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Chapter 2

The Kiss

Lacy could hardly believe it had been three days since she had seen Oded.  It felt like forever and she found herself smiling as she drove towards his house.  She was feeling an exquisite mix of nervousness and anticipation at seeing him again.  When she pulled up outside he was standing there waiting for her. 

He was leaning against the wall his ankles crossed, arms folder across his chest.  He was wearing black dress slacks, and a black light weight sweater, as well as black boots.  He pushed away from the wall as she pulled up and he started down the walk.  She jumped out of the car and moved to open the door for him.  He stopped short and gave her a smile that made her knees feel like jelly. 

“Lacy,” he said taking her hand in his, “I have deeply missed the pleasure of your company,” he raised her hand to his lips placing a gentle kiss against her skin, “I hope you have been well,”

“Yes,” she said just barely, “And I trust your ankle is better?”

“Yes I am very well,” he said as his fingers caressed the back of her hand.

“We… we should get going,”

“Of course,” he said releasing her hand.  She opened the door and he slid into the backseat.

She drove him to the studio and waited for him to come out for lunch.  They easily slipped into the routine they had established before he got hurt.  Lacy had indeed missed his company; she missed his soft voice, his gentle tone.  He had taken her by surprise when he kissed her but she liked it.  Part of her hoped he would do it again and part of her feared that very idea.

He had missed her as well.  Several times he had thought of seeking out her phone number just to hear her sweet voice.  Even now as he looked at her in the rearview mirror he could still remember their brief kiss.  He had never felt lips so soft, so sweet; she practically begged to be kissed.  Still he knew it was still there, the pain, the uncertainty. 

She took him back to the studio after lunch and once again settled in to wait for him.  Oded returned later then he had hoped and approached the car.  He didn’t see her at first until he drew closer and saw her fast asleep in the front seat.  He stood there for a moment studying her face.  She was so beautiful in such a natural way.  At that moment he wanted to pull her into his arms and make all the painful memories disappear.  Instead he reached for her gently touching her arm.

“Lacy,” he said gently.  He gasped her arm firmer causing her to jerk awake and pull from him, “I am sorry,” he said gently, “I did not mean to startle you,”

“Oded,” she gasped, “God you scared me witless,”

“I am sorry,” he said, “You were sleeping so soundly,”

“Oh no,” she said, “Oh please don’t tell anyone I fell asleep,”

“You needn’t fear that,” he said, “Are you all right to drive.” 

“Yes I’m fine,” she said, “Oh,” she said starting to open her door.

“It is all right,” he said, “Stay,” He rose to his feet and moved around the car.  She was surprised when he opened the passenger door and slid in next to her, “If you do not mind I will keep you company.  I would not want you to fall asleep as you drive,” he smiled.  She gave him a soft smile back before starting the car.

She drove through the streets back towards Oded’s house.  She could feel his eyes on her and it made her stomach flutter.  He was so handsome and so sweet.  He was the kind of guy she thought only existed in fairytales until now.  When she pulled up in front of his house neither of them moved.  Suddenly he turned to her and gave her another heart melting smile.

“I was wondering,” he started, “Perhaps this is not appropriate of me,” he said, “However, I was wondering if you would be free this tomorrow night,”

“Excuse me,” she said nearly choking on her words.

“You see I have a party I must attend the studio is hosting it.  Since I am not from this area I know very few people.  Just my cast mates and such.  I dread going to these functions alone, so I was wondering if perhaps you would honor me with your company,” he said.

“Oh,” she said.

“I understand if you are uncomfortable with this situation.  If you wish we will just forget I brought it up,” he said.

“No,” she said, “It’s not that.  It’s just that I’ve never been to a fancy party.  I mean I assume it’s a formal event,”

“As a matter of fact,” he said, “It is a formal occasion,” 

“Well I’m afraid I wouldn’t have anything to wear to something like that,” she said.

“That I can easily remedy if you would allow me,” he said.

“I don’t know,” she said.

“Well it is your choice,” he said, “I would very much like to have a friendly face to gaze upon in a room full of strangers,”

“Oh,” she said as blush colored her cheeks, “Well, I guess…  I mean if it means that much to you,”

“I would be forever in your debt,” he said as he smiled softly.

“All right,” she said.

“Good I will make the arrangements,” he said, “If I may have your number and address,”

“Of course,” she said pulling out a card and handing it to him.

“Then I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night,” he said taking her hand in his, “Until then,” he kissed her hand briefly before moving from the car. 

~*~

Lacy was in her apartment when their was a knock at the front door.  She answered it to see a deliveryman standing there.  She smiled at him as he held a large box under his arm.

“Lacy Rhodes?” asked the man.

“Yes,”

“Delivery for you,” he said handing her the clipboard, “Just sign there,” Lacy took the clipboard and signed it before handing it back, “Here you go miss,” he said handing her the box.

“Thank you,” she said taking the box.

She took it inside and set it on the coffee table.  She knew almost instantly it was from Oded.  She pulled the blue satin bow off the box and lifted the lid off of it.  She let out a gasp as she parted the tissue paper inside.  She reached in carefully and lifted the material from the box revealing a dazzling sapphire blue gown.  It was satin, strapless, with a fitted bodice and a narrow skirt with a slight slit up the back.  It was covered in rhinestones and had a sheer chiffon train that flowed from the back. 

Also in the box were all the accessories she needed.  Matching silk pumps, opera length gloves, clutch purse, and wrap as well as the appropriate undergarments.  She blushed at the idea of him picking out such things for her to wear.  Then she found a card inside and opened it up.

“Lacy, I hope the dress fits you.  I guessed on your size and the sale girl picked out the dress based on my description of you.  I look forward to seeing you I’m sure you’ll be radiant.  I will arrive at seven to pick you up.  Until then, Oded,”

Her heart was racing as she picked up the box and raced to her bedroom to shower and get ready.

~*~

It was seven o’clock when Oded pulled up in front of her apartment.  It was a modest building, quaint, and charming.  He made his way up the walk and soon was standing in front of her door.  He took a deep breath as he reached to knock on her door.  He hoped he was going to far by asking her out.  He soon heard the knob rattle and the door opened.  There stood Lacy looking like nothing less then a vision.

She had her golden locks piled gracefully on her head, showing off her subtle neck, and beautiful shoulders.  She looked like an angel in the sapphire dress that hugged her now apparent curves.  Oded had known she had a figure under the uniform she usually wore but he never imagined she was that voluptuous.  The dress fit her like a glove and it made his heart race as he looked at her.

“Hi,” she said shyly as his eyes moved over her.

“Hello,” he said softly.

“Is everything all right?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said, “You… you’re breathtaking,”

“Oh,” she said blushing instantly.

“I am sorry, but I am unaccustomed to seeing you in this fashion.  I must say it suits you,”

“I feel a bit like a fish out of water,” she smiled.

“Well you don’t look it,” he smiled, “Shall we?” he asked as he held his arm out to her.

“Of course,” she smiled as she slipped her arm around his.

He escorted her to the Limo and helped her in being mindful of her gown.  He shut he door and went around to the other side of the Limo.  He slid in next to her as the car moved out.  He looked at her then.

She had her hands folded in her lap and she appeared to be a bit tense.  Not that he blamed her.  Still she looked beautiful.  He noticed the pearl accented hair combs in her hair, the simple pearl earrings, and the string of pearls around her neck; she was the picture of elegance.

“So do you like the dress?” he asked giving her a soft smile.

“Yes, it’s beautiful, thank you,” she said.

“I should thank you,” he said, “I usually find these events quite boring.  However, the idea of having you on my arm for the evening makes it all bearable,”

“Well, I’ve never been to anything like this before.  I’ll try not to embarrass you,”

“I doubt you will embarrass me.  All you need to do is be your usual enchanting self,” he smiled.

“I’m hardly enchanting,” she said looking at her hands.

“I think you are,” he said taking her gloved hand in his, “And quite beautiful,” 

“Oh,” she said blushing.

“I’ve told you this before,” he said softly, “Why do you still act so shocked?”

“It’s not something I’m accustomed to hearing,” she said softly.

“Has no one but me ever told you you’re beautiful?”

“No,” she said softly.

She was avoiding his eyes.  She felt his fingers under her chin as he turned her to look at him.  Her lips were trembling as he gazed into her eyes.

“I’ll have to make it a point to tell you more often,” he said softly.

“Oded,” she whispered.

He gently pressed his lips to hers; once again letting them gently caress hers.  He heard her breathe in sharply as he gently nipped at her soft lips a bit.  He slowly pulled back and looked at her as her eyes fluttered open.

“I couldn’t help myself,” he said gently, “That’s twice I’ve kissed you without your consent,”

“It’s all right,” she said blushing.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he said changing the subject.

“Actually yes,” she smiled.

“Good because we are having dinner as well,”

“Sounds delightful,” she smiled.  Soon they pulled in front of a lavish building and Lacy about froze, “Photographers?”

“God, I forgot,” he said, “I’m sorry,”

“Well it’s too late to do anything about it now,” she said.

“Just hang on tight and we’ll sail right on by them,”

“All right,” she said.

When the car stopped and a man stepped forward and opened the door.  Oded stepped out and turned offering his hand to Lacy.  He helped her from the car and quickly slipped his arm around her waist.

She looked at him flashing his million-dollar smile as the cameras went off.  He certainly was charming and he looked so handsome in his tuxedo.  She was glad he wasn’t wearing a bowtie but a simple, black silk tie.  He took her breath away.  Once inside he gave her a smile.

“You handled that perfectly,” he said.

“I did my best,”

“Come,” he said ushering her forward.

He moved with her to the grand room and he felt her tense.  His hand moved from the small of her back to the base of her neck as he stood with her.  His thumb caressed the back of her neck sending a chill through her. 

“It’s all right,” he said.

“I’m suddenly feeling very out of place,” she said.

“Nonsense,” he said leaning close to her, “I happen to think you are the brightest star here,” she blushed just before they were interrupted. 

“Now see I told you,” came a man’s voice, “I told you he’d show up with a knock out,”

“Brendan, Arnold,” said Oded.

“May we start proper introductions so I may meet this enchanting creature,” smiled Arnold.

“Lacy this is Arnold Vosloo and Brendan Fraser,” he said, “Gentlemen, this is Lacy Rhodes,”

“Nice to meet you,” said Brendan shaking her hand.

“It is more then nice,” said Arnold, taking her hand in his, “It’s as if the God’s have smiled upon us this evening.  Perhaps you will allow me the pleasure of a dance later,”

“I’m sorry,” she said withdrawing her hand, ”But I’ve promised every dance to Oded,” she smiled as she took his arm.

“Alas, you leave me broken hearted,” he said, “It seems lady luck has smiled on you tonight Mr. Fehr,”

“Indeed it has,” smiled Oded, “If you will excuse us,” he led her away.

“He was pulling my leg right?” she asked.

“Who Arnold?  Afraid not, had you shown an interest he probably would have spent the evening pursuing you,”

“Oh,” she said.

“Do not fear, I never would have given you up without a fight,” he smiled, “Champagne?”

“Please,” she said.  He took two glasses from the tray and handed one to her, “Did you know it’s only considered champagne if it comes from the “Champagne” region of France?  Most of what we call champagne is actually sparking wine,”

“No, I did not know that,” he said.

“I’m sorry, I’m babbling,”

“No, you’re not,” he said leaning into her, “And even if you were it is a most beautiful sound,”

“Oded,” she said blushing.

Just then they announced they were serving dinner.  Oded escorted her to their table and pulled out her chair for her.  She took her seat next to him and slipped her gloves off.  They sat at a table with “The Rock” and his wife Danny, Arnold, Brandon, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velasquez, and John Hannah.

They served the meal, which was a choice of prime rib or grilled chicken with a wild mushroom sauce.  They had steamed vegetables and wild rice pilaf, and rolls.  For dessert they had sorbet.  They were having a wonderful time and then the question came. 

“So Oded, how did you and Lacy meet?” asked Brendan.  Oded looked at him and before he could answer Lacy did.

“I picked him up,” she said causing Oded to nearly choke on his water. “I’m a chauffeur,” she said making everyone laugh.

Soon the music started to play and everyone started to mingle once more and make their way onto the dance floor.  Lacy turned to Oded.

“So what exactly was the point of this evening?” she asked.

“The nig boys are flexing their muscles,” he said moving closer to her, “They like to trot out all their stars and have these back slapping parties and since they’re banking heavily on this sequel here we are,”

“Hmm,” she smiled, “It has been a fun evening so far,” 

“The evenings still young,” he smiled, “Now I do believe you mentioned dancing,”

“Yes, I did,” she said.  He moved from his chair and held his hand out to her.

“May I have this dance?” he asked.

“Of course,” she said taking his hand.

He led her onto the dance floor and drew her against in.  He looked so incredible and he felt wonderful as he held her close.  She was ready to simply melt in his strong arms. 

Her mind was swimming as she felt his body sway in time to the music with hers.  God can he really be this wonderful?  Can I trust him completely?  Can he love someone like me?  If I give him my heart will he heal it or break it?

She pulled back to look at him then and gazed into his brown eyes.  He gave her a soft smile and she felt a wave of dizziness sweep over her.  She stumbled as he held her close.

“Lacy?” came Oded’s voice as she slipped into blackness.

~*~

 He had felt her stumble and gripped her around her waist to steady her.  She suddenly went limp in his arms and he held her close to him cupping her face.

“Lacy?” he said, “Lacy, sweetie,”

“What happened?” asked Rachel running over.

“She fainted,” he said.

“Here there’s a sitting room this way,” she said, “Some one get a cold towel for a compress,” 

Oded lifted her into his arms and followed her through the crowd.  They took her into the sitting room where he gently laid her down.  He caressed her cheek gently.

“What happened?” asked Brendan handing Rachel the wet towel.

“We were dancing and she stumbled.  The next thing I know she fainted dead away,”

“Here,” said Rachel, “Place this on her forehead,”

“Thank you,” he said, “You best leave now.  I think she’d feel self conscious if you were all here when she came to,”

“Of course,” said Rachel, “If you need anything,”

They left and Oded turned his attention to Lacy.  He placed the cold cloth to her forehead and caressed her cheek.

“Come on sweetheart,” he said softly, “Don’t leave me hanging here,”

It was several minutes before she started to stir.  A slight moan escaped her lips as she started to come around.

“Lacy,” he said softly, “Come on,” he said as he leaned over her, “Come on,” she moaned again as he cupped her face.

Her eyes fluttered and he saw her try to focus on him.  He gave her a soft smile as her fog lifted from her mind.

“What happened?” she asked.

“You fainted,” he said, “One minute we we’re dancing and the next…”

“Oh God,” she groaned, “I knew I’d embarrass you,”

“You didn’t,” he said.

“Great,” she said trying to sit up.

“Easy,” he said pushing her back, “Get your bearings first,”

“I’m fine,”

I’ll be the judge of that,” he said, “You gave me a bit of a scare there,”

I’m sorry,” she said, “I don’t know what happened.  I just felt dizzy,”

‘It was getting a bit stuffy in there.  There’s a garden out here if you like we could go for a walk.  Some fresh air might help,”

“I think it would,” she said.

He moved from the sofa and helped her to her feet. She still felt wobbly as he slipped his arms around her.

“Perhaps I should take you home,”

“No, I’ll be fine,”

“Very well,” he said.

He escorted her to the French doors and led her onto the terrace.  It was a beautiful moonlit night as they strolled down the path to the garden.

“It’s so beautiful,” she said.

“Certainly is,” he smiled looking at her, “You know we can still hear the music down here.  Would you care to try that dance again?”

“If you wish,” she said.

He drew her close and she smiled softly as they began to dance once more.  She took him by surprise when she rested her head on his strong shoulder.  His cheek rested against her temple as he held her close.

They continued to dance and felt her heart racing in her chest.  She was confused by the feelings she was having, unable to describe them and scared by how strong they were. She felt her knees waver when he pulled back to look at her.  She pulled back as he leaned in to kiss her. 

“Please don’t,” she said moving from him.

“Why?” he asked.

Oded, you don’t belong with someone like me,”

“Someone like you?” he looked at her, “My God Lacy you simply have no idea how desirable you are, do you?”

“I’m not desirable,” she said as tears began to pool in her eyes, “I’m nothing, and I always will be.  No amount of fancy clothes is going to change that.  Tonight is just another fairy tale that will end.  I’ll go back to my life and you’ll go back to yours,”

“Who says it has to be like that?” he said taking a step forward, “Why would it just have to be tonight?”

“That’s just how it is?” she said stifling a sob.

“Lacy, don’t you realize I care for you?”

“Yes, but you shouldn’t,”

“Why the hell not?”

“Because I’m not good enough for you,” she said as tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Yes you are,” he said trying to pull her near.

“No!” she said pulling from him, “I’m…”

“You’re what?”

“Damaged goods,” she sobbed.

“God Lacy,” he said softly, “What monster told you that?”

“What does it matter?” she said turning from him.

He stood there for a moment looking at her.  Her shoulders were shaking as she sobbed softly.  He had an ache in his heart seeing her in such pain.  He ran his fingers through his hair and let out a soft sigh before speaking.

“Lacy, I don’t know who filled your head with these ridiculous ideas but it’s all lies.  I hope you know that there was nothing you could have said or done that would have made it your fault.  No one deserves to be treated that way,” there was no answer from her, “Lacy you are not damaged goods.  You are an intelligent, funny beautiful woman.  Any man who sees you as anything less is a fool and not worth your time,” there was still no answer as he stepped closer to her, “You have given me the honor of you company tonight and if we only had tonight I would keep it in my heart for the rest of my life because of you.  I will always remember the night I spent with a beautiful angel named Lacy,”

She turned to him now and he saw the tears trying to wipe her tears from her cheeks.  He took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

“Thank you,” she said softly as she wiped her face, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t want tonight to be like this,”

“Lacy, I do care for you, but I won’t push you.  I just want you to trust me, you have until now,”

“I know,” she said quietly.

“Have I done something to betray your trust?” he asked.

“No Oded,” she said, “I…”

“Lacy, I will not tread where I’m not welcomed, but I genuinely want to explore these feelings I’m having for you.  It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this and I don’t want to let them go,”

“I don’t know if I can return them,” she said tearfully.

“Because you’ve never tried,” he said slowly reaching for her hand and grasping it in his own, “There has been so much pain in your life.  I saw it in your eyes that first day we met.  My sweet Lacy, there is so much more you’ve yet to feel,” he held her gaze, “There’s hope, joy, desire, passion, and love.  All of which I would gladly show you if you would let me,”

“You barely know me, how can you say these things?” 

“I know you enough to know that I like how you make me feel and that I wish to know you better,”

“Oded,” she said.

“Look at me,” she said, “Can’t you see what you do to me?  Here,” he took her hand and placed it flat against his chest.  She could feel his heart beating hard and fast under her hand, “My heart is racing,” he said, “And it’s because I’m near you right now.  I only wish you could feel how much it aches when we’re apart,” 

“Oh Oded,” she said softly.

“Please Lacy, I implore you, trust me and you’ll never be sorry,”

“Oded,” she sobbed as she threw her arms around him.

“Shh,” he said gently, “It’s all right,” 

“I can’t help it,” she said.  He pulled back and looked her in the eyes.  He took his handkerchief from her hand and dried her cheeks.

“I’m not saying that I can erase what happened to you, but I can promise the memories will fade, and I will give you happy ones to replace them.  The last thing I ever want to do is hurt you,”

“I know,” she said, “Oded?”

“Yes Lacy?”

“I don’t know how to ask this,”

“Just ask,” he said softly.

“Would you…would you kiss me again?” she asked blushing.

“If you’re sure that is what you want,” he said.

“I’m sure,” she said softly.

“As you wish,” he said.

He drew her close with one arm and brought his other hand up to caress her sweet face.  She trembled at his gentle touch and he gave her a soft smile.

“What?” she whispered.

“I’m about to kiss an angel,” he whispered.

“Oded,”

“Shh,” he said as he pressed his lips to hers.

His lips were light on hers and he could feel her trembling as he kissed her.  He started off slowly, caressing her lips with his, nipping at her lips tenderly.  He decided then to venture further, seeing if she would allow him a sweeter taste of her.  His hand slipped up cupping her head as he let his tongue come out and caress her soft lips.

He felt her gasp at the feel and he waited a moment before doing it again.  She gasped once more and left her lips parted.  He took it as an invitation and gently slipped his tongue into her mouth.  He felt her hand grip his arm as he began to slowly taste her.  The kiss was mind numbingly slow, as he gently explored her sweet mouth. 

She moved her hand up his arm to his shoulder and soon her fingers were tangling into his thick dark hair, her other hand slipped under his arm to his back.  In that instant he felt it as she began kissing him back.  He backed off letting her explore him now as he held himself in check. 

Lacy felt as if a warm wave was washing over her as he kissed her.  Her whole body tingled at the feel of him, and she felt a throbbing between her legs she had never felt before.  It was as if a fire was sweeping over her scorching her skin, sensitizing her to his every touch.  She felt overcome with need as he pressed her against his lean frame.

He felt his own desire building and knew he had to end it soon, however her kiss was so sweet, so innocent he found his own control slipping.  He gently began to back out of the kiss and soon their lips parted.  Her eyes remained closed as he looked at her.  He gently reached out and caressed her soft cheek.

“Lacy,” he said softly.  She opened her eyes and looked at him.  He nearly lost his breath when he saw her eyes, the bright sparkle that now filled them, the desire that still lingered from what they had just shared, “I should take you home,”

“Just a while longer,” she said softly.

“Then I must insist,” he said moving from her arms.  He removed his jacket and slipped it over her, “Now,” he said, “Come here,”

He drew Lacy close and she rested her head on his shoulder as they danced a bit more.  Neither of them spoke but they new that what they had just shared had changed their relationship.  That night he realized that he was falling in love, and she realized was ready to open her heart to him.

He took her home and they shared one more tender kiss on her doorstep.  Lacy fell to sleep with his kiss still warm on her lips, with a warm feeling in her heart, and with hope for a happy future.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Driving Oded - Chapter 3