Rusty was waiting by the door. "Come on, Sharon. We're going to be late."

"I'm coming," she fussed as she was trying to manage her hair. It was not having a good day. She sighed and pulled it back into a bun. "This'll have to do," she muttered as she grabbed her purse. She was surprised that Rusty wanted to go to a fancy Italian restaurant. He was more of a spaghetti and meatballs at home kind of kid. "Let's go." Sharon was waring a black dress that brought out her eyes nicely. It contrasted well with her pale skin.

Rusty drove to the restaurant. Sharon offered to drive, but he said she might want some wine. They got to the restaurant, and Rusty checked in with the hostess. She promptly started to walk them to their table. Sharon looked at all of the empty tables they past, and was surprised when the hostess stopped in front of a table for two and a man and Chief Johnson already sitting there. Rusty grinned.

"Sharon Raydor," Brenda began, "I'd like you to meet Professor Craig Archibald." Brenda got up from her chair and motioned for Sharon to sit.

"What is this?"

"Rusty and I thought you two would like to get to know each other. Come on, Rusty. Let's leave these two alone." And just like that, Brenda and Rusty went off to their table, leaving the two strangers alone.

FLASHBACK

Brenda was in the grocery store. She hated shopping, but Fritz was away on business, and she wanted the apartment to be decent when he got back: food in the fridge, laundry done, dishes put away, well at least food in the fridge. She was on her way to get some milk when she overheard two men discussing Kafka. She turned, and she saw a handsome man discussing the author with a teenage boy. He was tall, blonde, blue eyes, athletic build and Brenda noticed, he had no wedding ring.

He must have noticed her gaze because he promptly introduced himself. They made some small talk and then exchanged business cards. Brenda looked him up later. He was a tenured professor at UCLA, a father of two, who's children had left the nest, a best-selling author, and had his own garden. He seemed like quite a catch, and Brenda had a single friend, who hadn't been on a date since the last Ice Age. This had potential written all over it.

Brenda invited Craig to dinner, which he accepted, although he found it odd. Wouldn't her husband be upset about her cavorting with another man?

PRESENT

Well, now Craig knew what this was all about. Brenda had mentioned her friend, Sharon, who apparently never gets out because she works too much. This must be Brenda's way of getting her out in the world. "Please," he started. "Sit down, Sharon."

She looked at him nervously and sat. She was going to kill Rusty, and Brenda. How dare they? Although, he was pleasant to look at, handsome, very nice suit, lovely voice. "Well, this is a surprise."

"Don't feel bad. Brenda tricked me, too." He giggled. "Your friend is quite the character."

"Yeah. Friend." Was not the word Sharon had for her at the moment. "How did you and Brenda meet?"

"At the supermarket. I think I was in between her and some ding dongs."

Sharon started guffawing. "Sounds about right."

The waitress came to take their drink order. "Sharon asked for a glass of Chardonnay."

Craig got a Manhattan. After she left, they both took a look at the menu.

"Do you like oysters?" Craig asked her.

"I love them," and that Sharon did.

"They have a lovely platter if you'd like to share."

"I would." Their eyes met.

From upstairs, Brenda and Rusty watched the two. "I hope Sharon's not mad at us," said Rusty.

"I think they're perfect together," answered Brenda. Sure, Sharon was probably upset at them for this, but if the look they were giving each other meant anything, these two would be seeing more of each other, much more.

Brenda texted Fritz. "Success."

Fritz thought this plan was nuts, tricking Sharon into going on a blind date. He held his tongue, however. He'd rather face an angry Sharon than an angry Brenda any day. "Isn't it a little early to say?"

Brenda looked back at the two. Craig's hand had gently brushed against Sharon's.
"Did you ever play the piano?" he asked her.

"I played for about ten years. How did you know?"

"Your hands. They look perfect for the piano." She had long, thin fingers that were definitely well-cared for. He managed to run his thumb against her palm, sending chills down her spine. "I'd love to hear you play sometime, if you were up for it."

"I'd like that." What are you saying, Sharon? You haven't played in years, but he's so dreamy.

The appetizer came. The oysters looked marvelous. Brenda grinned when she saw what they were eating.

"Those look kind of gross," Rusty commented.

"Oysters are a well-known aphrodisiac," Brenda answered.

"A what?"

"It means they have a way of putting people in the mood." She let Rusty connect the dots.

"Yuck!" He didn't see how that slimy-looking nastiness could put anyone in the mood.

Their waitress came with mozzarella sticks, food up Rusty's alley.

Brenda smiled. This was going so well.

Sharon bit into an oyster. It was delicious, and it paired with the Chardonnay quite brilliantly. They both had a way of ramping up her excitement, and her heart was buzzing.

Craig began telling Sharon about his upcoming book. It was his first novel in about 10 years: his other work had been essays, journal articles, speeches, introductions for other author's works, etc. His protagonist was a young boy who's mother runs a medical marijuana dispensary and about her clients, her dealings with the state, and her battle with the Feds and how all of this affects his worldview.

"How did you pick such a unique topic?"

"Well, it's a common industry in this state and there has been this ongoing battle between the cities, the state, the Feds, the public, and everyone focuses on the growing or the sales or the use, but no one ever mentions what this all means for the people involved. We have people saying ban marijuana for the children or the opposite that banning marijuana makes it easier for children to buy, and I wanted to write the child's perspective on what it means to have marijuana in their lives, in their houses, their family's source of income. Children are great observers. They note everything around them, but they lack the capacity to have a political perspective. They're the closest to the truth in this matter that we'll probably ever get."

He had an honesty about him when he spoke. It was clear that Craig cared a lot about kids, and how the behavior of adults affect them.

"Do you have any kids of your own?"

"I have two boys," he started, "but they've left the nest. How about you?"

"I have two daughters. One lives in New York and is an orthodontist. My other daughter is a photographer. Last time I heard, she was in Vancouver."

"Last time you heard?" He said with a laugh.

"She's always moving around. I get a call, Mom I've moved to Chile. Mom, I'm in Hawaii. Mom, you would love Portugal."

"She sounds like a free spirit."

"She really is. She just has a way of lighting up a room."

"I bet that's hereditary."

"Sharon blushed as the waiter came by and refilled her wine glass. Her stomach started turning into knots. She hadn't felt anything like this in a long time.
Brenda bit into her gnocchi. "This food is delicious."

Rusty bit into his calzone. "Tell me about it. Perfectly crunchy on the outside, cheesy and meaty on the inside. I love this place."

"I have a feeling they do as well." Brenda couldn't keep her eyes off the couple. They were clearly drawn to each other like moths to a flame.

"Do you think Sharon's coming home tonight?" Rusty asked her.

"Hopefully not," Brenda answered with a smirk.

The lovebirds' entrees arrived. Sharon got the pappardelle, and Craig got the cotoletta- the italian version of Schnitzel.

Sharon swirled her noodles on a fork. Of course she ate with perfect manners and precision. She took a bite. The noodles were clearly made from scratch and they were delicious. The noodles had been tossed with leeks, pancetta and a pesto. It was divine.
Craig took a bite of his cotoletta. The outside was crisp and buttery, the inside tender and juicy. It was great, but he knew he would be hungry for more tonight, much more. "How do you like your pappardelle?"

"It's lovely. How's the, what did you get again?"

"It's cotoletta. It's like schnitzel, but it has the bone-in. I think it's great. Would you like a bite?" He cut a piece and offered it to her. His fork met her mouth with ease.
Brenda was floored. "Did he just feed her?"

"What's the big deal?" Rusty saw no significance in that at all.
"They're definitely going home together." To Brenda, sharing food on a date was a clear sign of intimacy. Sharing the same fork, you may as well move in together. Well, it wasn't that serious, but it was a clear sign of affection, one Brenda texted about to Fritz.

Fritz was enjoying his quiet time watching a movie and chilling with Joel. He often used this time to watch movies Brenda wouldn't want to watch anyway. Today, it was Shaun of the Dead. He got her text. They shared the same fork. "OMG" he answered. He thought Brenda was being silly, but he also thought it was cute. She was trying to make her friend happy. It was odd enough that Brenda even had a friend, a female one at that, but she was trying. He had to give her that.

It became time for dessert. Brenda went with the chocolate gelato. Rusty got the torta caprese, a flourless chocolate cake. Brenda enjoyed her ice cream thoroughly. Then she went back to the lovebirds. They were splitting a cannoli sampler dish. Their hands would ever so slightly brush each other as they reached for a treat. Craig's eyes were fixated on her lips. She had a bit of filling hanging on the side of it. Without even thinking, his thumb wiped it off of her. Their eyes met again, hopelessly locked into each other.

They went back to their dessert. The tension was clearly building. Craig couldn't believe this woman had been on the market for so long. She was beautiful, smart, and behind her well-polished exterior, he could sense a sensitive soul. After dessert, they made small talk. Eventually, the waitress came back with the check. Craig took it and paid, despite Sharon's protests. She left a tip, but he put her money back in her jacket while she was in the bathroom and tipped the waitress himself. After she returned, she realized that she had no way home. Rusty drove, and it looked like he and Brenda bounced a while ago. She didn't realize that they were watching from the room above.

Craig seemed to sense her plight. "I can drive you." He had only had one drink and that was hours ago.

"You don't mind?"

"Of course not." They headed to his car. He drove their in an emerald green Jaguar.

"It's a lovely car," she told him.
He smiled. "Me and Sasha go way back."

"Sasha?"

"I got her when UCLA offered me tenure. We've been together ever since. Is it bad that she's the longest relationship I've ever had?"

Sharon laughed. "I could say the same thing about my car."

He opened the door for her and then he hopped in the driver's seat and turned on the engine. Sharon leaned back. The seat was very comfortable. The music playing was nice and soothing. She loved the Doors. He turned and looked at her, his hand finding hers. "I had a great time."

"Me too," she reached his gaze and something overtook her. She grabbed him and pulled him close and they shared their first kiss. She caught him off guard, but he was eager to continue. His arms slipped under hers and behind her back. Her tongue plunged into his mouth, eagerly scoping the scene. They tussled a bit, but eventually, they found their place. Her hands ran through his curly, blonde locks and his hands found the small of her back. A gasp escaped her lips as he began kissing her jawline, approaching her neck.

He wanted more, and she needed it. She had been relying on her bedside toy for far too long, and she needed the contact and the physicality that she could only get from a lover. He was more than willing to oblige. He looked up and realized they were still in the parking lot. "Would you like to come over for some coffee?"

She nodded. He pulled out of the lot, and they began to drive. He didn't live in Los Angeles. He lived outside the city in a two-story house. The traffic was pretty tame, and most of the drive was spent on cruise control. They pulled into the driveway. The walkway was light with miniature lights on either side. Even at night, it was clear he took good care of his yard. He did the work himself, the stonework and landscaping. It was his pet project after his wife left him many years ago.

He took off his seatbelt. She ditched hers, and they resumed making out. He pushed his seat back, and pulled her on top of him. Her legs settled on the sides of his hips, and she liked being in control. The car steamed up quickly and smelled of perfume, cologne, sweat and pheromones, driving both of them wild, so much for coffee.

She got wetter and wetter for him. Her hips began to take control of the affair and she ever so slightly began to grind against his hip bone. His lips hit her neck, and he began to nibble on the curve from her neck to her shoulder. She moaned in his ear, a signal to keep going and he covered her neck with kisses and bites that got stronger and stronger. Her hips began to move faster. She angled herself perfectly, so her sensitive nub rubbed against his hips.

Her gyrations were driving him mad. His hands moved to her hips to slow her down, but he ended up cupping her cheeks. He began to knead them, eliciting gasps and grunts from her, causing her to grind even harder. They were both getting close. His hands found her waist, and he held her still. "If you keep doing that, I'm going to lose it."

Her eyes found his. Her face was flush, and her skin was hot to the touch. Her hands moved down his body, and she found his hardness pressing through his suit pants. She gently rubbed it, causing him to lurch forward. "Let's go inside," she hissed into his ear. They rolled out of the car, and he led her to his home.

The lights came on automatically when he turned the key into the lock. They stepped inside. The foyer had a grandfather clock that faced you as soon as you entered. On the right was the dining room, which lead to the kitchen and on the other side of the foyer was the living room. The bathroom was on the far left and the study down the hall from that, a closet in between them. The entertainment room was in the furnished basement. Sharon took a minute taking this all in. It was quite a sight, a beautiful house that was immaculate. She had never known a man to be this clean. "It's incredible," she finally told him. She was in love with this house.

"Would you like something to drink."

"Water would be nice." They went to the kitchen, which of course, had top of the line appliances.
He opened the fridge and grabbed the water filter. He poured two glasses, one with ice and one without. He let Sharon take her pick. She chose no ice. He grabbed two coasters and they went to the living room. He pushed a button and Velvet Underground came on. They sat side by side, nervousness finally hitting them. He had to break the silence. "Would you like a tour of the house?"

"Sure." She really wanted to see the bedroom, but she imagined the rest of the house was nice as well.

He showed her the dining room, his study, the basement, which had a flat screen TV on the wall and an huge dvd collection and a beer fridge. There was also a gym in the back: a treadmill, squat rack, pull up bar, dumbbells, a bench and some weird contraption that Sharon couldn't identify. No wonder he's in such good shape, she thought.
They went upstairs where he showed her the guest room, his kids' old rooms. He made them take what they wanted when they found their own places. One room had been converted into a library. The other room was a music room. Last, but of course, not least was the master bedroom. He had a gigantic bed, which he usually slept in a lone. He also had mirrors that ran along the side and a giant bay window on the opposite side. After the bed was a giant closet- a room sized one, and a big bath tub in the back. The bathroom was in room on the right.

He turned to her, the moonlight shining through the window illuminated her face just right. His hands found her waist, and he pulled her in for a kiss. Her hands found his chest, and they fell onto the bed. It didn't take long for their clothes to end up in a wrinkled pile on the floor. They looked each other up and down. The contrast was amazing. He was tall, brawny and well-tanned from the hours he spent surfing. She was petite, curvy, soft and paler flesh. Her long, straight brown hair foiled his short, curly dirty blond locks. Together, they were complete.

His hands and lips ravished her tender flesh, eliciting gasps, groans and grunts as he worked her over. His lips kissed her chest and his teeth found her nipples, and he tugged on them gently. Her nipples were pink and hard and tender, causing her to moan and groan. He could smell her arousal and knew that she was ready for him. His hands slipped to her thighs and when he went over her mound, his hand slipped, since she was so wet. She growled, and he looked down at her fiery green eyes. He slowly rubbed her, causing her to wriggle and writhe beneath her.

He began kissing her throat and his lips traveled down her body. He settled at her hip bone and began to nibble on it. Her musky scent was intoxicating. It was time for a second dessert. His lips hit her inner thighs, and he covered her in sloppy kisses. He used the bridge of his nose to keep her folds open and he began to lick her, slowly exploring her tender flesh.

Sharon's heart skipped a beat. Actually, it might have skipped three. She felt very vulnerable. It had been a long time since she had been been so intimate with someone, and never with someone whom she had only known for a few hours. Although, it felt like she had known him for much longer. She looked to her left. She could see him eating her in the mirror. It was kind of fun to watch, but the pleasure soon overtook her. She leaned into the bed and arched her back, giving him more access.

His tongue and his fingers played a cat and mouse game with her body. He would lick her clit gently and then use his fingers to rub her g-spot. When his mouth would quicken the pace, his fingers would slow down and vice versa. He kept her on the edge. Her hips wriggled and writhed, trying to force more contact. He enjoyed teasing her. He was having a lot of fun tasting her, reveling in her body. Eventually, though, his jaw was starting to get tired. It was time to finish her off. He slipped in three fingers and began to move them in and out quickly. Her hips bucked against his hand aggressively, and she began to grunt and groan. The sounds got louder and finally, she exploded.'

"OH FUCK!" she screamed as she collapsed on to the beg. He gently licked her through the aftershocks. She let him know when she had enough, her hand gently brushing against his forehead. He had a big grin on his face. He was quite content with the work he had done. He slowly kissed his way up her body and faced his lover.

Her breath was short and her eyes were closed.

"You still awake," he asked her.

"Yes," she said with a smile. She caught her breath and then she rolled on top of him. Her lips finding his face; she could taste herself on him. They began making out furiously, both of them enjoying the taste on their tongues. It wasn't long before she was grinding against his hardness yet again, and his hands were cupping her ass. Their breaths were hot and short. Their grunts and groans revealing their neediness. He desperately wanted to plunge into her. She got very close to his ear and her voice softened. "Do you have any condoms?" Not exactly the sexiest question, but they just met.

"The dresser drawer." She reached her arm out and found the Magnums. She unwrapped one and put it on him. He had a long shaft and a very large head, hence the XL size. His erection was a little goofy looking, not that all penises aren't. His hands found her hips, and he carefully guided her onto him. She was warm and wet and very tight. She stayed still for a moment to adjust and then began to slowly rock back and forth. He leaned back and enjoyed the view. Her soft breasts moved gently as she rode him, and she had excellent hip control.

It had been a while for her, but sex was like riding a bike. Her body knew exactly what to do, and she moved with him perfectly. His hips rose to meet her thrusts. She felt absolutely amazing, and Craig wanted more. His hands found her waist and he flipped her onto her back. He pushed her ankles onto his shoulders, and he began to really pound her. She leaned back and moaned as he took control of her. He felt amazing, and she enjoyed watching his firm body as he topped her. It wasn't long before she was cumming again, and he was soon to follow. They collapsed onto the bed together in a sticky mess, limbs intertwined, sheets that were a wreck.

They spooned for a bit and eventually, they separated. He pulled the sheets off the bed and added new sheets, and Sharon wandered towards the bath tub. Of course, he had nice bath salts. She added lavender and turned on the tub. She pushed the button. Ooh, jets. He followed her into the bath, and they had a relaxing cuddle session. It was the perfect cool down for their bodies. The jets felt really nice. Sharon had some ideas as to how she would like to use them in the future. After their bath, they dried off and went to bed.

They slept soundly throughout the night. In the morning, Craig's bread machine made honey oatmeal bread, as it did every Saturday morning. He went downstairs and turned some of the bread into French toast. He also made bacon and a fruit salad. Sharon woke up alone in a huge bed. She got weirded out for a minute before she remembered where she was. She didn't have anything to wear, so she put on one of Craig's T-shirts. She went downstairs and smelled something wonderful.

"Breakfast in 10," he told her.

She grinned. He makes breakfast too. What a keeper! They ate together, discussing their weekend plans. "If you're free," he started. "I'd love to take you to brunch."

"That would be great."

They ate their breakfast, and Sharon put away the dishes when her phone started to ring. Craig brought it to her.

"Hello?"

"Just calling to make sure you're not dead."

"Cute, Rusty. I'll be home later this morning."

Craig gave her a pair of shorts to wear. He loved seeing her in his clothes and then he drove her home. She gave him a good bye kiss before she entered the house.

Rusty, of course, was waiting in the living room. "Someone had a hot date. Ur- Ow!"

"Oh hush."

"So I take it Brenda and I are forgiven."

"You're grounded for forever," she told him with a smirk."

Sharon's phone lit up. It was a text message.
"Just getting home?" Rusty had called Brenda earlier to tell her Sharon was still out. What a success.

Sharon sighed and went to her bedroom.

Brenda and Fritz were enjoying breakfast at home. "I told you it would work. Sharon's date lasted all night."

"What are you now? A match maker?"

"Hmm. I wonder..." She started thinking about her other single friends.

Fritz sighed. He had created a monster.