Is this destiny?

They had dinner in a revolving restaurant at the Space Needle.

JoAnna didn't notice changing city lights below them. She was lost in his eyes which gazed back at her, observing every detail of her exquisite face, not missing a single change in her expression while reading her mood.

After dinner, they went up, leaning on the edge wall of the observation deck to enjoy the view of city lights.

Neither or them saw the lights. They were both painfully aware of each other's presence, fighting urges that raged within them. Number of couples kissing around them only added oil to the fire which burned their insides, reminding them that they are too far away from each other… pulling them closer.

JoAnna's feelings swelled within her, amplified by the knowledge how close he is, watching her, right by her side. Their shoulders almost touching. She was so nervous that her body shivered.

Jeff saw JoAnna shivering and swiftly unzipped his jacket. She realized that he wants to cover her up and grabbed his hands to stop him.

"I'm not cold." She admitted.

He smiled. 'Finally... she is close to me, facing me... so beautiful.'

JoAnna pulled jacket, which he was about to remove, back over his shoulders.

Jeff was pleased to see that she didn't move back to her previous position. "Did you decide not to run away?"

His deep voice entranced her, and those dark eyes pierced through her soul and hooked onto it, not letting her move away. She was unable to form any coherent thoughts.

"I'm not capable of making any decisions right now." She confessed with a whisper, feeling her heart thumping loudly in her ears.

"Good." He leaned in and lowered his lips on hers. 'Her lips are warmer and softer than what I imagined... velvety smooth.' The knowledge that she is not rejecting his touch thrilled him. He was fighting the fire within him, trying to be gentle, and not to allow his animalistic instincts to take over.

JoAnna could not tell how long it lasted. Not long... probably. When he lifted his head and their eyes met again, JoAnna did not feel anxious anymore. Her eyes were clear, fixated on the man in front of her. Feeling of his lips on hers still lingered and she wanted more. She licked her lips slowly and smiled. "I'm sure you can do better." She taunted him.

His eyes flashed in surprise. He was ready to respond to her challenge. Jeff reached out and with one hand on her back, pulled JoAnna to him. His other hand touched her chin, tipping her head up while he lowered his lips on hers again. If she expected another light kiss, she was quickly proven wrong. This kiss was hungry and unstoppable. His fingers traveled from her chin, leaving invisible fiery trace over her neck to the back of her ear, before his hand settled firmly behind her neck holding her head in place. His tongue probed her lips, asking for greater intimacy. She granted it. JoAnna's mind melted as their tongues swirled together, hers followed his as he retreated, tasting him in return. Her hands moved on their own along his broad shoulders and wrapped around his neck holding onto him tightly because whole world was spinning. And even if end of the world comes right now, she does not want to let go of him.

Jeff lost himself in her kiss. It's not his first kiss, but it's the first real one, with a woman who has the power to shake his core. His grip tightened, and he pulled her in closer... their bodies pressed against each other… but it was not close enough. His tongue explored her mouth deeply, but it was not deep enough. A low groan escaped him as he wanted more, more of her. He drew back a fraction, ending their deep kiss with few hungry, short ones. Jeff whispered against her lips. "My dear..." He swallowed hard. "We should leave this place."

JoAnna looked at him while catching her breath. "Yes" 'Oh, God, yes!'

…

They held hands as they walked back to her apartment.

JoAnna welcomed cold night air which helped her regain senses. She was still high from the kiss, but her voice returned as well as some of her cognition. "When are you going back?"

His steps stopped for a moment before they resumed. "You are not coming with me?" Realization hit Jeff as if someone poured ice water on him.

"No." She made her decision.

He knew that it was a long shot, but part of him still hoped that they don't need to part ways. Not so soon. "You can't stay at your place."

Jeff wanted her to come to his place. He wanted her close to him badly. But he reminded himself not to be selfish. He is not in a position to make any demands. He should be grateful that she didn't reject him.

"I know what to do." JoAnna tightened her hold on his hand, reassuring him. She will go to Hill villa and stay with Edward. He could use company, since Stella left for her trip to India.

"When you are safe, I will leave." He didn't want to leave. Last two days with her, he was riding high, and he is not ready to crash back to the reality.

"I can go anytime. I just need to call a cab. My car is still at the hospital." She didn't want to go back there, everything felt fresh. At this time, she decided that she will take some time off from work.

"To your family home?" He guessed right.

JoAnna smiled. "Yes."

"Can I drop you off?" Jeff wants to prolong his time with her, how much possible.

"If you have time."

He thought for a second. "In the morning, after we wake up."

Her heart fluttered at the implication of his statement. "I'm still not ready."

"I know." Jeff's voice was deep and tinged with regret.. He knows why she is not ready, and he promised to himself that he will fix that as soon as possible.