Just inside Diane�s door, Bob put his hand gently behind her neck and pulled her mouth to his. He kissed her gently, then more urgently. His hands moved to her back, stroking her softly. Diane put her arms around his waist and ran her hands over his solid back. The muscles on his back were rock hard, and she felt like she was running her fingers over the dips and crevices of a carefully crafted granite statue, albeit a warm, moving, breathing figure. She regretted blowing off the gym these last few weeks. She knew her body was much softer to the touch, even though she was not fat.

Bob was getting warm, welcoming signals from Diane, and he pulled away for a second.

�How about if we get just a little bit more comfortable,� Bob asked softly.

�Bob, I think this is just fine. I�m just fine like this. This is just the right speed for me, okay?�

�I understand. You want to take it slow and easy. No pressure. I agree. I agree wholeheartedly. I am the same. I just meant that maybe we can take off our coats?�

Diane blushed, �Of course, yes, that�s fine. I�m sorry.�

Bob slipped off his coat and jacket, then helped Diane slip off her jacket. He carried them to the tall, heavy, antique coat rack by the front door.

�I�ll just get that coffee started,� Diane said, and turned toward the kitchen. She opened the cupboard and pulled out the filters, then turned toward the freezer to get the coffee.

When Diane�s attention was focused on the coffeemaker, he quickly slipped his fingers into the inside pockets of her jacket lining, removed a small folded slip of paper from her left pocket, and transferred it to his own coat.

Diane busied herself pulling down coffee mugs and setting sugar and cream on the counter. The invigorating rich, bitter smell of fresh drip coffee filled the room. Bob leaned over the counter and chatted with her, suggesting plans for the next day. They sipped their coffee and talked some more.

�Diane, I am seeing that tension back in your face,� Bob looked sympathetically into her eyes.

�It�s just the tensions of the day creeping back in. And I�m really tired. I just need to get some sleep, and I�ll be fine.� Diane managed a weak smile, and her eyes did look droopy.

�Okay, querida. It�s time I go home now.�

�Thanks, Bob. I�ll see you tomorrow.�