The next morning Orlando was, of course, late.

Sean was obviously quite expecting that he would be, and looked thoroughly aloof as he sipped his tea and read a newspaper, sitting on the small bar next to their reserved parking. Even when a panicking Orlando eventually stormed in and hurried to the table he didn't raise his head, greeting the other with a nod.

"We're late! Damn it, I'm sorry Beanie.."

"I knew you would be late" Sean replied, an amused grin on his face when he looked at the younger man. "Come on, sit and eat. Ten minutes more won't kill anyone." he said, pouring the other some tea.

"But--"

"Sit."

Pouting slightly, Orlando complied. "You are not going to blame this on me, are you?"

"Of course I am. I'll tell everyone that you've been late because last night you probably didn't sleep at all.."

"Wha--"

"And that you haven't slept at all because you were engaging in you-know-what-activities with one of the girls from the make up trailer, of course I'll tell everyone." Sean continued, still grinning widely, while handing Orlando a muffin. "I could even sell the news to some tabloid, who knows.. if I'm lucky I could pay Abigail's maintenance with that."

"Has anyone ever told you how very insufferable you can be, especially early in the morning?" Orlando muttered, glaring at the older man as he took a mouthful of the muffin.

On his part, Sean was still obviously amused. "Oh, yes." he nodded, leaning back on his chair. "Abbie used to say that each and every morning, whenever I was home."

Despite the fact he was still asleep rather than awake, Orlando had to grin at the admission. "Glad I'm not the only one then" he chuckled, shaking his head. He took a swig of tea before to look at the other again, leaning curiously over the table. "And how was your night?"

"Quiet." Sean smiled, folding his arms across his chest.

"You didn't.." the younger man began, stopping halfway and lowering his voice before to go on, "..did you?"

"Nope."

"Nothing?"

"At all."

From the way Orlando was staring at him, it was obvious that he wasn't expecting that. And that he didn't know whether to believe his words or not. "Nothing means not even a kiss?" he urged, causing Sean to laugh quietly and shake his head. To Orlando a good date had to end up in the other's bed, evidently, but he couldn't be more wrong.

For Sean it had been one of the most pleasurable evenings he'd ever spent with someone else, no matter if there had been no kisses or sex. It had been well worth it, and he regretted nothing.

But the young scoundrel was still bewildered, and was still staring at him in disbelief. "Geez. I thought you two.. well, I thought you--"

"..were planning to fuck her raw, I bet?" Sean demanded, snickering faintly as he arched an eyebrow in a quite suggestive way.

"Exactly!"

"I like her. I really do, and I don't want to screw everything up."

"Yeah, okay" Orlando acknowledged, suddenly serious. "But she likes you just as much, can't you see that?"

"Yes, I know that. Come on now." was Sean's curt reply. After that he stood up and put on his coat, making it clear that the discussion was over, and smirked before heading to the exit.

That was clearly a 'mind your own business', Orlando thought, chuckling to himself, before to hurry to catch up with the other. He had to have a word with Jen on the matter, he really had to.

*******

The day passed fairly uneventful for Ally, the only news consisting of Jen who had jumped around for hours describing how incredibly hot Orlando was. To see her that happy had amused the older woman, who would rather listen to Jen's discussion than talk about her own relationship-to-be with Sean.

Said man had arrived late in the make-up trailer, and Ally hadn't lost her opportunity to tease him about his lateness, and the date they had that evening. Their first real date.

It even seemed that Orlando was being serious about Jen, he wanted to be with her, and the girl had told Ally that it hadn't been a mere night of sex. They had talked too, about themselves and their lives.

When all the usual tasks had been performed, Ally grinned at Orlando, waiting for Jen outside the trailer, and then walked to hers.

After a hot shower she had sat down on her bed, clad only in her bathrobe and trying to decide what should she wear to go out with Sean.

A hard task, indeed.

She tried almost the whole closet before to choose a black skirt, not too short and not too long, one that emphasized her shapely legs. Under that she decided to put on a pair of black boots with high heels she had bought last week.

But it was not finished. The thing Ally hated the most about her body were her breasts, for she found them too big, and in fact she often complained to Jen, who merely rolled her eyes saying she couldn't imagine how lucky she was.

The blasted white shirt she had put on seemed to make a point of her bosom, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. Unfortunately there was no time to change it.

Muttering some curses, she hurried to the bathroom, putting on light make up and some perfume, in time to hear him knock at her door.

Damn it... I was almost late, after all I've told him this morning about being on time!

Sean smiled brightly when Ally opened the door, a hand hidden secretively behind his back and a mischievous sparkle in the depth of his eyes as he attentively eyed the woman in front of him.

He was clad all in black this time, from head to toe: black shoes, pants, long-sleeved shirt and long black leather coat.

"You look splendid." he said in a whisper, still smiling. A moment later he was handing her a red rose, and looking straight in her eyes.

Both his appearence and the rose left her speechless for a moment, lost in those wonderful green irises.

God. He looked gorgeous, even more than the previous night.

"Thank you..." she managed to whisper, when she had somewhat recovered. Her mutinous hand softly stroked his cheek before to retreating and taking the red rose, smiling again.

"You look wonderful tonight, too. Do you want to come in while I put this in water?"

Nodding, Sean followed her inside, forcing himself not to stare at her legs or backside as he climbed into the trailer.

You're behaving just like an old pervert, he thought with a hint of amusement, that won't do at all.

Then he folded his arms and leaned against a wall as she took care of the rose, fighting the urge to look around. Even if he was craving to know everything about her, he soon realized that staring at her was way more enjoyable, and also that her front was just as shapely and enticing as her back. Every time she glanced at him, though, he hurried to avert his gaze and look at the ceiling, a playful smile on his lips.

For her part Ally had decided to avoid one of her saucy remarks, she had promised to behave, afterall.

Grinning, she took hold of her purse and leather jaket and neared him again, stopping mere inches away from his body.

"Where are you going to take me, beautiful stranger?"

"Are you aware of the fact that you're encouraging me to kiss you til you can't breathe?" he smirked, but he didn't move at all. They'd never been so close before. He could even smell the faint scent of her shampoo, he could feel, hear her breathing, and indeed he was struggling to keep from kissing her. But he didn't avert his eyes, not for a second.

"We're.. well, I've booked a table in a restaurant down in the city.."

"Well..." she smiled softly, taking his hand and guiding him outside, closing the door at her back and walking to his car. "What do you think? Am I behaving enough? "

"Indeed." he said solemnly, opening the door for her and bowing slightly. "After you, madam."

During the drive to the restaurant they chattered all the while, joking and gossiping about Orlando and Jen. They were indeed more at ease with each other, and this pleased Sean no end. And he found himself liking her even more than before.

The restaurant was in Mgarr, the big city near to the Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, where the set was located.

Malta was a wonderful island, and Ally discussed with Sean her desire to visit Italy as it wasn't far from there.

Their table was situated in a secluded corner of the restaurant, in what seemed to be the romantic area, for the only faint light was provided by the candles on the tables, much to Ally's surprise.

Once she was able to draw her attention away from their surroundings and look at Sean, her expression was clearly baffled.

"Have you ever been here, before?"

He smiled, shaking his head, and took her hand into his in order to lead her to the table. He waited for Ally to sit down before settling her chair in place and circling the table to reach his place in front of her, to sit opposite her.

"I've asked around the set today, for a nice place in which to spend a nice evening with someone very special.." Sean said then, looking around for some a moment before shifting his gaze back to Ally, "and I must say that I like it here."

"It's very beautiful..." she smiled softly at him, while her stomach was beginning to flip-flop. Just like it did when she was really beginning to fall for someone.

"But I haven't been out around here much, I usually walk on the beach during my free days..."

Sean smiled and nodded in response, reaching to take her hand over the table.

"I usually hang out at the gym or the pub, I don't go often to the beach when I'm off the set. But we could go together one of these days."

"Yes, sure" she smiled brightly, nodding enthusiastically. In the meanwhile, her hand had gently squeezed his, while her thumb was caressing it almost of his own will, but she noticed it just when her eyes met their entwined fingers. Beautiful. It was beautiful to be with that man.

"I'd like to have some company when I go there. I never bring Jen with me, she's too... noisy".

"Not to worry then, I'm always very quiet." he smiled, squeezing her hand lightly. He took his time to observe her then, saying nothing else, just holding her hand and caressing it in return.

She had beautiful eyes. Well, her whole face was in fact quite beautiful, those full lips and high cheekbones inevitably leading his thoughts to dangerous paths everytime he looked at her. And her hair. He loved the way it framed her face, and the way her dark strands hung over her forehead, just above those deep eyes he liked so much. He couldn't help but stare at her.

Actually blushing under his scrutiny, Ally lowered her gaze, mentally scolding herself. She was behaving like a teenager on her first date, but she couldn't help it.

She had never felt so at ease in someone else's company before, and it was even stranger if she thought about how wonderful he was, and who he was.

They had to talk about something. Silence was the only thing that scared her. And she didn't like it.

"So..." she began, faltering a little. "I know you've got an incredibly big home in London and that you like your garden... What does it looks like?"

"A bit neglected now that I'm not there to take care of it, I suppose.." Sean replied with a small grimace, but then smiled again before to continue. "Well, it's.. wide, but it's not that big. Gardens don't get very big in London. There are hedges all around and many plants, roses and strawberry bushes, things like that. And a few trees, mainly silver birches I've put in and a couple of native trees.." he said, his eyes sparkling as he went on, recalling his home and the garden he loved so much. "Evie and I like to make bird boxes in the garage together, when I'm home, and then we put them up in the trees. She loves it. Though she's a bit young to really help, she likes painting them afterwards."

After a brief pause Sean chuckled amusedly, shaking his head, and squeezed her hand gently into his, once again. "I'm sorry, I must be boring you to death. It's just that I miss it terribly sometimes.."

"Oh, no, really!" she immediately reassured him, her eyes turning again to their hands, a little smile curving her lips. It was all so sweet and tender. Almost dreamlike.

When her eyes returned to him, her smile widened. Was she ready to begin a new relationship? Had she been asked some weeks before, she would have said that she wasn't ready and would never be ready again. But now was different. This man was different.

"I like to hear you talk. Anyway.. who's Evie?"

"Oh, Evie's my youngest," he replied with a wide smile, realizing only then that in fact he couldn't expect Ally to know his daughters' names. It had just seemed natural to talk about them to her. "She turns five this year, my little girl.. we're as close as we can be, considering how much I work and the fact that her mother and I are divorced. Well, maybe we're that close only because she needs me a lot more than her sisters, who are already grown up enough.. especially Lorna, who's almost sixteen already. And Molly is almost twelve."

"You married quite early..." she murmured pensively, liking the way he seemed so happy just to mention his daughters. But yet there was something in him that scared her. He was in fact a man that had divorced three times and had probably cheated on all of his wives. It was not easy to deal with that aspect of his life. Especially for one who had been so badly hurt in past.

"Sean... yesterday you told me that you're defensive towards serious relationships. What are you searching for, then?"

Sean pursed his lips pensively, leaning back. He was still holding her hand, and he hinted a small smile before to speak. "I.. don't know. I don't think I'd met anyone I liked enough, since Abigail and I divorced." he said softly.

"Now I know that I really like you, but.. still I don't know what exactly I'm looking for. Maybe for someone who'd care for me, and whom I'd care for. I don't know, yet."

Sighing softly, Ally looked again at their hands, even if this time there was sadness in her eyes.

"I will not allow another man to hurt me, Sean" she said softly, her hand losing grip with his. "There was one before you. He said the same words, and he said them like he meant them. When he left it was like somebody ripped my heart from my chest. I will not go through that again..."

"Maybe we just need time, Ally. Both of us." Sean replied, leaning towards her again, and tightening the grip on her hand. Then he placed his other hand over hers, and smiled gently. "Try to give us a chance, don't push me away. You're not the only one who's scared..."

"Are you?" she asked, hinting a smile and sighing again.

She wanted to believe it. She wanted to believe that she'd found someone she could take care of. Someone who would take care of her. Someone that would wait for her when she came home tired after work. Someone who could warm her nights.

"Well... it--it would be beautiful to... to give us a chance...I just hope you will not betray my trust..."

"I'll do my absolute best." Sean whispered, bringing her hand to his mouth and kissing its back, before to smile brightly and grab the menu. "Let's see then.."

He browsed the paper for a while, and glanced at Ally before to clearing his throat solemnly. "What about a nice dish of 'avocat et crevettes marinée' as a starter, avocado and prawns on a bed of crispy lettuce with a chive dressing?" he asked, pursing his lips as he read further. "Or.. 'antipasto misto', a platter of assorted cured meats and cheeses?"

Pensively pursing her lips, Ally thought about it for a while.

Jen would surely have said to don't eat too much if later you would indulge in other pleasures. Ally wasn't sure about what she wanted to do, but yet decided to follow her advise.

"What about avocat et crevettes marinée?" she asked then, smiling softly at him.

Sean smirked in response, laying the menu on the table. "Inviting."

No more than ten minutes later the dishes had already been served, along with a bottle of white wine and some mixed vegetables and cheeses. While eating Sean often raised his eyes to meet Ally's, smiling, and more than once he reached for her hand over the table.

It was good. Even if they were saying nothing, just eating quietly and exchanging occasional glances.

The food was delicious, and Ally couldn't remember the last time she enjoyed something this much.

And his company was simply beautiful. She had told him she was ready to believe in them. She meant it.

*******

When the dinner was over, they quietly exited the restaurant, hand in hand.

Ally worried her lower lip for a while, before to asking that question, sighing softly.

"Do--do you want to come to my place for a coffee?"

Sean actually halted for a moment, raising an eyebrow, obviously not expecting at all such a proposal. Yet he seemed pleased, maybe more because she seemed to trust him than because of the invitation itself. He took his time to ponder about it, before to turn his face to smile gently at Ally and nod.

"If you're asking because you want me to, and not out of courtesy, I'll be more than happy to."

"I'm asking because I trust you" she smiled back, quietly walking at his side, toward his car.

Even if she was scared to death, and still behaving like a teenager on her first date, she knew it had been the right thing to do.

"I could never ask out of courtesy. Not you. And I usually mean what I say, don't worry."

"So do I." Sean replied, hinting a playful bow when he opened her door, gesturing for Ally to climb into the car.

Once they arrived, he didn't even try to hide the fact that he was in fact more than a little tense. He followed her silently to the trailer, clearing his throat a little awkwardly as she browsed her purse for the keys, his hands stuck in his pockets.

What if he ruined it all? What if he said or did something wrong?

Pull yourself together, he thought irritatedly, nothing's gonna happen. And even if it is, you're certainly not a kid anymore.

Inside her trailer, the thousand of photos she had attached to the fridge showed the happiest moments of her life. Photos of Ally with her parents. With Charlie, on the couch she had described to Sean. Photos of a little Ally with a funny red hat on her head. Even with Jen on the make up trailer. A piece of her life that she usually never allowed anyone to see. Not that night. To be there with him was something right, and she didn't mind that he could see her photos or the ordered chaos, as she used to describe the mess she had in her bedroom.

They sat silently on the couch, the hot mugs in their hands. They were both scared, worried about ruining everything, because the situation felt so serious. This was the big test. And it was going to happen, Ally could clearly feel it.

Not a word was exchanged as they sipped their coffee. Sean briefly considered the possibility of saying something about the trailer, or about the photos, but soon decided that it wasn't a good idea. It would have merely sounded like a lame way to start a conversation, nothing more and nothing less. And it was the last thing they needed, especially after such a pleasing dinner together, after they'd somehow achieved some sort of easiness in each other's company.

Just be yourself then, it always works. Always.

He smiled to himself, glancing at her askance suddenly, and couldn't help but chuckle lightly when she turned to look at him.

"It's getting awkward, isnt'it?" he asked amusedly. "I'm a bit tense, I admit it.."

"Same for me" she grinned, shaking her head. Sighing deeply, she leaned back, propping on an elbow and staring intensely at him.

What now?

"I'm tense, too. It's been good until now... what's happening?"

"We're getting intimate.." Sean whispered, smiling as he reached to stroke her cheek and leaned closer. Much closer. So close that he could have kissed her straightaway, but instead he tilted his head to the side as he watched her face attentively, his smile widening.

"I didn't notice those before.." he muttered then, his index finger tracing a path along the bridge of her nose, just to let her understand that he was talking about the tiny, almost unnoticeable freckles spreading from there to her cheeks. He decided at once to love such detail, almost as much as he loved her slightly pouty lower lip and the sky-blue hue of her eyes.

"No one usually notices them" she whispered back, pleased that he had discovered that tiny detail. Usually men didn't care about her face, for in fact they just stared at her breasts. That's why she always covered them in an attempt to avoid those unwanted attentions.

Without even noticing, her hand had reached his face, gently caressing his chin and left cheek, a small smile curving her lips.

"You know, I'm not at all uncomfortable with the thought that we are getting intimate..."

"I could say the same.. I might like it." Sean replied softly, leaning into the caress and still staring in Ally's eyes. He was still smiling when he drew her within his arms to hold her tight, just hold her and bury his face between her neck and shoulder, relishing her warmth and the scent of her skin.

That was the most intimate contact they'd ever had, and it took only a moment for Sean to decide that it was indeed wonderful, that he could have been perfectly content with just that, without asking for more. Yet he craved to kiss her, he was eager to discover what she looked like when passion and lust and desire took over her, he was aching to feel her tremble and to hear her moan.

He wanted her.

"Ally, I--" he began, drawing back to meet her eyes, his voice barely more audible than a whisper. "God, I'm dying to kiss you.. would it... would it ruin everything?"

"No..." she whispered, still smiling, never drawing back.

A moment later, she closed the distance between them, finding his inviting lips with hers.

She had seen clearly the lust and desire in his eyes, and she could feel the same emotions wash over her, making her feel dizzy with desire and longing for that wonderful man that appeared to be at her side.

This time Sean just gave in, without further hesitations or doubts. He parted his lips at once to grant her access, caressing hers with the tip of his tongue at the same time, slipping it teasingly into her mouth now and then. Completely caught up in that kiss, he barely realized that he was actually pushing her down onto the couch, his need too urgent to even try and restrain it.

Looping her arms around his neck, Ally eagerly responded to that kiss, matching his intensity and willingly submitting to his ministrations, lying down, her eyes closed. In the meanwhile her hands were busy caressing his fair hair and her tongue was now shamelessly making love to his.

She could clearly feel the faint scent of his perfume, and the beard tickling her chin. Good. She had never felt that good with someone else before.

When they parted Sean didn't falter before to shift his attentions to her neck, his hands roaming eagerly on her sides and slowly reaching for her breast. He couldn't suppress a tiny moan when they finally reached the target, and redoubled his efforts by matching the kisses with gentle bites, lingering to lap hungrily at the soft skin now and then.

Ally's response to his ministrations was a tiny moan, her hands now freely roaming all over his back and sides, reaching his buttocks and squeezing teasingly now and then. She had been clearly taken aback by his ardour, but probably even more from the firmness she had felt under her hands. Naively she had underestimated him for he wasn't a young man anymore, but now she had had to change her mind. There was nothing those young hunks had that he should feel envious of. His body was strong and powerful enough.

Sean was panting and flushed when he drew back, looking forthwith in her eyes in search of any trace of regret or hesitance. He found only a pair of quite beautiful eyes there, filled with desire. Encouraged by such a sight he tugged gently at her shirt, smiling when she lifted the upper side of her body in order to help him take the garment off.

The white shirt was then hurled to the side, and Sean didn't hesitate when it came to take his own off as well and to throw it away.

He then took his time to look at Ally, who was still lying on the couch, and smiled before he lifted her skirt and bent to kiss her inner thigh.

Without delay, her hands reached his head, gently caressing his fair hair. She had looked at him, too, and she had been even more pleased to discover that he wasn't one of those big hairy men. His torso was smooth and slightly tanned, his abdominals tensing at his every move. He was gorgeous, indeed.

"Come here..." she heard herself say in a whisper. Sean's lips had left hers just a moment before, but yet she was missing them.

He complied at once, ducking to catch her mouth in a fierce kiss, his hands sliding up and down her legs all the time. He loved it. Her skin was like silk, soft and warm, and he couldn't get enough of the taste of her mouth.

He suddenly stopped, though, drawing back slightly, a worried frown on his face. Better now than later, he thought. Should they have had to stop it would have been easier to deal with it. Even if he was already more than turned on.

"Ally, I--" he began, stopping to clear his throat. How pathetically awkward. "I have.. nothing here with me.. I mean.. well, do you?"

Chuckling, the woman shook her head. She really couldn't believe that a famous actor and quite charming man as he was hadn't any protection with him. If someone had told her this would happen, she would have surely laughed out loud.

Standing up, Ally took hold of his hand, guiding him to the bedroom. Opening a drawer she showed him a whole packet of condoms, a triumphant grin on her face.

"Help yourself, Mr Bean..."

Sean grinned back in response, while fumbling to pull a condom from the small box. Then he turned around, staring menacingly at Ally, his grin widening as he neared her.

"I'll have to thank you properly for this.." he whispered, leaning closer to run the tip of his tongue enticingly over her lips. His eyes fluttered close as he kissed her again, deeply and demanding this time, his hands sliding down her sides to reach for the fastening of her skirt.

It fell down a moment later along with the last remainders of the doubts which had harassed her the previous days.

Fun. She wanted some fun. And if she discovered that it was the only thing he wanted from her, Ally would have struggled to keep their 'relationship' from touching her heart.

Yeah... it should work...

The kiss lasted forever, and the woman did her best to match his intensity, sucking his tongue in her mouth and nibbling enticingly at his lips now and then, just to tease him.

Moaning softly into her mouth, Sean didn't break the kiss as he kicked away his shoes and struggled with the fastening of his trousers, just to kick them away as well once undone. Then he and Ally were landing on the mattress, removing their underwear hastily, the kiss growing almost fierce despite their swollen lips.

He couldn't remember having ever felt this way before. Her heat, her smell, her mouth, her skin against his were the only things he was able to focus on. It was almost dizzying.

So much so, that Sean realized his hands were trembling only when it came to tear open the wrapper and put on the condom, and he couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle quietly as he drew back to glance at her face.

"God, Ally.. give me a hand, would you?" he smirked, assaulting her neck right after with a combination of enthusiastic kisses and soft bites, as he reached to take her hand and guide it to his groin.

Chuckling back, the woman gently brushed away his hands, taking hold of the little wrapper and tearing it open, carefully slipping the condom in her hand, paying attention not to touch it with her nails. Those little things were so fragile that one was always scared to break it accidentally.

Putting it on the tip of his shaft, Ally slowly unrolled the condom, until it was completely on, with no air inside.

"Here is it..." she whispered then against the soft skin of his neck, licking her way to his earlobe.

Sean tightened the embrace in response, rolling over on the bed with her, so that Ally was lying on her back and he was on top of her, without stopping to kiss and fondle her neck. Only once he'd settled in between her legs he drew back, staring intently at her, his hands still trembling when he reached to stroke her cheeks and cup her face gently.

His lips curved into a small smile then, and he didn't break eye contact when a moment later he pushed himself inside with almost unbearable slowness.

Hissing in pleasure, Ally tried not to break the eye contact, looking intensly at him, losing herself in those glimmering green eyes.

When he was all the way inside, she wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him to push it farther, gripping at his shoulders.

God. It was a wonderful sensation to be filled with that man, feeling him move inside of you, while his eyes were trying to see through your very soul. Making you feel bare and defenseless.

Very soon the only sounds in the trailer were their uncurbed moans and pants, and the rhythmic banging of the bed against the wall. Roaming her hands on Sean's back, Ally noticed that it was covered in a thin veil of perspiration, that made it slippery and wet.

Soon, she decided it was time to change the rules, and in a swift movement, never stopping their frantic lovemaking, she rolled on the bed until she was on the top of him, a mischievous grin on her face.

Sean grasped her hips at once, almost out of reflex, grinning back just as mischievously. He observed her for some moments then, revelling in the sight of Ally's shapely body, the thought that at least in that moment she was his, and his alone, making him shiver with delight. He had to choke back a moan when his gaze moved to her face, to those swollen and slightly parted lips, flushed cheeks and deep blue eyes, staring back at him.

"You wouldn't believe just how enticing you are right now" he whispered, his eyes still fixed into hers, as both his hands left her waist and made their way upwards. One reached for her breast, cupping it gently and teasing an already firm nipple, while the other stopped only once arrived to her face, Sean's thumb stroking her lower lip as he began to move beneath her in time to match her pace.

The pace soon became frantic again, and Ally couldn't help but moan at Sean's ministrations, catching his thumb within her lips in an almost wild gesture, nibbling not too gently at it and soothing the mild pain with her tongue, sucking his finger deep in her mouth now and then, eyes closed in sheer pleasure, while she continued to ride that gorgeous body, her orgasm preparing to hit her at full force.

Suddenly Sean's hand left her face and reached for the back of her head, pulling her down, as he heaved himself enough to be able to catch her lips with his own. He was very close as well, shuddering helplessly and struggling to choke louder moans, his fingers tangling in her hair as he ravished her mouth with his tongue.

When their mouths parted Sean grasped her hips again, urging her to quicken the already frantic pace, and his eyes opened once more to look at her.

"Come for me" he almost moaned then, panting heavily. "I want to see you."

She needed just a couple more of good, hard thrusts to fulfill his request, and Ally found herself lost in sheer pleasure, riding her orgasm as it rippled through her damp body, wave after wave.

But she didn't stop, still, for she didn't want to ruin his pleasure, too. Opening her eyes, she in fact had noticed that he was very close, too.

Both such sight and the feeling of her muscles tensing and contracting around him had Sean literally wriggling beneath her, his back arched off the mattress as if to ask for more, the grip on her hips tightening abruptly.

He struggled to look at her until it became almost too much to bear, and then he had to shut his eyes, his head falling back on the pillow, as he panted and shuddered and cried out his release.

Just then, Ally allowed her body to collapse onto his chest, still trembling from her climax. Closing her eyes, the woman took care of the condom while she still was there, relishing the warm comfort of the afterglow and not wanting to separate from him. Not so soon, anyway.

And now what?

For quite some moments Sean didn't move, nor he opened his eyes. He just kept on stroking Ally's back, his arms wound around her, an utterly relaxed expression on his face as he tried to regain his breath.

"Are you cold?" he asked suddenly, his voice soft and the tone affectionate. Both were still flushed and their skin covered with sweat, he didn't want her to catch a cold because of him. Not at all. Because he was already caring a great deal for her, more than he'd ever admit even to himself.

"Just a little" she replied, smiling softly and shifting to lay at his side. "Let me..."

Taking the blanket they had thrown away during their passionate lovemaking, the woman settled it on Sean's body, resting her head on his chest again and closing her eyes, limiting herself just to sigh contentedly, without uttering a single word.

"Thank you" he whispered, gathering Ally within his arms, and closing his eyes again. Then he just started to stroke her hair, without a word, not knowing if trying to talk her into something would have actually been a good idea.

She was very silent. Yet she seemed relaxed, and it comforted him a bit. She had been lovely towards him, kind and tender, and he didn't think she was regretting what had just happened between them.

"Are you sleepy?" he asked, biting his tongue right after.

What a lame, dumb and awkward thing to say, for God's sake.

Why couldn't he be content just to hold her like that? It was perfect, warm and comfortable, if she was silent it didn't necessarily mean that she was not at ease, or worse repentant.

"I'm just....happy" she whispered, her eyes still closed.

Was it a good idea?

She didn't mind it. At that point, Ally's brain had almost deleted all of her fears and doubts.

"I'm probably just naive but... I never know how these things work afterwards".

Sean lowered his eyes to glance at her, an eyebrow raised as he urged her to look back at him, and a faintly amused expression on his face. "How do they work?" he demanded, before placing a loud kiss on her cheek. "I'm happy, too."

"How?" she chuckled, tightening the embrace and staring intensely at him. "Oh, well, we should just turn around and fall asleep, and tomorrow morning you should go away without even saying goodbye, leaving me alone to cope with an empty bed... That's...that's how it worked last time..."

At such words she had to lower her eyes, sighing sadly, thoughts and memories she would have gladly forgot filling her mind.

"You know... I thought he was in love with me. What a stupid idiot... I was only an interesting diversion to him. Nothing more."

"I won't turn around and fall asleep" Sean replied softly, lifting her face with his index finger. "I'll sleep with you right here in my arms, wake you up in the middle of the night to make love once more, fall asleep again, and tomorrow morning my face will be the first thing you'll see. Then we'll leave for work together, and.." he said pensively, smiling, shrugging lightly before to continue. "Well, I don't know. Should we behave like we used to, in front of the others?"

"If...if you want to behave like that it's not a problem to me" she said softly.

Used as she was to be neglected and pushed aside, she was even expecting such a request from him.

"But I wouldn't mind showing everyone that we... are a couple. I'm pretty proud to be with you..."

Smiling, Sean tightened the embrace and nodded in response, obviously pleased by that last sentence.

"So am I." he said softly, "And... I take it we're a real couple now?"

"Of course..." she grinned, looking straight at him, a mischievous expression on her face. "I don't bed everyone, my dear. You're the first one after a long time and you're here now just because I like you so much and I am willing to be your partner. It wasn't just a one night stand for me..."

"Hey!" Sean protested, propping on an eyebrow in order to have a better view of Ally, even if he couldn't help but snigger quietly and raise an eyebrow amusedly. "I don't bed anyone, either! I am no slut, you know.. if I'm here it means that I like you just as much, my dear."

"That's good" she chuckled, putting an hand at the back of his head to pull him closer and giving him a quick, lingering kiss on his lips. "I know you're a good boy... But now we should sleep, otherwise later we'll be too tired to think about a second round!"

"Don't worry.." he chuckled back, as he settled at her side and dragged her within his arms again, her head resting on his shoulder. "I'm never too tired for that. You'll see it by yourself, I'll become your worst nightmare in no time at all.."

"I'd like that all of my nightmares could be as enticing as you are..." she whispered softly, glancing at him before to close her eyes and gently kiss his naked chest, taking hold of one of his hands and entangling her fingers with his.

"Sleep well..."

"You too."

They fell asleep within mere moments, hugging each other tightly, a half smile curving Sean's lips. And, probably much to her surprise, he actually woke her up late that night, his mouth searching for hers even before he was really wide awake, his hands roaming over her back as outside night gave way to twilight.

They were probably going to need massive amounts of caffeine in order to be able to work properly that day, and not just fall asleep upright, because they'd gotten no more than a few hour's sleep. But they definitely didn't seem to care.

Unable to utter a single word, too slumberous to do it, Ally just responded to that kiss, eyes still closed and a yawn that threatened to burst out right in the middle of that breathtaking kissing session.

He had probably caressed her even before she was fully awake, for she found herself already wet and burning with desire. Without further ado, her hand sneaked down to wrap around his hardening shaft, fondling it tenderly.

A soft smile spread over Sean's features almost of its own will as he literally clung to Ally and relished the gentleness of her touch, his eyes still closed. With matching tenderness he trailed kisses from her shoulders to her neck and chin, then slowly back to her neck again and upwards in order to reach for her ear.

"If this is not a dream, then you are.."

"You are a dream... " she whispered, leaning to his touch, sighing deeply and smiling back, entwining her legs with his own. Indeed he was a dream. Sean was all she had ever dreamed of. The one she didn't dare hope to find. They'd only known each other for about two weeks, yet she felt it was enough.

"I told you that I don't mind if you wake me up like that?"

"Yes" Sean managed, breathlessly, without really knowing if it was actually an answer to her question or rather an encouragement for her to go on and keep on caressing him like that.

Sweet. Captivatingly and almost overwhelmingly sweet. The touch itself was unhurried and affectionate, and sweet was the heat spreading slowly from his loins to his whole body, making him moan softly now and then and shiver with delight.

"You're beautiful" she breathed an heartbeat later, tenderly nibbling at his chin, her other hand descending to join the first one, slowly cupping his sac while her thumb was caressing it. Her strokes were soft, her hand moving up and down with unbearable slowness, stopping now and then to spread the tiny drops of salty pre-come up on the tip of his shaft. There was no hurry at all, and she would have continued like that forever more than willingly.

A few moments later Sean wrapped his arm around her shoulder, his fingers tangling in her soft, dark hair and stroking the nape of her neck in an affectionate gesture, as his eyes opened and met Ally's. His other hand then reached for hers, for the one that was stroking him ever so gently, and Sean lowered his gaze for a moment, in order to peep underneath the covers and glance at their entwined fingers. He didn't urge her to quicken the pace, at all, but gave her a soft smile when their eyes met again in the semi darkness.

"It's never been so.. so intense, so beautiful" he whispered, trembling slightly, his eyes fluttering close as he brushed his lips over hers.

"So beautiful, Ally."

"Just close your eyes and enjoy..." she whispered against his lips, closing her eyes as well before to kiss him gently and unhurriedly, matching her hand's movements. As the kiss gradually grow more passionate, Ally's hand began to apply more pressure, squeezing lightly at his shaft now and then, slightly quickening her pace.

Sean's moans increased as well, even if they were partly choked by Ally's mouth, as he started to rock his hips to match the movements of her hand. It felt wonderful. Their closeness, that mutual and silent understanding was almost as pleasurable as the feel of her fingers wrapped around his length. In a different way, but pleasant nonetheless.

"I want to make love to you" he suddenly whispered on her lips, his hand stilling hers and his eyes opening anew. He smiled softly then, giving her another lingering kiss before to drag himself up to sit on the bed.

"Roll over, and lay on your side" he instructed gently, while stretching out to reach for the drawer.

Smiling mischievously, the woman just did as he wanted, resting her head on the pillow and closing her eyes, waiting for his next move. She heard the drawer open and the wrapper being ripped apart. Then just slippery wet sound of him settling the condom in place, and her smile widened at the thought of what was going to happen. She had never felt so happy in her life, and she was more than willing to yield at him, just to be at his side.

Sean was smiling widely too, as he crawled his way to snuggle behind Ally. His arms wrapped around her at once, and he nuzzled her neck tenderly before to place a lingering kiss on the soft skin.

"Good morning, my love" he whispered sensually, while slipping a leg in between hers in order to widen them enough. The next moment he was pushing himself inside slowly, his arms tightening around her as he leaned to bestow the sweetest of kisses on her cheek and whisper endearments in her ear.

"Good morning" she managed to whisper, already burning of desire for him and completely unaware of the endearment he had addressed to her alongside to his greeting. Settling her hands on his, Ally then entwined her fingers with his, leaning to his touch and smiling helplessly, while panting softly in pleasure.

Apparently more than willing to take it slow, Sean started to move inside her with unhurried and gentle thrusts, caressing her sides and stomach with light strokes all the while. He would kiss her neck and shoulders now and then, nibble at her lobe or trace the outline of her ear with the tip of his tongue, a faint smile still on his lips, and a delighted expression on his face.

That was indeed what he'd call a good morning.

Turning her head enough to be able to face him, Ally smiled back at him, reaching his head with one hand, to caress affectionately his fair hair, her eyes never leaving his green ones.

Then she kissed him, tenderly at the beginning, but growing more and more passionate whithin moments. The unhurried pace was threatening to have her undone soon, for she could already feel the heat burning her lower belly.

Getting the hint Sean increased the pace, and a helpless groan was choked in her mouth.

While one of his hands was still caressing her belly the other reached in between her legs, his middle finger brushing teasingly on the slippery knot at the top. He smiled when he felt her shudder, and just as he was deepening the kiss again his finger started to draw lazy circles over the heated flesh, his thrusts increasing in speed and depth almost out of reflex.

He was craving to see her come again, to hear her moans, to feel her orgasm rush through her body and make her writhe in his arms. In that moment, all that was way more important to him than his own pleasure.

Soon Sean had her wriggling and shamelessly begging him for more in soft, heated whispers.

It was beautiful. Too beautiful to be true. Pushing against him, Ally met each one of his thrusts, closing her eyes and gripping at his arms.

The orgasm crashed upon her at full force, and she had to bit down her lower lip to avoid screaming out loudly, the sensations swirling in her body threatening to drive her mad, spasm after spasm.

She was still writhing and shuddering violently when Sean's arms suddenly tightened around her, and he buried his face in her hair to muffle his own increasing vocal responses. Then he was shuddering just as well, clutching almost desperately at her, his thrusting almost frantic and breathing coming in erratic pants. The moment he finally gave in and allowed pleasure to claim him, washing tumultuously over his whole body, he couldn't help but cry out. It seemed to last forever, wave after wave and throe after throe, leaving him breathless and moaning and dazed, clinging to Ally's supple back.

Still panting heavily, the woman turned to bestow a gentle kiss on his shoulder, paying attention not to break the condom and letting him slip out of her. Once done, she smiled at Sean, brushing aside a lock of hair hanging mutinously over his forehead.

No need for words in that moment. The look in her eyes worth more that a thousand of words and orations.

Sean, too, remained silent, staring intently back at her.

It was important.

She was.

For some reason he was now very well aware of that, and not only because of the afterglow and their bodies still entangled. He knew that even later, once out of that bed, she was going to be important for him just as much. What he didn't know was whether he should have been more scared or happy because of that. For the time being, it was happiness.

Wondrous and overwhelming happiness to be at her side.

"Good morning again" she chuckled, not wanting him to think too much about what they had shared.

She hadn't missed the doubtful expression on his face, nor the shadow which had crossed his eyes. Sean was scared, too. It was probably normal, but not in their conditions. They both had had bad experiences and were wary and suspicious towards love. If they would have pushed it too far and too fast, this relationship would have ended hurting the both of them.

"Do you think you'll manage to fight today? I bet you'll be suffering of a serious lack of sleep..."

"Possibly" Sean nodded, grinning. "But I don't think I'd mind at all. Not since it's because of you that I've slept only a few hours, anyway."

He leaned to claim a kiss then, a very soft and affectionate one, followed by a tender peck on the tip of her nose and then by a smile.

"I could even get used to this."

Smiling back, Ally enveloped him in the warmest of the embraces, showering his face with many little kisses, playfully nibbling at his chin now and then.

"I'm happy with you..."

And she meant it. With Sean she was happy again, after so long.

Jen was right, after all. Ally needed to trust someone and everything else would come naturally.

"So am I" he said in a low voice, giving her one of his peculiar crooked smiles. "I like the way you are with me.. I like that even though we've only known each other a few weeks, you're yourself with me. Your barriers have lowered. And I like like having you in my arms very much, too" he continued, his smile widening as he went on. "Oh and the scent of your hair, I love it as well. And that of your skin, and the taste of your mouth. And let's not forget the way you moan and writhe and pant and whimper.."

Actually blushing due to his words, Ally just stared at him, her fingertips reaching to stroke the outline of his lips, while a bright smile was having its way on her face.

"I like to be within your arms.... and I like to pass my hands in your fair hair. I like the way you kiss me. With you I always felt so...feminine and beautiful. I like the way you are yourself with me, not the star the press makes you out..."

"And that's very good for a start." Sean whispered, just before to lean and kiss her again.