You know one thing that sucks majorly? Being in an unfamiliar town on a Saturday night....alone. Here I sit in my plush hotel room in New York City. I was in town on business. Did I mention I was alone? My partner got sick and couldn't make it, leaving me to do everything myself. Great.

After my seminar and mingling with clients was over, all I wanted was a drink. No, make that a few drinks. I called down to the front desk and asked how late the bar was open. Luckily it was open until 3am. I looked at my watch. 10:37pm. I decided to make myself somewhat presentable. I mean its not like I'd meet anyone here. I live in Tampa for God's sake.

I stepped into the shower and let the hot water roam my aching body. So sore. My muscles relaxed and I finished my shower. I had even contemplated skipping the bar. No. I needed those drinks too badly. I muffled through my suitcase for something presentable. I pulled out a fitted short black dress with thin straps and decided 'what the hell'. I put it on, slipped into my black strappy sandals and applied my make-up. I checked the full length mirror on the back of the door. Not bad, not bad at all.

The elevator took forever to get to my floor. Ding! Finally the doors opened and I stepped in. I didn't want to make eye contact with anyone. I needed my drinks first. Good thing I didn't look at the man behind me. If I had I would have noticed his mouth drop open. I did, however, hear 'Good God' escape his mouth. I tried not to smile too big.

The doors opened to the lobby and I stepped out, making my way towards the bar. As I entered, I noticed that the bar wasn't too full. Of course not. Everyone else is out partying.

I sat at the bar and ordered a double shot of Goldshlauger with a Bud Light as a chaser. I think I suprised the bartender as I threw back the gold liquid. All of it. I threw back the beer as well. Much better. I surveyed the other bar patrons. There were a few business men in one of the booths. Some couples and singles scattered the rest of the area. I sat back as I felt the alcohol begin to warm my body. A few more patrons entered the bar. One man sat at the piano and began to play.

I needed to pee so badly. I got up and made my way to the ladies room. So much better. I returned to my seat and there was a man a few stools away from me. As I past him, I noticed his head snap up and look at me. Big smile again. Who doesn't like a little positive attention? I ordered one more shot of Goldshlauger and another beer. Down the hatches. Sooo much better. All the alcohol eventually sank in, which meant I was in a very good mood. Once again, I turned in my seat and watched everything going on. The man playing the piano had stopped. He was actually good, so why would he stop? Anyways.

The man a few stools down from me stood up and headed towards the piano. Is he gonna play? Yup. I never got a clear look at his face as he sat. A beautiful sound erupted from the piano. No no, that wasn't, was it? The melody sounded familiar, but how would HE know THAT song. I listened more. It was the song. My favorite song. I watched his head raise. His eyes were closed....wait a minute. The darkness of the bar covered all his features. But...no....they look so familiar. It wasn't until his eyes opened that I realized they were HIS. But why was he here, in this bar, this hotel, this city?

I sat there totally entranced by him. His fingers made love to the piano keys. His eyes opened and closed slowly. His brow furrowed as he concentrated on the song. I unconsciously moved from my seat closer to the piano. I watched as his full lips mouthed the words to the instrumental version. Finally his fingers stopped. The music ended. My song ended. He sat back, eyes still closed. A long, deep breath escaped his lips and slowly his eyes opened. As if he knew I was there, he turned and looked into my eyes. Wow. Those crystal blue eyes looked through my soul.

"That was beautiful." He smiled, almost embarrassed.

"Thank you."

"I didn't know you played," I said carefully. I didn't want him to think I was a psycho stalker fan. "I'm sorry. It's just that I was shocked to see you here in New York."

He smiled softly. "It's just something I picked up over the years. And....I would appreciate some secrecy about me being here. I'm on a vacation, alone."

"You're secret's safe with me," I smirked. There was an awkward silence, as neither of us knew what to say. I just wanted to ravage that perfect mouth. He stood and I was afraid I scared him away. I put my head down, somewhat in shame. Just then, I saw his hand in front of my face. His slender fingers lifted my chin to meet his eyes.

"Join me for a drink?" It was more of a statement, then a question.

He took my hand in his and walked us towards a quiet table in the corner. Being the perfect gentleman, he pulled my chair out for me. I sat and smiled up at him. His eyes never left mine as he sat across from me. The waiter came to take our orders. He ordered a bottle of the finest champagne. I had to chuckle when the waiter asked for some I.D. From both of us.

"Ohmygosh, I'm so rude. I never asked you're name."

"Oh," I giggled, "that's ok. I'm Zoey Augustine."

"Wow. That is a beautiful name. This is only proper, I'm Nickolas Carter." He smiled like a small boy.

"Nickolas huh? No more Nicky?" I teased.

He shook his head no. "I grew up, so it's only fair my name grows with me."

"Yes, you did grow up, Nickolas. You've grown up quite nice, too. Besides, I've always liked Nickolas a lot better then Nicky." His face flushed a bit and a small smile crept upon his lips.

As time passed, we sat and talk, and drank, and talked some more, and drank some more. Before long he moved his chair closer to mine and I was nestled up against his body. Just so completely comfortable. His scent exhilarated my senses.

"So tell me Miss Augustine.." He chuckled at himself. "What is your biggest fantasy." I just kinda looked at him. "Aw come on. You can tell me. It's supposed to be a good ice breaker.. well so that's what Brian says but what does he know?"

I didn't hesitate. "The perfect kiss. Not just a small peck, but a nice, soft, slow kiss. To me the perfect kiss is more erotic then sex." I sighed.

He licked his lips and swallowed a few times. "Wow."

"What? Too cheesey?"

"No.. it's just that well normally when I ask someone that it involves sex."

"Well, what's yours?"

He thought about it for a minute. "Well it's pretty much the same thing as yours. I love kissing. And I agree with you, sometimes it is better then sex."

"Yeah, but you've probably actually had that perfect kiss. I haven't found it yet."

He looked at me almost in shock. "You haven't??" I shook my head no. "Zoey, I'm so sorry. Everyone deserves that perfect kiss."

I tried perking up a bit. "Ya, well I'm still young. I'll find it one day." I yawned. "Well Nickolas, this was nice. I'm beat and I have a flight to catch tomorrow. Thanks for all this." I stood. He just stared at the table.

"Lemme at least walk you to your room." I eyed him. I wasn't too sure if that would lead into something more. If it did, would I be strong enough to resist?

"Ok, Nick. I'd like that." He grinned his lop-sided smile and stood. He threw some bills on the table and took my hand.

We walked in silence to the elevators, hand-in-hand. What was he thinking? My head was reeling with thoughts. Was something going to happen?

The silence was broken when he asked me what floor I was on. I didn't even realize we were on the elevator.

"Oh, um 9, please."

"That's the same floor I'm on." He grinned. I was getting sleepier and I casually put my head on his shoulder and sighed. He smelled really good. I think it's Cool Water. Love that scent.

The doors opened and we stepped out, heading towards my room. I noticed we both were walking incredibly slow. I know I certainly didn't want the night to end.

"This is me." I smiled. He looked around and laughed. "What?"

He pointed behind him. "That's my room."

"Oh, we're neighbors."

"Yah." Silence filled the hallway. "I guess I should let you get some sleep." He wouldn't look at me, but my hand remained in his.

I was speachless. I really wanted to kiss him, but I didn't want the throw myself at him. I held back and resisted. "Yah, again thanks for a nice night."

"Hey no problem. Thanks for keeping me company. I don't know what posessed me to go on vacation alone."

He stepped forward and enveloped me in a hug. My arms easily and naturally went around his upper body. Oh this was so comfortable. We parted slowly, looking into each others eyes. Our faces were mere inches apart. My heart raced with anticipation. "Well, goodnight Zoey."

"Goodnight Nickolas." I quickly recovered my key and went into my room before I burst. I don't know why I was on the verge of tears. I just met this man. I closed the door behind me and slid down to the floor. After our conversation I decided he would be the person to share that perfect kiss with.

I stood quickly and regained myself hoping to catch him before he went to his room. I tore the door open and there he was, about to knock on my door. Without speaking he grabbed my face and pressed his lips against mine. The kiss deepened and our tongues met. His lips were soft and gentle but at the same time firm and strong. Just like a man should be. My hands went to his sides and my fingers gently stroked his shirt. My insides liquified as I melted against him. My stomach fluttered, my heart raced, my head spun and my knees got weak. THE. PERFECT. KISS.

We parted breathless. His hands remained on my face as our foreheads met. His thumbs caressed my cheeks and my mouth. I gasped for air as I tried to speak. "Nick.."

"Sshh, don't talk. Just feel it."

My eyes closed as I tried to compose myself. I moved my head to rest on his chest and our arms wrapped around each other. "I've never felt like that from just a kiss before. Wow."

"Yea... same here. That was... amazing."

"Stay with me please." I looked up into his questioning eyes. "No Nick, I just want to sleep. But maybe if you're next to me, this feeling will last until I leave tomorrow."

He nodded silently. "Ok. Let me go change real quick." He let go of me, kissed me quickly and went to his room, leaving door cracked a bit.

I went into the bathroom and slipped on my silk pajamas. As I came out of the bathroom, Nick was entering my room again. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. He was in black cotton pajama pants and a black sleeveless tee shirt.

He closed the door behind him and put the lock on. We both slowly made our way to the bed. "I know you want nothing to happen tonight and that's fine with me, and it'll take a lot for me to control myself, but for you I will." He spoke barely above a whisper.

"Same here, Nick trust me. I wouldn't feel right if we did more and I had to leave and us never see one another again."

"I understand." He climbed into bed and opened the covers for me. I climbed in next to him. He pulled me close and again wrapped me in his arms. We were silent until he spoke. "We will see each other again, I guarantee it."

"How can you be so sure Nick? You live all the way in California and I'm in Tampa. And who is to say you'll even want to see me?"

He was laughing quietly. "Don't worry about me not wanting to see you. I deffinately do. As for us not seeing each other, apparently you don't keep up on us. I moved back to Florida recently, back to Apollo Beach actually. So, we'll deffinately see each other."

I'm sure he could have seen my smile in the dark. I was grinning from ear to ear after hearing he lived by me. "Ok Nick, we'll work it out. I want to take it slow, though."

"Me too. I'm not wanting anything serious right now. It's hard enough on the road, but throwing a relationship in there is even tougher. It's always hard on girls I date, me being away a lot and long periods of time without seeing each other. They always leave me."

I could hear a hint of sadness in his voice. "Ssshhh, Nick let's not talk about this now. Get some sleep." I leaned up and kissed him lightly. His lips were addictive. He returned the kiss and we settled into the bed and each other.

"Goodnight Zoey."

"Night Nick."

**************************************

The next morning I woke to the alarm clock. I hated early flights, but I had no choice considering it was a business trip. Once my eyes were opened fully, I turned over to an empty bed. Foolishly I began to panic. Maybe he just went back to his room, or I fell for one of his tricks. None the less I got up and showered, and packed the remainder of my belongings. On the night table was a piece of stationary. I must not have noticed it before. On it was Nicks cell phone and email address. I relaxed a bit. Maybe he had someplace he needed to be.

After the bellhop took my bags out of my room, I walked across the hall to Nicks room and knocked. No answer. I didn't want to worry, but I couldn't help it. I left for the elevator and made my way to the lobby.

I checked out and followed the bellhop out the front doors to see a long black limo waiting. I didn't want to assume it was for me. My company sometimes splurged if the outcome of meetings or confrences went good.

The cheaufeer walked over. "Miss Augustine?"

"Yes, that's me." He nodded and opened the door. My boss must be happy, I thought. I waited as the bellhop loaded my bags, and tipped him. I stepped into the limo and thanked the driver. My head lifted after I straighted my outfit and set my purse down. There at the other end of the limo was Nick, grinning.

"Hey." He moved closer.

"Hey yourself. What happened to you this morning?" The car began to move.

"Well, I remembered last night that you said you had to leave this morning for Tampa. So I decided I had been on vacation long enough and needed to get back myself. I called the airline, bought a ticket, switched your seat and well, here we are."

I was smiling. "Nick you didn't have to do that. This was your vacation."

"I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Besides, this will give us a chance to talk more. Get to know more about each other." He moved so he was next to me.