'd driven all the way through town when gina realized they were heading back towards his apartment. She cut her eyes towards him but didn't say anything. Perhaps the place was just a little farther out.

Josh was smiling when he turned into the complex. Gina laughed and shook her head.

"I got dressed up to hang out at your house?" she teased as he parked the car nearby his unit. Josh reached over and stroked her cheek.

"What can I say, I just enjoy seeing you all dressed up." He leaned in to kiss her and she reached unbukle her setabelt. He pulled her closer and she wrapped her arms aroun him. She actually felt a little relived that they were going to be here tonight, she loved spending time with him alone.

Josh let her go and jumped out of the car, rushing around to get her door. The two of them went up the stairs and he opened the door, ushering her in ahead of him.

Right away Gina smelled the garlic and tomato sauce. There candles across the island and the table was set with a bouquet of roses as the centerpiece. The apartment was neat and tidy, more so that it usually is. She smiled.

"Josh," She whispered, "It's so nice!" She threw her arms around his neck. He swept her up and kissed her. Gina let herself sink into him. She felt herself getting soft where he was hard, and his hands were tangled in her hair. The pins were loosening and she didn't care. She brought her nails down to scrape at his neck, pulling him closer.

"Josh," She whispered. He groaned and swept her up into his arms. It was only slightly awkward, but she kept kissing him and clung to him as he carried her to the bedroom and dropped her onto the bed. Gina reached for his jacket, pulling it away while he managed his tie. Instead of unbuttoning his shirt, Gina pulled on the hem and pulled it over his head.

Josh found the zipper on the back of her dress and slid the whole thing away and dropped it on the floor. Gina had unbuckled and unzipped his pants, he stood long enough to shuck them along with his socks before crawling over her. She wore red demi bra with a blace lace running along the edge of the cups. Her matching hipster panties rode low on her hips, just showing the small tattoo on her lower hip. Her initial, 'G' in a cursive script with a purple flower woven through it.

Josh traced it with his thumb and dipped his head to kiss her there. He began to slowly kiss his way up her torso to seek out her lips. Gina kissed him back fiercely, pulling him hard against her. Her knees bent naturally and she hooked her legs around his, squirming to align her hips to his.

Josh pulled away and brushed the hair away from her face, "I love you." He was hanging above her, looking down at her with more love than Gina has ever experienced in a relationship. She felt the tears welling in her throat, but she didn't want him thinking she was crazy.

"I love you too," she said, then pulled him back down against her. They managed to shed the last layer between them and Gina found the little box on his bedside table filled with the square foil packets. Josh slid his hand between them and brushed his fingers against her mound. She flinched and sighed. So senstive, she just wanted him inside of her.

She put the packet in his hand and reached to touch herself while he sheathed his erection. She spread her moisture upward, circling her clit. Josh braced over her and  she reached for him to guide her to her entrance. She was so wet, he slid inside her with no resistance, filling her and eliciting a long moan. He felt so good inside of her.

He began to thrust into her. She arapped her legs around his waist and dug her fingers into his shoulders. He drove into her again and again pushing her closer and closer to the breaking point. She was on the edge of orgasm she Josh shifted his hips, changing the angle of his thrusts and pounding into her faster.

"Oh god, Josh." Gina cried out, he drove into her again and again until she felt her body tense. She screamed out with her release when Josh groaned and stilled inside of her. She was panting for breath when he rolled away to dispose of the used condom. He came back to lay beside her and she curled into his side.

They both sighed and laughed while they caught their breath. After a few minutes josh turned her face towards him and kissed her hard.

"So I made lasagna for dinner." Josh said. They both laughed and Gina decided there was definitely time for round two before they ate.

Meeting the Parents

After their talk Missie put to practice some of the things that she and Gina had talked about and sure enough, she had her excitement back. over the past couple of weeks she and Mike had spent a weekend in the mountains with a jacuzzi tub and she had never had such amazing sex. Then they'd gone hiking one weekend, managing to find a place off the trail for a little oral delight. Last weekend they'd spent the day with Gina and Josh riding to a little farmer's market, and keeping their hands off of each other made the sex more urgent when they got home.

All in all, the excitement was back and Missie was glad. She really liked Mike. That fact was evident because she'd actually agreed to meet his family tonight. His Mom and Dad had been in town overnight on their way to visit his grandparents in Georgia. They'd invited her to dinner and much to her surprise she'd agreed. So now she was tossing her closet trying to decide what was appropriate to wear for such a meeting. She heard the front door. She was expecting Gina to stop by on her way home.

"I'm back here!" she called out from the depths of the closet. Gina walked into the room and dropped her purse on the bed before collapsing.

"It feels like there should be wine involved." She said. Missie stuck her head around the closet door to see her friend sprawled across the comforter.

"There should be, get on that." She tossed a flat at Gina's thigh and the red-head jumped up.

"Ow," she laughed and tossed the shoe back. "Point taken, I got it." As Gina went into the kitchen to fetch the alcohol Missie pulled out two dresses with conservative necklines and a pair of black slacks and three sweaters. She laid them all out on the bed and grabbed a few necklaces.

Gina walked back in the door extending a glass of red. Missie took it and waved a hand across the bed. "What do you think?" She asked. She sipped her wine while Gina looked over the options. She immediately tossed one of the dresses and one of the sweaters to the side dismissing them. Missie didn't bother to ask why. She didn't want to know. She couldn't manage thinking any harder about something like this.

"How were you wearing your hair?" Gina asked. Missie looked in the mirror. She'd curled it that morning but most of it had fallen out. Whether she re-curled or straightened it would take the same amount of time, unless she decided to wear it up somehow.

"That's also open for discussion." She took another sip of her wine then asked, "What are you thinking?" Gina tossed aside the other dress and hesitated over the sweaters. In the end she picked the purple sweater with the pants and one of the bulkier necklaces. The sweater had a thick cowl neck so Gina suggested she wear her hair up with a few light curls around the face and found a pair of dangle earrings in Missie's jewelry box that matched the necklace perfectly.

"Thank you friend." Missie air kissed Gina's cheek before settling in front of the bathroom mirror to fix her hair and make-up. Gina sat on the edge of the bed while Missie got ready. She pined her hair back and turned the curling iron on to heat while she fixed her make-up.

"What time are you supposed to meet them?" Gina asked.

"Seven thirty." She answered. "How is Josh?" Missie saw Josh every once in a while in the complex, but usually she only saw him if Gina brought him around.

"He's good, but I wanna talk about you. I can't believe you're meeting his parents. You're so anti-family." Gina swirled her wine.

"I'm not anti-family!" Missie exclaimed. "I just like to keep things casual when I can." She took the curling iron to the strands around her face.

"And you can't keep things casual with Mike?" Gina asked.

Missie sighed. She couldn't. She'd realized early on that Mike was a relationship guy, and he would be in this for the long haul. That was why she'd agreed to meet his parents. It was like a test. If she made it through this without freaking out, maybe she could be a relationship girl.

She didn't answer the question instead she asked about Josh's parents. Gina had met them two weeks ago. She'd been Josh's date for a wedding and his parents were also guests. She's liked them, especially his mom. Gina told her more about the meeting and what they'd talked about. Missie listened as she talked but her mind wandered.

She hadn't met a guys parents in a long time. When she'd been dating Mitch she'd spent a lot of time with his family. That happens when you're talking about marriage and babies. Of course that had been a long time ago, and she hadn't met anyone's parents since. Well, Tommy's, but that doesn't really count. They were Gina's family and she actually met them all at the same time.

She finished getting ready and Gina cleared out to go see Josh. Missie locked up and drove across town to the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Mike and his parents. She spotted Mike's car in the lot and checked her hair in the rear view. She hurried inside and scanned the restaurant. She spotted mike but he had his back to her. She walked toward the table and took in his parents.

They seemed nice. Mike obviously looked like his dad. The older man had gray hair cut similar to Mike's and wore a pair of no-rim glasses. He didn't have the appearance of an older man trying too hard, but it was clear that he took care of himself, much like his mother. She had light brown hair that hung to her shoulders. It was a stylish cut and her clothes were very flattering. She wore very small hoops in her ears and a simple necklace that hung just shy of her neckline. The button-up blouse was a soft no-wrinkle material that hung very nicely on her slender frame.

She smiled as she approached and his mother's gaze alerted Mike to her approach. He stood and gave her a hug before introducing her to his parents. "Mom, Dad, this is Missie." They both stood and Mr. Brannon shook her hand. Mrs. Brannon walked around to give her a hug. She was unsure how to reacted so she lightly hugged her back.

"It's so nice to meet you both." Missie said. Mike pulled out her chair and she sat down. They'd already ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir. She preferred Cabernet, but it was still a nice choice. Mike poured her a glass and drew her into their conversation.

"Missie actually works as a Property Manager for a local complex so I bet she's heard of some of those break-ins." Mike was talking to his dad who nodded and looked to her.

"Do you know if your tenants have had any issues with car break-ins?" he asked her. There had been a recent string of break-ins at a few complexes and she had even printed out a memo to the tenants reminding them not to keep valuables in their cars and be sure to lock their doors and windows.

"So far we've been lucky and no one has had any issues, but we've been keeping an eye out." The conversation was friendly and his mother was very complementary, especially of her jewelry. She told her about the small boutique downtown, the owner actually made some of her own jewelry. Mrs. Brannon mentioned she'd have to check it out before they left in the morning.

Dinner was nice, both of the men ordered steak and Mrs. Brannon had a salad. Missie opted for her favorite salmon though. They finished dinner and laughed over the rest of the wine. It was actually an enjoyable night. Mr. Brannon worked in accounting for a large company and Mrs. Brannon was in real estate. They had some fun stories and she could see where Mike got his sense of humor.

Mike picked up the tab and the four of them made their way to the parking lot. Mrs. Brannon hugged her again and Mr. Brannon shook her hand.

"It was really nice to meet you both." Missie said, "It was a very nice night." They nodded and as Mike took her hand Ms. Brannon added, "Hopefully we'll see you again soon."

Something that felt as familiar as panic settled in her chest and she smiled, nodding. She wasn't sure she was ready for regular visits, no matter how nice his parents were. Mike told his parents he'd be right back, that he was just going to walk Missie to her car and they walked to the other side of the parking lot.

At her car he gave her a hug. "Thanks for coming, they really seemed to like you." Again the panic flared in her chest.

"They were very nice, I had a good time." She forced a smile and took a deep breath,

"Well," he hugged her one more time, "I'll catch up with you tomorrow night?" he asked. Missie smiled and gave him a sound kiss.

"You bet." She said. Mike smiled and waited for her to get into her car and start the ignition before heading back towards his car and his waiting parents. Missie pulled out of the parking lot and turned towards home and forced herself to think about something else to avoid the unsettling feeling she had.

Feeling the Routine

 Missie took her coffee to her desk and thought about her morning. Mike had come over again last night. It was the third night this week. It was also the third time this week he'd spent the night and they hadn't had sex. Not that she didn't enjoy him being around, but it just felt like they were settling into a routine, and she didn't feel like they'd been together long enough for that yet.

She logged into her e-mail and opened a chat window to message Gina.

How's your morning going so far? Hitting the enter button she logged into twitter while she waited for a response. Scrolling through the tweets she found a few links and clicked through for the latest local news and celeb gossip. A few minutes later she hear the chime of a response.

So far, so good. Lisa is on edge this morning and I'd just assume stay out of the way. Wanna grab lunch this afternoon?

Sure. Missie responded. She could use Gina's advice. She wanted to suggest something fun for her and Mike to do, but she was coming up empty handed.

The rest of the morning was uneventful. She logged a few maintenance requests and gathered a bank deposit, but this early in the month she didn't have too much to do. Late rent notices wouldn't go out until next week and they didn't have any move-ins or move-outs for two weeks. She used to work for a bigger complex, and they were strict on how she spent her down time, even when there was nothing to be done. She liked being here. She was left alone expect when Mr. Houseton came for property visits and he really wasn't that bad.

She locked up about twelve o'clock and flipped the sign in the door, adjusting the plastic clock to say she'd be back around one. She drove the quick five minutes to Mina's diner. She'd been in the mood for a good burger so when Gina asked where they should go Missie had a quick response. She pulled into the parking lot and bounced inside where Gina had already commandeered a corner booth.

"Hey Girl! How's it going?' Missie put her purse in the booth and gave Gina a hug before sliding in.

"Going good, how about you?" Gina smiled. Missie sipped the Diet Coke Gina had ordered for her.

"Alright." The two girls ordered their burgers and then settled in to chat about their weekend. They hadn't seen each other since New Year's. They had a good time. It was a low-key night and they watched the ball drop on TV. Everyone hung around about a half hour after that then dispersed.

"So, did you and Mike bring in the New Year properly?" Gina had a shit eating grin on her face. Missie laughed and waved a hand.

"Please, we were too tired." It was true. She'd been exhausted, but she'd kinda hoped that Mike would try to coax her awake instead of simply agreeing with her and sliding beneath the sheets.

Gina gushed over her weekend with Josh. "We didn't leave the apartment for two days." She blushed. "It was wonderful." Missie smiled. She was happy for Gina. She'd been in a funk for a while now, and reconnecting with Josh had been really great for her.

"So, I think that Mike and I need to do something fun and different, but I can't figure out what." Missie was fidgeting with the hem of her shirt beneath the table. Gina gave her a quizzical look.

"Like what? Bowling? A getaway?" Missie laughed.

"No," She started, "Well, I don't know. I just want something to get rid of the routine." Gina nodded. Missie cringed. She half-expected Gina to jump to tell her that they weren't routine, but she didn't.

"Well," Gina pursed her lips, "Maybe ya'll could take a day trip to the mountains? I would be different, set the tone for an romantic evening. It wouldn't be expensive either."

Missie nodded. It wasn't a bad idea. The two chatted until their food came and actually talked about planning a double date to a winery sometime soon. When Missie left Gina to head back to the office she was feeling a little better. She actually felt good enough to try a little banter.

She pulled out her phone and started to type.

Hey Baby, hope you're not working to hard. I have some plans for you tonight...

It's a Brand New Year

 "So it finally happened? I need details." Missie poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Gina as she ushered her into the living room.

"It was great." Gina grinned. "He's as good as I remembered but he seems sweeter this time." Missie smiled at her friend. Gina could not stop smiling. Where she would normally dish every detail and essentially critique a new guys performance in bed, she was holding back. That meant she really liked him. Missie was so happy for her, and couldn't help but think back to this time last year. Both girls had scurried around the week after Christmas trying to find incredible outfits for New Year's Eve. They each paid a $15 cover charge to the hottest club in town and shared a cab home. It had been a blast, but it was certainly a contrast to the plans for this year.

"So Stacey is bringing a few people and I told them to be here around eight-thirty. If you and Josh want to come a little early that's fine. Mike will likely be here around seven." Missie took a sip of her wine and turned down the music that was playing on the stereo.

Gina smiled, "Ok. I'm excited, this should be a nice night."

They chatted and caught up on the holidays. Gina had gone to visit her mom about an hour away and Missie had spent the day with her family at her grandfather's house. Neither of the girls tried to do anything with the boys for Christmas, but New Years was going to be nice and relaxing.

"So how are things with Mike going?" Gina asked. Missie smiled and nodded. She liked Mike. The more they hung out the less she was sure that they would really be together for the long haul, but she really did like him, and felt no need to end things for no good reason.

"I like him. I figure he'll be around for a little while."

"Just a little while?" Gina asked.

"I don't know." Missie waved a dismissive hand at the topic and took a sip of wine. "Let's go rummage through my closet I need to figure out what I'm wearing."

Gina smiled and followed her into the bedroom. They tossed through the closet until Missie found an outfit she was satisfied with. Gina had something in the back of her mind, but she was just so glad to bring Josh to hang out with her friends.

They finished their wine and then decided to head out for some dinner before it got too late. The holidays had taken a toll on both their wallets so they hit up a pizza joint for slices and beer to talk more about their newly acquired men.

This year was getting off to a much different start than last year, and both girls were very pleased with the changes.

Long Awaited Part Two

"I like you too, Josh." Then she laughed, "And while I appreciate your effort not to rush things, are you about done making a point?"

Josh laughed and pulled her close for a kiss. Gina sighed and relaxed into his arms. This was what she wanted. They stood in the doorway kissing for a while, until their hands just couldn't get enough of each other through all their clothes.

Gina stepped away and took his hand, leading him to her room. She tossed her jacket aside and slid her hands beneath the lapels of Josh's coat to pull it away as well.

He pulled her closer than their coats had allowed and slid his hands down to play with the hem of her dress, pulling it farther up her legs. Gina could feel the throbbing between her legs and wrapped her arms tighter. She wanted to be closer, to feel his skin.

She reached for the top two buttons of his shirt, then pulled the hem over his head without bothering with the rest. As she kissed him she ran her hands across his chest covering his nipples with the pads of her thumbs. His hands cupped her ass and he pulled her closer. Without anymore pretense they finished shedding their clothes and tumbled onto the bed.

Josh explored her breasts and stomach with his mouth. He took his time kissing and licking until Gina was squirming beneath him. It had been too long, and she wanted him so badly. He brought his face to hers and smiled, kissing her hard.

Gina pulled him close, loving the feel of her chest pressed tightly against his. Josh's hands trailed down her sides and he slid his fingers between them to part her folds. He found her clit and circled it with his thumb, spreading her moisture as he did.

Gina sighed and pressed herself closer. Josh continued to kiss her neck and chest as he worked his fingers over her folds, sliding one finger inside of her to press against that sweet spot. Gina clung to his shoulders, her finger nails leaving their marks.

She could feel the tension building in her center and her thighs started to shake. She whimpered and Josh began to move his fingers more frantically, as her orgasm came over her. She cried out and he kept working to draw out her pleasure as he fumbled for a condom. When her body shook with little after shocks he took his hand away from her mound and quickly sheathed himself before sliding inside of her.

"Oh god," Gina moaned. "That feels so good." Josh chuckled and thrust deeper inside of her. Gina gripped the comforter at her side and closed her eyes while he built a steady pace. She raised one hand above her to brace against the headboard when he tossed her legs over his shoulders and began to thrust at a new angle. She could feel a new orgasm blooming as he continued to thrust against her g-spot. With one hand against the headboard and the other clutching onto Josh's leg she moaned his name as she came again. Her orgasm lasted longer than she expected as Josh kept thrusting away until she felt him tense up with his own release.

"Gina." He breathed her name as her lowered her legs to claim her mouth for another hard kiss. When he broke away and slid out of her they were both breathless. Josh hopped up to toss the condom and came back to cuddle her against his chest.

Lowering his mouth to her ear he whispered, "I missed you." Gina smiled and tucked in closer against him.

"I missed you, too."

Long Awaited Part One

 Gina was anxious. She had another date with Josh. This would be the third date they've been on and he'd yet to make a move. When Gina would have he expertly avoided it. They were having a great time, and he was being a total gentleman, paying for meals, getting her doors. She could still feel the chemistry there, but for some reason he wasn't trying to get physical.

Gina checked her hair and touched up her lip gloss when she heard Josh's door. She waited for the knock to go answer. He was so gorgeous. He'd gotten a haircut and she could smell his aftershave. He wore a black button down with jeans. She smiled and gave him a hug hello. He dropped a kiss on her forehead, both confusing and pleasing her at this point.

"You look gorgeous." He said with a smile. Gina grinned and shrugged.

"I do what I can." She teased. Locking up she followed him out to his car and he opened her door, making sure she didn't catch her coat in the door. Once he got behind the wheel and pulled out onto the road he smiled at her.

"I have a suprise." He teased. She smiled. He hadn't told her where they were going for dinner so she wondered what he'd come up with.

"You do?" She asked. He nodded and she laughed. "Well, what is it?" She asked.

"If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise." She laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Ok, just don't feed me caviar." They laughed and talked about their holiday plans while he took them about 45 minutes into the mountains. Gina was fighting the urge to ask again where he was taking them when they came out on a small town main street. There were a few christmas lights and a tree across from the stores and lone restaurant that lined the sidewalk.

"Where are we?" Gina asked. "This is so cute!"

Josh smiled and pulled along the sidewalk to park. "A friend told me about it. I thought it would be a fun change." Gina smiled and waited as Josh walked around to open her door and help her out of the car. They walked into a small restaurant with grapevines painted on the walls. There was a sign to seat yourself and Josh led them to a booth along the side wall.

They sat and Gina smiled at the quaint decorations. The waitress brought menus and Josh ordered a bottle of the house wine. She quirked an eyebrown at him. "A bottle?" She asked.

Yeah, we'll have plenty of time to sober up before I have to drive." Before she coud ask what he meant he'd already began disceting the menu, asking her what she thought she might want. They had a little bit of everything, but it was obvious that they concentrated on italian dishes.

Gina ordered pasta and Josh ordered a steak. they chatted and talked about their week and when they food came they were half-way through the bottle of red that Josh had ordered. The food was delicious and when the bottle was empty Gina was stuffed.

"This was really good," Gina said, "You'll have to tell your friend thank you for the suggestion." he nodded and checked his watch.

"You want dessert?" Josh asked, "We have time."

"Time?" Gina asked. "We're doing something else?" Josh just smiled.

"Dessert?" He asked again. Gina laughed and shook her head. He asked for the check and took care of it before excusing himself to the restroom. While he was gone Gina pulled out a mirror and her lipgloss to touch up.

"Ok," he said when he came back, "Bundle up!" Gina laughed and let him help her into her coat and slid her gloves on. They went back out into the cold and Josh wrapped an arm around her. They walked about a block and then rounded a corner. There was no flashing sign but Gina could see what it was as they got closer.

There was an old movie theater tucked in behind a furniture store. The small Easel out front boasted "It's a Wonderful Life". Gina gasped and squeezed Josh tighter.

"We're going to an old movie!" she squealed. Josh just laughed and held her closer as they got tickets and went into the small little foyer area.

"Want a drink?" He asked. Gina shook her head, unable to stop smiling. This had always been one of her favorite Christmas movies. They went into the little theater and fund a couple of seats in the center and settled in for the classic black and white movie.

Gina was entralled with the quaint theater and of course the movie. Josh kept an arm around her and held her hand but he didn't try to do anything more. Though she did catch him staring once and thought he might try something then.

When the movie was over they went back out into the cold and walked back to his car.

"Thank you so much, Josh. This was really great."

"Your welcome." He pulled her close and again kissed her forehead. They got back into the car and drove the 45 minutes back to her house. they listened to Christmas music and chatted about what they both had left to do to get ready for Christmas.

When they got back to her place Josh got out to walk her to her door. When she got the door unlocked Josh smiled.

"I had a great time." he gave her a hug and went to pull away. Gina wasn't going to have it though. THis had been the best date she'd probably ever been on. She pulled him back and angled her mouth over his for a quick kiss. Instantly afraid he wouldn't respond she kept it light. She didn't have to wrory though. Josh tightened his arms around her and deepened the kiss.

Gina moaned and pulled him closer. The wind kicked up and had them both gasping in shock. Gina laughed and pulled Josh though the open door and shut it behind him.

"I should probably go." He said, even with his arms still around her. Gina just smiled.

"I wish you wouldn't."

Josh sighed and dropped his forehead against hers. Rubbing his hands on her back.

"What's wrong?" Gina asked, "Do you not want this? Are you seeing someone else?"

"No!" Josh said, "I mean, yes I want this. No, I'm not seeing anyone else." He pulled her a little closer, smiling.

"So what's wrong then?" Gina asked.

Josh sighed. "In college we were all about sex, and while it was totally great. I mean, really great,' he laughed, "I want more this time. I really like you Gina." His expression was filled with apprhension and Gina smiled.

"I like you too, Josh." Then she laughed, "And while I appreciate your effort not to rush things, are you about done making a point?"