I looked at Harley. The rest of the group had dissipated, chattering about the who the next couples were going to be, while a group of them had gone to the bar to get a round of drinks for everybody.

“It’s just half a mile from here to where she parked, so I think we can walk to her car, no problem,” Harley told Michael and Carol.

Rachel had walked up to us, and kissed me on the cheek, “That was sweet, thanks, Aerin. You were a good sport with everything. Sorry we set you and Harley up like that.”

I shook my head, waving it off. “It was fun, but I think we need to head out now. Harley has to do something for Sheryl tomorrow, before she goes into work, and I need to hit the sack. For real.”

Annie and Thad had joined us, in the meantime, saying they were pleased to meet me, and thanked me also for being a good sport.

Ten minutes later, Harley and I finally made it out of there.

When we were blocks away from the bar, as we walked along the Ocean path, the sound of waves crashing in the distance, I reached out and took her hand, singing softly, “I could move a mountain when your hand is in my hand …”

Harley smiled, and swung our hands, fingers-interlaced, and sang in response, “you give me just a taste of love to build my hopes upon … you know you’ve got the power girl to keep me holding on …”

We walked the rest of the way in silence, stealing glances at each other from time to time, but mostly enjoying the moonlit walk by the sea with the other.

As we neared the car, I said, “We are in so much trouble.”

I heard that delightful light laugh of hers in response.

“You are an insanely sexy woman who would tempt a monk, Harley,” I pretended to groan as I plopped down on the driver’s side seat.

“Hmm… and you think being next to you is easy to deal with, Miss Palmer?” she asked without a slight shake of her head.

“Let’s get this show on the road, then, before I kiss you,” I said as we buckled up, and shared a last, lusty look.