Hutch had dressed casually for his memorable evening. Instead of his usual gold jomber jacked and tight jeans, Hut had chosen a pair of tan pants, and a dark brown shirt which he had buttoned to his navel. There was soft jazz music playing in the background. As Hutch checked out his beloved greenhouse, he was waiting patiently for her to arrive.

Gillian arrived at 7. She had chosen a really smart-looking pair of black pants and a really lovely white silk-like blouse.

"Would you like something to drink," he asked after he had invited to sit down on the couch.

"Sure," she answered. "What do you have?"

"Anythiug you desire. I have buttermilk, wine, iced tea and I think there may even te a bottle or two of Starsky's root beer in the back of the fridge."

Gillian laughed. She was not going to deprive Starsky of his root beer. "How about some wine?"

"Some wind for my lady, coming up." Rutch rose. He returned several minutes later with the wine. He also had gotten himnself some of the wine. He sat down on the couch beside her.

"So how was your day?" He asked after he had taken a sip of the wine.

"Oh, fine. I spent most of the day at the library researching for an article in Ladies' Home Journal." She responded. "Well, this is pretty good wine."

"Yeah," he agreed. "This is a new wine." The guy at the liquor store recommended it."

"How was your day?" Gillian wanted to know.

"Starsky and I are working on a case right now that we hope to crack soon." Hutch smiled.

"Sounds perfect."

"Yeah, I hope you like what I have prepared for dinner."

"Hutch, anything that you made will be perfect."

"Salmon steak, green beans, and tossed salad. If you are still want anything after that, If found this great place not far from here that serves the best Italian ice cream you have ever tasted and I bought some."

"Hutch, that sounds great."

"Yeah, well, and it is ready whenever you are."

"Okay, that sounds great. I am starved." Gillian giggled.

"Well, then, let me escort you to the table." Hutch helped her to her feet.

He picked up her wine glass and when they had reached the table, he placed it on the table for her. He pulled the chair out for her and when she was seated, he pushed it in for her until she was in a confortable position. Hutch broght 2 plates with the dinner on them to the table. He sat down in his place.

After Gillian had taken her first taste of everything, she could not help but to tell Hutch, "Hutch, this is so good."

***********

The fire was starting to get low. Hutch had just put the dishes in the sink after they had finished dinner. They could wait until tomorrow or later tonight. He had other things to consider.

Hutch and Gillian were enjoying the last of the wine. She looked deep into his baby blue eyes. She didn't have to say a word. All of the feelings that she knew she was starting to feel for Hutch, Gillian knew she could not stop.

Hutch had been in love before, but this time it felt good. For the first time he had met her, he felt there was something different about Gillian.

They did not need to say anything to each other. They felt very comfortable. All it took was one look from her and he knew what was coming next.

He took her in his arms. He wanted her to spend the night. "Hutch," she said seductively in his ear.

It brought him back to reality. "Yeah." She felt so good in her arms. He wanted to stay like this forever.

"It's late." She looked at her watch.

"Yeah." He shrugged his shoulders as he let go of the embrace.

"I have to go soon." she said with a note of disappointment in her voice.

"Spend the night, Gillian, this has been so perfect."

"Yeah, this has been a great night, but, Ken, I do have that article in the Ladies' Home Journal to finish."

"But I would have you home in plenty of time to go to the library."

"Ken, that sounds so inviting, but this article is important to me. We will have other nights."

"Yeah, you are right. Let me at least drive you home. It is much too late for you to go home alone."

"Ken, thanks."

Hutch drove her home. He was not interested in letting this new lady in his life go home alone and he would not feel right unless he saw her safely to her own door.

She was right. There would be other nights to spend together.

THE END