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reminisced about going to football games, the corn maze at
Halloween, and how midterms had been brutal. It was nice to reflect on those
times — it made her feel youthful and alive.
    They came to an area along the river where the water lapped softly at the
rocks. Two ducks swam passed, their feathers gleaming in the sun. This really
had turned out to be the perfect day.
    Deep in thought, Kate almost missed what Rocky said. Maybe he’d even had to
say it a second time.
    “Kate, I want to take you out again. Only this time, just the two of us.”

     
     
Chapter Nineteen
    Rocky took Kate out on a traditional date. Dinner and a movie. He let her
pick where she wanted to eat. She chose a classic downtown restaurant with a lot
of character. Its interior was filled with city memorabilia, postcards from the
turn of the century, and a menu that was pretty extensive.
    They walked downtown after the movie let out, and it felt comfortable to slip
her hand into his. She fit nicely next to him.
    “So what did you think of the movie?” he asked.
    “I liked it. It’s been a while.”
    “Yeah, me, too.”
    Even though the hour was growing late, people walked the streets. Laughter
filled the night as couples sought warm escape in the various wine bars and
restaurants.
    “Would you like to go to my house and have a drink? A glass of wine?” he
asked, not sure she’d go for the idea. But he wanted to show her where he lived
and let her meet his dogs. He loved those dogs.
    “Sure. I’d like that.”
    Rocky felt reassured that she trusted him enough to come over. Once at his
house, he opened the front door for her. He’d made sure he cleaned his bachelor
place up — just in case. He was fairly neat, but had gone the extra mile not to
leave anything out that shouldn’t be.
    The rottweilers smeared their noses on the sliding glass door, stumpy tails
wagging.
    “They’re big dogs!” Kate gasped, standing back.
    “Rotties get a bad rap. These two are gentle giants. Are you ready to meet
them?”
    “Sure…”
    He opened the door, gave the command for them not to jump, and they went over
to Kate and licked her hands.
    “That’s the dad,” Rocky said, “and that’s his son. Otter and Pop.”
    “That’s clever.” Kate smiled. He loved the way she smiled, the way her lips
looked so soft with a light shine of gloss on them. He’d been thinking about
kissing her all night, and didn’t know how much longer he could hold out.
    “So, do you like dogs?” he asked.
    “I love dogs.” She scratched their ears, gave the two dogs her attention then
gazed at her surroundings. “You have a really nice house.”
    “Thanks.”
    The dogs settled down and laid in their corner of the kitchen. Rocky poured
two glasses of wine, went to hand Kate hers, but stopped and put them down,
instead. “Kate, if I don’t do something right now, I’m going to go nuts.”
    “Wh —?”
    But her question was smothered as his mouth covered hers and he kissed her.
His tongue traced the softness of her lips, explored the inside of her mouth. He
pulled her to him, holding her close. She responded, her arms lifting over his
shoulders. She kissed him back, and blood pounded in his brain.
    The kiss was worth the wait.

     
Chapter Twenty
    The new review came out in the Wednesday edition of The Idaho Statesman. Kate’s opinion of the Rib Shack was now thumbs-up, however, she still had one
small complaint: The sauce was still a little on the spicy side. But for
firefighters who liked heat, nothing could be better.
    The aromas in Kate’s town house were buttery as cheese-topped casseroles
baked in the oven. Mariah had left the hospital with the baby, and today the
ladies had gathered at Kate’s for the little girl’s first trip out.
    Since Kate wasn’t one for cooking, everyone pitched in and brought things
over to heat on the stove or in the oven. The kitchen counter was filled with
salads and fruits, cake and a