She sighed and pulled out a chair. Sitting down, she brought her foot up and started to remove her shoes. A foot rub sounded excellent and she wasn't in the mood to banter witty repartee. "No, I'm not going to marry you. And you're going to rub my feet right now and make them forget I've been on them for twelve hours."

"Aw, man, you mean I have to do the poem again to get you to marry me?" he laughed, already moving to sit, cross-legged on the floor in front of her. He gently moved her hands away, working on removing her shoes himself. "Sadie, Sadie ..."

She sat back and put her hands on her thighs as he started to remove his shoes. "Please, no poetry. My head will pop off of my body as I try to analyze it." She smirked, but couldn't resist the urge to lean forward and ruffle his hair.

Laughing, he ducked his head out of the way. "Hey, darlin', do you know how long it takes me to get my hair looking that cool?" he complained playfully, laying her shoes aside and taking her right foot in his hands. He didn't start to rub immediately, warming her muscles with firmly pressing palms first.

"You mean you actually brush it?" Her eyes closed as his warm hands pressed against her sore foot. "Do you provide this service to all of your delivery clients?" For the life of her, she couldn't open her eyes. Just the pressure against pressure was already starting to relieve the pain. A soft groan escaped her lips.

"Brush it? What's that?" He grinned impishly, knowing she could hear it in his voice. His thumbs began to press into her sole, rubbing up from the heel to her toes. "Mizz, this service is for future brides only." He snickered playfully. "Sure you don't wanna marry me? I can promise a lifetime of footrubs and free sugar." Of course he wasn't serious, but she seemed to be enjoying the attention, which was all well and good for him.

"You are persistant." Slouching in the chair, she pressed her foot against his thumbs. Sadie wasn't used to this kind of attention and really didn't know how to react. For the time being, all she knew was that her foot had stopped throbbing and he was starting to make her laugh.

"I am the father of all perspicaciousness," he agreed with mock solemnity, inching his fingers up to her ankle to loosen the joint before laying her foot in his lap. "And you really need to take some me-time, Mizz. If this is how tense your feet are, tapping you on the shoulder must be like punching a rock."

"Of what?" she breathed out, eyes still very much shut. "Don't have time, business to run." His thumbs hit a spot and she was rocked with how good it felt not to hurt. "Ah God, that feels so good."

Dirk poked his head out of the office. Brows raised curiously. Did he just hear Sadie... moan?

Mat'd be a bad delivery man if he didn't have quick reflexes. As she started to fall, his hands shot out to catch her, saving her backside from a thump on the floor by dragging her falling body into his lap. He grinned into her flushed face. "And here I thought you weren't falling for me ..."

And in his lap is right where she did not want to be. Scrambling, she shot out of his lap and stood quickly. Her hands nervously smoothed down her apron. "I'm not, you just give good foot rubs."

"Uh-huh." Mat slowly brought himself to his feet, catching one of her hands and gently tilting her face to look at him. "You sure you're okay?" he asked softly, bending a little to look into her eyes.

Her lips parted as she was forced to look into his face. With brows furrowing, she blinked. "I, um, yeah, I'm fine." She had to tear her gaze from his face to regain her composure. "Really, I'm fine. I've had harder landings before."

Deciding it was safe to play now, Mat laid a hand over his heart and staggered back with a feigned gasp of betrayal. "Ouch," he laughed. "I guess I should wear thinner pants, then."

She watched, in utter confusion. "What?" Shaking her head, she gathered the chair to sit down and put her shoes back on. "Are you sure you weren't dropped on your head?"

Laughing, he shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "You never know, that could've happened," he shrugged. "What, you think a guy has to be brain-damaged to find you sexy? That's a sad indictment of your childhood, Mizz Sexy."

"Yes, well." She tugged her shoe into place and avoided looking up at him. "What did you just say?" She was tired and her brain wasn't processing as fast as it should be.

He tilted his head with a quirk of his eyebrow. "When did you last sleep, Sadie?" was his next question, whilst gently manouvering her back into her chair. He straightened up and started towards the back room, where he'd seen Dirk disappear, keeping an eye on her.

"Last night, why?" She was seated and she watched him wander off. Canting her head, curious as a cat. "What're you doing Mat? I wouldn't go in there with him! He's a real wolf when he sees a cute guy!" She warned him.

He grinned, waving a hand at her. "No worries, Sexy, I'm all yours," he assured her, and peeked around the door to seek out Dirk. "Hey, dude ... where does she live? I think she needs to go home and sleep some."

"What?" She ducked her head and stopped in her tracks. "I was just walking you to your van, Mat. I can find my way home, just fine." She folded her arms over her chest. "Now shoo before somebody sees you and thinks you're attacking me or something." She smirked, proud of how she got out of that one.

He laughed out loud at that. "Mizz, I just got the blessing from your colleague in there," he pointed out, jerking his thumb back towards the deli as he opened the passenger door on his Bedford. "And you are getting a lift home, whether you want one or not." He slipped around behind her, wrapped his hands around her waist, and placed her bodily in the cab of his truck, closing the door behind her with a smile. "I promise, no raping or pillaging. Just getting you home before you fall down."

"You what? Hey!" she bat at his hands and kicked her feet as she was lifted and placed in the truck. "Mat!" she sat back and laughed, hands going to her thighs. "Really, I walk home all of the time. I'm alright, really I am."

"Why walk when you can ride in style?" he asked merrily, jumping up behind the wheel. "You got a problem with my truck, Mizz?"

"No, not at all." She looked over with a fond smile. "Thank you, Mat. Underneath all of that cockiness, you're a good guy." She sighed and leaned her head back. "Not many of them left these days."

"Hey, we're still around," he laughed with her, turning the key and pulling away. "Not all of us are as handsome as me, of course ..." He flicked a covert glance over at her to see if she agreed with this. "And not all of us have beautiful inspiration like you."

"True, not many as handsome as you. But you're wrong if you keep insisting that I'm beautiful or gorgeous. Really, I'm just plain Sadie, Deli owner and operator. Nothing fancy or special about me."

"Beauty's in the eye of the beholder," Mat mused, almost seriously for him. "And this beholder reckons you're beautiful, so shut up and be complimented, would ya?" He grinned over at her, peering through the windshield to try and locate her house.

"Oh, alright." She jerked her chin and smiled. "But only because you said so." Sitting up a bit more, she turned her glance onto him. "Why are you being so nice to me, anyway?"

"Isn't it obvious?" The van drew to a stop outside her house and he turned the engine off, turning to look at her quite seriously. "I like you. Now sit there, I'll be back in a minute." And he slid out of his door and closed it behind him.

"But why?" She sighed and sat back, staring out of the front of the truck. Waiting, as ordered.

"Because -" he pulled her door open, reached in, and lifted her out with a grin - "You're sweet, smart, pretty ... and you need someone like me to look after you." Very gently he set her down on her feet, and offered her his elbow gallantly. "May I escort you to your door, Miss Jenkins?"

Wandering by the Deli after closing had become something of a routine for Mat. He'd park his big ol' Bedford in front of the darkened windows, climb out and let himself in to wait for Sadie, usually after making sure at least Dirk knew he was there. Tonight, he was more than usually scruffy looking, and attempting to hide the large bandage on his elbow under a thick sweater, although nothing could hide the in-printed bruised of the steering wheel on his forehead. Driving in snow was not his forte.

Sadie left the office as her ride appeared in the dining area. A pat to Dirk's shoulder as he stood washing dishes before telling him good night. She walked out and gave Mat a tired smile. "You know, you're wearing yourself out. You don't have to drive me home every night. You get up too early and are up too late." She scolded with a smile on her face. It was the same argument every night, yet he always showed the next evening.

He shrugged cheerfully, calling a hello and goodbye to Dirk over Sadie's head before conveniently dropping that arm around her. "Can't have my girl walking home in weather like this, she'll freeze," he informed her with a cheeky grin. "Decided when we're getting married yet?"

She shook her head as that arm came around her shoulders. It had become quite comforting now that she allowed herself to relax into it. Looking up at him, her smile faded quickly as her hand reached up to move his hair from his forehead. "Mat, what happened?"

He shook his hair back into place with another grin. "I got a crash course in driving on ice this morning," he told her. No point in lying; the woman was way too wound up anyway. "And by crash, I mean ... crash. Didn't even scratch my darlin' out there, though." He beamed proudly as he pulled the door open to reveal that, yes, the Bedford was absolutely fine.

"Mat!" She was ushered to the door, but continued to tri to look at the bruise on his forehead. "You got into a wreck?" She couldn't give a flip about the truck. She'd rather the truck be bruised and battered than Mat. "Are you sure you're alright? You could have a contusion or something."

"Whoa, whoa, easy, Florence Nightinglae." Mat laughed, catching her hands before she could poke at his head again. "I'm cool, I even went to Riverview and got myself checked out. You know, I was such a good boy, they gave me a lollipop ..." And he crouched down to Sadie's level and puckered up outrageously, batting his lashes.

"No poem?" The look on Mat's face suggested she'd kicked his puppy. "Well, in that case ..." His arms went around her, and he dragged her up against his chest, this time giving her no option but to be truly and thoroughly kissed in front of her staff.

"No, no.." she shook her head as she was pulled to his chest. "No, Mat, n.." was as far as she got as his lips locked onto hers. Her arms flailed, but only for a few moments before she melted into the kiss, arms going up and around his neck.

In the kitchen, Dirk let out a wolf whistle and applauded. "Russ owes me fifty bux!"

Genevieve's gloved hand poked Dirk's side with a rare grin on her face. "You owe me fifty bux," she pointed out with a sly little smile. Sometimes reading auras came in handy.

Mat weathered the protests, the flailing, the objections, all for the beautifully sweet moment when Sadie gave in. With her arms around his neck, he bent his knees, still locked at the lip, and lifted her up, wrapping her legs around him as he moved out through the door. One hand lifted to wave at the staff as he kissed his reluctant young lady right out to the truck.

"Only because you cheated." Dirk grinned and pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. "I've known her for a long, long time. I never thought I'd see the day when she was wisked off of her feet like that. Rosie would have been proud." He pulled out the money and held it out. "Cheater."

Sadie was unaware of anything other than the feeling of being pressed against Mat's chest and his lips to hers. Her fingers clutched at his hair and her legs tightened around him instinctively. But, as soon as the cold, winter air hit her backside, she broke the kiss. Eyes wide, she inhaled sharply. "Whew!"

The whip of the icy wind was enough to knock the breath from Mat, too, setting him laughing. He didn't put her down, though, enjoying the snuggly intimacy between them too much to lose it just for getting her inside. Of course, if the snow actually came down again, he might consider it, but right now ... "Shush, I'm kissing you."

"But it's freezing!" her lip quivered and her teeth began to chatter. It was an odd sensation, so warm, up against his chest, so frigidly cold on her backside where the wind whipped her shirt up. "Please, Mat!" She laughed and clung to him tightly.

He chuckled, letting her down just long enough to open the cab door, and lifted her inside, shutting her in before he went around the other side and clambered in himself. "Anything for my future wife," he teased, closing his door behind him and ruammaging for a moment. A huge fleece blanket was produced and wrapped around her, the engine was put on and the heating initiated, and then Sadie would find herself firmly on Mat's lap as he went back to his exploration of her neck. "Warm enough now?"

This time when he drew back, Mat knew with one look that he had accomplished his mission for the day. Miss Sadie Jenkins had definitely been good and kissed. He tucked the blanket tight around her and lifted her down onto the seat beside him, turning to the wheel to pull away from the Deli and drive her home. "All aboard the last bus to Sadie's house!"

Sadie's eyes opened, but only fractionally. And she whimpered when he set her to the side. But she didn't go far. Leaning against him, her eyes closed as her head found his shoulder and her hand rested on his stomach. "What are you doing to me, Mat?"

He glanced down at her with a smile, resting his head atop hers for a moment as the Bedford rumbled along the darkened streets. "I'm showing you what it means to have someone make you the centre of their world, Sadie," he told her softly. "You've been alone too long if you've forgotten how that feels."

With a soft sigh, her eyes closed. She had no words, no retort, no smart remark. She thought about what he'd said and silently agreed with him. She'd pushed away so many others that it had been years since she'd been kissed, much less held. After listening to the steady thrum of the engine for what seemed like an eternity, she lifted her head and looked at him; studied him, as if to find some flaw. Anything to bring that wall back up. But she could find none. A gentle kiss was pressed to his cheek before she lay her head back down.

Pulling up in front of her house, Mat cut the engine and shifted just enough to curl his arm around her, drawing her warmly up against his side. He had a feeling what he'd said had hit home hard, but it had to be said; she wasn't going to let him in if she wasn't aware she was pushing him away. His fingers traced her cheek. "Hey, Mizz Sexy," he murmured, looking down at her with a smile. "You can't get rid of me so easy."

When the engine died, Sadie groaned inwardly. It was time to go into the house. The dark quiet house that held too many memories. Lifting her head, she bit her lip. "You, um, you wouldn't like to come in for some hot chocolate, would you? I mean, it's ok if you don't."

Mat gave her a wry grin. "I've been waiting to get further than the porch for the last two weeks," he admitted, chuckling. "Get your keys out, you're not walking over ice in those shoes." He slid out of the truck and reached in for her, one arm beneath her legs, the other around her back, and kicked the door shut.

Her head dropped as she smiled with a soft laugh. "There's really not much inside." She watched him walk around the truck and laughed when he lifted her from the seat, blanket and all. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she sighed contently as her head found his shoulder once more. The keys jingled in her right hand. "So if you slip and fall, we both go boom."

She watched him crawl into the house and laughed as she closed the door behind him. All of the furniture in the living room was covered in bedsheets. They'd been draped there when Rosie had passed away and Dean had moved out. A painting hung above the fireplace of a tiny, green eyed, red headed woman; smiling down at them. Sadie led Mat through the house, back into the bathroom. "There's a bathrobe on the back of the door. Just toss your clothes out and I'll make sure they're washed and dried."

"Hey, no, just the shirt," he waved a hand gently at her with a smile. "Wouldn't want you to lose control now, would we?" His eyes sparkled cheekily as he dragged his shirt off over his head, looking around with interest. "Seems a pretty big place for just one person to live."

She snatched the shirt from his hand and shrugged. "I inherited it, kind of. Was my friend's house. She and her husband lived here with their son. When she passed, he gave me the house and the Deli." She didn't dwell on it, leaving the specifics out. Turning away, she walked down the hallway that lead past bedrooms and into the utility room.

Mat followed, rather more slowly. Something about the abrupt way she'd shared that information suggested she hadn't let go yet, and he knew from his own experience that wasn't a good thing. Quietly, he moved up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist and drawing her back against him. His lips brushed her ear as he spoke. "I don't intend on leaving anytime soon, Sadie."

She had just tossed his shirt into the dryer and set it in motion when his arms wound around her. She sagged back against him and closed her eyes. "I miss her, so much. I miss them. They were so perfect, Mat. And little Daniel was so adorable. I just miss them all." She sighed and clenched her jaw, dead set against letting a single tear fall.

"You haven't said goodbye yet." It wasn't a question. He turned her around, cupping her jaw in his hands as he looked into her eyes. "They're gone, out of your life, Sadie. But you're not going to have a life if you don't let them go. And as much as I like you, I don't wanna be pushed away because you're too jealous of letting go of your upset."

She turned in his arms and looked up with a set jaw. "I can't. I can't say goodbye. Every day I wake up and go to the Deli. Rosie's Deli. It's mine now, but even I don't see it that way. She created it, with her own two hands. I just run it for her. And if I say goodbye, I'll start to forget her. Start to forget antagonizing Dean and holding little Daniel in my arms. Until one day, they'll be so distant that I can't keep the deli the way she wanted it. I can't do it, Mat."

He sighed, stepping back to look down at his feet unhappily. "Then I guess you don't have room for anyone else in your life, do you?" Still, better to find out now than further down the line, right? Suddenly he was regretting the need to dry his shirt. It couldn't be clearer that she just wanted to be alone with her memories. "Look, I'm sorry. I know I've been kinda forcing myself on you. After this ... no more. I promise." He nodded awkwardly, looking away.

"Mat." she spoke quietly and sighed heavily when his hands fell from her. "You're the first person who has made me smile in almost two years. Made me laugh, genuinely. There is room for you."

He looked back at her. "Call me selfish, but I don't want to share you with a memory. And if this Rosie girl was as cool as everyone who knew her seems to think ... she'd be disappointed you haven't let go of her yet." He sighed, clearing his throat as his hands came up to hold her shoulders. "Sadie, I like you. I like you a lot. But I'm not getting involved just to be shoved out of the way down the line. I have too much respect for you, and myself, than to walk into that."

His words hit her like a punch to the stomach. Instinctively, reflexively, she stepped back and her eyes flashed with angry tears. "You don't know her. You don't know anything about her. How dare you expect me to suddenly throw everything she ever taught me, everything she ever meant to me out the window just because you're in my life now? This is me. This is all of me. Take the good with the bad, or just walk out of that door, Mat."

He stepped back as well, leaning against the wall to watch her angry outburst quietly. "Did I say any of that? You're getting angry and defensive because you know I'm right. You haven't done what you need to do. I'm not saying forget her, forget everything she taught you. Hell, I'd be ashamed of you if you did. But you can't spend your life in the past, or the future's just going to walk on by. So you're the one who has the decision to make, Sadie. Not me."

The dryer buzzed and it made Sadie jump. Quickly, she removed his shirt from the dryer. Holding it out to him, she spoke quietly. "I'll see you in the morning, Mat. I hope your head and backside feel better."

Decision made. And it hurt. He took the shirt from her hand, pulling it over his head, and nodded uncomfortably. "Yeah. Don't worry, you'll still get the extra sugar. I'm not a heartless bastard." He snorted a little, backing up towards the front door. "Goodnight, Sadie."

As he walked away, she had to hug herself to keep from throwing herself at him and begging him not to go. A hurt frown on her face as she fought back the tears in her eyes. Barely moving one hand, she brushed a tear from her cheek. "Good night, Mat."

Out on the porch, he waited for the door to close behind him before his shoulders slumped in his own hurt disappointment. A moment later, and he let out a stifled howl of frustrated, disappointed, hurt anger, lashing out at the rail violently with his fist. He didn't even notice he'd left a bloody mark on the icy wood, shaking his head as he walked back to his truck. Looked like happy ever after was a long way off, yet again.

Sadie had followed him to the door and pressed her back against it when it was closed. She heard the howl and closed her eyes to it. The tears fell easily now and she sobbed out loud. The dull thud of fist hitting wood had her wincing visibly. It wasn't until she heard the truck pull off that she moved slowly into the living room. Her fingers traced along the linen covered furniture, lovingly. Slowly she looked up at the painting of her best friend. Sinking to her knees, she sobbed until she fell asleep; dreaming of the ghosts from her past.

"Yes," she whispered as she nearly slid across the countertop to press a kiss to his lips. Just as suddenly as she had slid forward, she slid back and stood behind the register. "You didn't kiss me goodbye."

He grinned over at her. "You didn't kiss me hello, either," he pointed out. His hands landed on the counter, and he jumped up, swinging his legs over it to land right next to her, arms snaking around her waist as he tugged her up to him.

She couldn't hide the sigh of relief, nor the smile that matched his. When he leapt over the counter, there was a soft, murmured gasp from the wait staff nearby who stood, waiting for Sadie's reaction. She merely stepped back, allowing him room, then melted into his arms. The wait staff relaxed visibly and continued on with their chores. Her hands were pressed against his chest as he looked up into his eyes. "I'm sorry, Mat. You were right, about everything."

"Hey, no apologies." He stroked her cheek, glancing around at their rapt audience which consisted of her staff, his team, and the customers who frequented the Deli. Chuckling a little uncomfortably, Mat bent and hoisted Sadie up over his shoulder. "Yo, Dirkus Maximus," he called as he made his way towards the office. "You got the counter."

A slow blink as his hand caressed her cheek, then her eyes closed and her cheek rested in his palm. It only took a moment though, to realize that his attention wasn't on her. Her head lifted and she glanced around, the color rising in her cheeks. She hid her face in his chest with a soft giggle. Suddenly, she was being hoisted up and squeaked indignantly. "Mat!" A good natured laugh and a few shouts of "go get 'er, boyo!" caused a din in the air. Dirk appeared from the office and gave Mat a thumb's up. "Got it."

He crouched to get through the door without scraping her backside on the frame, and closed it behind him before putting her down onto her feet. A quick touch to the blind, and it was closed, giving them the privacy he wanted. "Now ... I believe I owe you something ..." His grin was slightly in danger of eating his nose as he leaned down to kiss her warmly. "Still not going to marry me?"

When she was set to her feet, her hands went to her cheeks to cool the fiery blush that stained her soft skin. She couldn't take her eyes from him, even as he moved to close the blinds, she was enrapt. As he moved towrds her, Sadie's soft brown eyes widened and took on a wine color. Her mouth opened to receive the kiss, her body melding to his as if it belonged there. When the kiss was broken, she looked up with a soft laugh. "Baby steps, Mat. One thing at a time."

He wasn't expecting anything. Letting go of the past was something she needed to go, to continue on with what was waiting for her, whether or not she intended her future to include him or not. Holding her, he rocked back and forth gently, stroking her hair with his palm as he murmured teasingly. "Sadie, Sadie, wants my babies, sex on the office desk's a definitely maybe."

She was comforted, his hand in her hair and the gentle rocking a balm to her aching soul. It'd been a rough week and Sadie was not only emotional sore, but physically. She closed her eyes and sighed. Content to just be held. That is, until Mat's sick little muse whispered into his ear and he began to spout that infamous poetry again. "Mat, you're a fruitcake."

"Just as well you can't get enough of it, then," he laughed, hugging her warmly. "And even better ... I don't go straight to your hips." And not content to let that innuendo speak for itself, he tilted his head in search of that spot on her neck that made her melt.

"There's only one kind of fruitcake that I like." she grinned, pressing the temple of her head to his cheek. She was about to make a snorted retort to the remark about her hips when he found that spot. Damn him for being so distracting. With a weak sigh, she sagged against him. She was putty in his palms.

Nibbling contentedly on her neck was something Mat was quickly deciding he could do forever, especially when she relaxed against him. But they both had work to do, and they'd definitely entertained the staff long enough. He lifted his head, ghosting a soft kiss over her lips. "Gonna feed me, Mizz, or do I have to wait until after work?"

"Shush, I'm exploring." His lips touched the corner of her mouth as his fingers grazed gently against that swelling fabric once again, before retreating. Hands slipped out from beneath her clothing and around her in a warm hug before he reached out and grabbed his sandwich, taking a huge bite. "You're so good to me," he declared around the mouthful.

She remained still against him, though her heart raced against her rib cage. He had a soft, warm touch that she secretly yearned for more of. As his hand moved out from under her warm clothing, she sighed sadly. Unable to move as he grabbed the sandwich, she clung to the stainless steel countertop for support. "Mmhmm.." she murmured softly.

He swallowed and leaned in to press his lips against her ear. "I promise, I'll be good to you later," was murmured in a gravelly voice, together with a gentle push of his pelvis, trapping her between the counter and ... well, she could work that one out for herself.

A slow smile spread across her face like warm butter on toast. Leaning back against him once again, her eyes lifted to him. That sudden movement of hips against rear end had her gasping softly, breaking the spell that had her all dreamy eyed. "Mat, behave."

"I thought we covered that last time?" he laughed, stepping back as he munched on his sandwich. "I am behaving. Just not properly." He reached up and tweaked her nose playfully. "Now how do I get out of here without leaping the counter again?"

"Yes, yes." She waved it off with a soft laugh. Watching him eat, she folded her arms under her breasts and smiled. "What if I don't want to let you out, hmm?" A brow raised as she turned to walk towards the front of the house.

"Then I don't get paid, which means I don't get fuel for the truck, which means no lift home tonight," he rattled off cheerfully, polishing off his sandwich and grabbing her from behind. "And I know you love my truck."

"Oh alright, alright." she giggled as she lead him through the back area and into the dining area. Turning, she put her hands on his shoulders and gazed up into his eyes. "Yes, your truck. I love your truck. It's beat up, practical and broken in. Your very best assett, I'd say."

"Oh, trust me, it's not my best asset," he grinned, lifting her off her feet and pressing his lips to hers once again. He was slow, and thorough, and very reluctant to end the kiss, but the yells from his team were too much to ignore. He set her down again gently with a wink, and a cheeky squeeze of her backside. "Okay, Mizz Sexy, I gotta go and make money. See ya tonight."

"We shall see, Mat." Her grin matched his and she curled her arms around his neck as the long, lazy kiss was shared. A soft, petulant sigh escaped as she was put back down, kiss broken. A small smile when her rear was groped. "Tonight then." She stepped from his embrace and shooed him with the end of her apron. "Go on then, the boys won't be happy until you're back amongst them doing manly things." She winked playfully and hugged herself.

He threw her a wink and a grin as he rejoined his team, clapped on the back and laughed with as they all squeezed through the door. And from outside came the loud yell, tapering off into the distance, of, "Sadie, Sadie, wants my babies ..."

Her head shook, sending her pony tail swinging and her smile was radiant. When his voice trailed off and there was nothing left of him there but the memory of his kiss and his arms around her, Sadie turned around and bumped right into Dirk. He smiled down at her with a lift of his brow. She merely stepped back and around him. A slap to his rear end and she called out to her crew. "Alright, show's over, back to work!"