"Ms. Delgado's assistant just left a message, Sir," answered the voice of his long-time secretary, Lou, apparently unaffected by his abrupt manner. "She asked me to tell you that Ms. Delgado has been held up in court and will meet you at the restaurant, instead of at home."

"Damn it!" growled Todd. He had been looking forward to a little private time with Téa before their date that night.

Lou went on, ignoring his outburst. "She said you shouldn't worry--she'll be on time. Oh, and Ms. Delgado wanted to thank you for the roses."

Todd rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He slammed his hand down, disconnecting without another word. "Chicks," he grumbled. They loved Valentine's Day and all that goopy, romantic junk. Mostly, they just enjoyed watching guys jump through hoops to provide them with all the trappings of the holiday--the sappy card, the candy, the roses and the intimate dinner for two--the more expensive, the better. And God forbid if he forgot even one disgusting little detail. "What I won't do to get laid," he muttered. Suddenly, he realized how easily that thought had popped into his mind and he allowed himself a chuckle or two. It wasn't so long ago that the thought of physical intimacy with a woman, even a woman he loved as much as he loved Téa, would have paralyzed him with dread, instead of filling him with warm anticipation as it did now.

His eyes wandered to the readout of the date on his digital desk calendar. February 14, 2001. Almost a year since Delgado had come back into his life. Although there had been ups and downs, for the most part it had been a good year. A far cry from the year he had spent away from her, lost and alone and struggling to make sense of the disaster that was his past.

He hadn't planned on ever having another chance at happiness with Téa. But during his absence he had gotten into the habit of returning to Llanview from time to time just to look at her from the shadows and make sure everything was all right with his loved ones. When she had been shot and nearly killed, he had sneaked into her hospital room late at night, willing her to live. He knew Téa and everyone else hated him for his betrayal and lies, so on the night in question, he hadn't planned to do anything other than hide and try to satisfy himself with nothing more than a brief glimpse of the woman he loved. But a speeding car had suddenly taken away his choice in the matter. Coming out of no where in the dark parking garage, the sinister sedan had headed straight for Téa as she stood frozen in its headlights. Todd could either remain hidden and watch the woman who meant everything to him run down in cold blood, or take some action and maybe save her life.

He would always remember the look of shock and recognition in her dark eyes as he lay on top of her on the garage floor after the murderous car had narrowly missed them. Although he had just saved her life by tackling her to the ground, he was expecting her to give him some attitude. But he had been surprised by her reaction. She had actually been happy to see him. It hadn't taken long after that for them to rekindle the attraction that had always been between them. Téa had even admitted that she had missed him while he was away for so long. The day when she had agreed to leave Llanview with him was happiest of his life.

Life hadn't been all a bed of roses since then, but it had been steadily improving. Téa had insisted on therapy for them both, alone and together, in order to prevent more of the devastating incidents like those that had blown their lives apart before. It was hard, and Todd hated it, but he knew that honesty was the only way to go with Téa. The therapy had helped him in other ways, too, finally letting him come to terms with the abuse he had suffered at the hands of his sadistic adoptive father, Peter Manning. After a few months, he had finally reached a point where he could act on his sexual feelings for Téa without fearing that he would lose control and hurt her. And after that first time--well, let's just say that they had a hard time keeping their hands off each other ever since.

They now shared a penthouse in New York. Todd ran a small media group consisting of a few local newspapers and magazines, but he had dreams of building it into an empire to rival Ted Turner's or Rupert Murdoch's one of these days. He still missed the hands on thrill of running the Sun, but he found himself too busy to devote so much time to just one of his holdings. Téa had returned to the law, joining a small firm dedicated to providing low-cost legal help to those most in need. Todd was a bit uncomfortable with her pet cause, helping battered women, but he realized why she felt so strongly on the subject and tried to lend his support as best he could. They had worked out an arrangement with Blair allowing them to have Starr for a weekend once a month. It wasn't enough to satisfy Todd, but he tried to make the most of his time with his little girl. Yes, he had finally reached a point where he could honestly say that life didn't suck too much. But there was the potential for so much more.

Pulling out a key, he carefully opened a locked drawer on his desk and extracted a small black velvet box. Looking around the empty office guiltily, he popped open the lid and studied the huge diamond ring nestled inside. It had three princess cut stones, one for each of their past marriages and the third, largest one symbolizing the future, the marriage that he hoped would last forever. He was ready to take the next step and propose, and he secretly hoped Téa had learned to trust him enough to say yes. He was taking no chances, planning every detail to make sure that their Valentine's evening was perfect.

He had secured reservations at the hottest, most popular new restaurant in all of Manhattan. Movie stars were known to wait weeks for the privilege of tasting the latest creations of the celebrity chef. After a romantic dinner, they would tour Central Park in one of those horse-drawn carriages Téa was always eyeing so wistfully whenever they passed by. Personally, he couldn't think of anything more annoying than trotting through the cold slush behind a smelly oat-burner, but hey…who could figure out chicks? When they arrived back at the penthouse, he'd present her with the giant heart-shaped box of her favorite chocolates. Then, going down on his knees before the roaring fire, he would pull out the ring and pop the question. After so much romance, how could she resist?

Allowing himself the tiniest of grins, Todd closed the little box and slipped it into his jacket pocket. God, he was getting mushy these days! He had actually worn the silk boxers adorned with tiny red hearts that Téa had presented him with that morning. He shivered as he remembered the look on her face when he had opened the box. She had smiled seductively and told him that was only part of his gift. He had to wait until tonight to unwrap the rest of it. He had a clue what "it" might be--he had seen the pink and white striped bags from the lingerie shop in Téa's closet.

Glancing impatiently at the clock, he counted off the hours until their dinner reservation. He couldn't wait for the mushy stuff to begin.

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

Pacing back and forth in the foyer of the restaurant, Todd paused to drill the maitre d' with another of his patented glares. He wasn't used to being kept waiting, especially when his reservation was almost half an hour in the past. The man met his gaze coldly, then resumed chatting on the phone, apparently unconcerned. Growling, Todd started toward him, prepared to take the condescending grin right off his face. He felt a gentle tug on his arm.

"Calm yourself, Querido," said Téa's soothing voice. "Getting him angry will only delay our table even longer. You've been doing so well in your anger management. Don't blow it now." Todd stopped and took a couple of deep breaths, turning to Téa and drinking in her calming presence.

"But I wanted everything to be perfect tonight, Téa, and this…this…"

"Shhhhh. Don't worry about it," she said in a soft voice. "We're here, we're together, and it's Valentine's Day. Nothing can spoil our evening unless we let it. I'm sure our table will be ready soon." Todd looked deep into her eyes and reached up a hand to play with one of the curls that had escaped from her upswept hairdo. Suddenly, the elevator opened and the small waiting area was filled with several burly men, one of whom pushed Todd and Téa roughly to the side, breaking them apart.

"What the…?" grunted Todd, incensed by the rough handling. He pulled Téa to his side, protecting her.

"Clear the way," announced the goon. Todd was just about to get in his face when a young couple emerged from the elevator. The sight of them caused every head in the restaurant to turn. The young man was the hottest young star to hit Hollywood in years, raking in the box office in a series of rather unspectacular action flicks that featured numerous explosions and gratuitous shots of his naked butt. Todd recognized the girl from the cover of one of the supermarket tabloids he owned. She was a costar in the last movie, the latest in a series of forgettable blondes with fake boobs and questionable acting skills. She was dressed in a clingy red dress that showed more flesh than taste as she fusses over the star boyfriend. Todd remembered some brouhaha that had made all the entertainment venues a couple of weeks before. Something about a disturbance at the star's palatial Hollywood mansion that had required calling in the police. Oddly enough, the girl was wearing large dark glasses in the dimly lit restaurant.

Todd practically seethed right out of his skin as the snooty maitre 'd fawned over the couple and led them immediately to a prime window table. Only Téa's soothing voice kept him from choking the life out of the man when he returned to his station.

About a half an hour later, Todd was still fuming. They had finally been seated, but he had been none too thrilled to see that their table was right next to that of the celebrity couple. Their entourage of hangers on and bodyguards occupied all the other nearby tables. Todd and Téa had been sitting down for fifteen minutes and the waiter had yet to come by and take their drink order. The young star, on the other hand, was well into his third vodka rocks.

At Téa's urging, Todd tried to forget about the ruckus and concentrate on just the two of them. Romance, he thought. It's the most romantic fucking day of the year. "So, Delgado, do I get any hints about the rest of my present?" he asked with an enigmatic grin. Téa looked stunning in a black satin evening suit adorned with rhinestone buttons. She wore tiny heart-shaped diamonds in her ears with a matching lapel pin in keeping with the holiday. The noise level at the next table had gone up several notches. To Todd's chagrin, Téa's attention was focused on their neighbors instead of him.

"What?" she asked, returning her gaze to his frowning face. "I'm sorry, Corazon, you were saying?"

"Look, Téa, let's just get out of here. This place sucks."

"No…no….you've gone to so much trouble, and this restaurant wouldn't be getting written up so much if it wasn't good. Let's just keep our patience for a little longer." Téa glanced over at the other table again. "Although I have to admit, it's getting a little hard to ignore that." The boorish star was leaning forward, pounding on the table and berating his girlfriend in a loud voice.

"That's it," said Todd, getting to his feet. "We're getting a different table or we're out of here." But before he could move, the drunken young man at the next table suddenly reached out and grabbed his companion by the shoulders, shaking her. Nearby diners watched in shock as the poor girl cowered while the star yelled at her, calling her a whore and a slut. Before Todd could react, Téa was out of her seat and standing at their table.

"Get your hands off her!" she shouted, fighting to control her Latin temper. Several of the huge bodyguards surrounded her, dwarfing her petite figure.

"Who the fuck are you?" asked the star rudely, although he did let go of the woman. Téa ignored him and turned to the starlet. To her horror, the girl's dark glasses had slipped, revealing a black eye that makeup couldn't disguise.

"You don't have to put up with this, you know." said Téa sympathetically.

"Mind your own fucking business!" slurred the star. He gestured to one of his goons who grabbed Téa by the arm, trying to pull her away. Todd suddenly knocked his hand away.

"Get your hands off of her!" he shouted angrily. "C'mon, Delgado, let's go."

The girl whimpered, terrified by fear of what her drunken boyfriend might do. "Really, Miss, it's OK," she said, pushing her glasses back into place. "Frankie just gets a little…"

"Excuse me, but it's not OK," said Téa forcefully. "You don't need this…this loser. You don't need anyone who doesn't treat you with the respect you deserve."

"Who the fuck asked for your opinion?" said the star, lurching to his feet. The bodyguard started dragging Téa away. "Maybe you need a lesson in minding your own business, bitch."

It all happened so fast. Todd was struggling with another bodyguard, wanting to rip the drunk's head off, but he was distracted by the maitre 'd informing him coldly that he would have to leave. He turned his head to tell the man where he could shove his crappy restaurant when he heard the crash. Cries of surprise erupted from the patrons, followed by dead silence. The star lay draped over the table on his back. Pieces of cutlery and broken glass were still falling to the floor. His bodyguards and girlfriend looked at the unconscious man, horrified. And standing over him was a petite, beautiful young attorney who was gingerly rubbing her right fist with her other hand.

"Doesn't feel so good, does it pendejo?" sneered Téa. Suddenly she burst into tears, looking around her frantically. Todd quickly was at her side, pulling her protectively into his arms. "Oh Todd, what have I done?" she sobbed. He patted her back softly, eyeing the star with contempt and secretly cursing.

Oh yeah, this was romantic all right. You couldn't get any more fucking romantic than this.

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

"You're kidding, right? She's half his size, he was coming after her, and the guy is a dickhead." Todd paced back in forth in front of the desk, running his fingers through his hair. He had grown it long again at Téa's insistence.

"I'm sorry, Manning, but he's pressing charges. Assault." The detective looked somewhat sympathetically at Téa who was sitting quietly in front of his desk, obviously dejected. Her coat was loosely draped over her shoulders and a lone tear slipped down her cheek.

"Where is the little jerk?" asked Todd, angrily looking around the squad room. "Let me have one minute with him and I'll show him the true meaning of assault."

"Just calm down or you'll be in a cell right next to her, buddy," said the detective, eyeing Todd warily.

Todd stopped cold. "A cell?" He swallowed hard. "You aren't taking her to jail. I won't let you."

"Oh you won't, huh?" The detective looked up, but Todd wasn't paying attention to him. He and Téa were staring into each other's eyes. He carefully straightened a stack of papers, giving them a moment. "Look, I realize it's Valentine's and all, but I have no choice. Her arraignment isn't until the morning, so I have to hold her until then. I'm sorry, Ms. Delgado." Téa put her head down and began sobbing in earnest, clutching a tissue in her fist. Todd squatted at her side. She looked up at him.

"I've really done it this time, huh Todd?" she said through her tears. "After giving you all that stuff about controlling your temper, I go and lose mine. I've ruined our Valentine's Day and I'll probably lose my license to practice law. Great job, Delgado."

Before Todd could say anything, they were interrupted by a ruckus across the room. The young starlet they had seen at the restaurant was leaving an interrogation room. "That's it, Frankie! I don't care if I never make another movie! Nothing is worth this!" She slammed the door forcefully and began stomping her way across the room in her stiletto heels. She faltered when she saw Téa. Hesitating a moment, she approached the desk. She had removed the sunglasses and the bruises on her face were more visible than before. After a long silence she whispered, "I don't know what to say. Sorry, I guess."

Téa sniffed. "I meant what I said. You don't have to put up with that kind of abuse." The girl's eyes widened.

"Abuse? No, it's not like that. You see, Frankie is under a lot of pressure and sometimes he just loses control." Téa just shook her head as Todd watched quietly. The expression on the girl's face changed and her eyes filled up with tears. "It doesn't matter anyway. I'm leaving him. I…I can't live like this anymore."

"I'm glad you've realized that. But Frank will just take it out on someone else. If you pressed charges…."

"No! I couldn't do that to him! His career…. Look, I appreciate what you tried to do for me back there in the restaurant, and I'm sorry Frankie is being such a jerk, pressing charges and all. But you don't know what it's like." Todd and Téa's eyes locked. "Anyway, I hope things work out for you," said the girl, wiping at her cheek. "I gotta go." She slinked her way out of the squad room, followed by lustful looks from most of the male cops.

"OK, it's time," said the detective climbing slowly to his feet. He gestured to a nearby policewoman. Todd could see the panic in Téa's eyes. He turned to the detective.

"Look, you don't have to do this. She's a lawyer. She'll show up for the arraignment tomorrow. C'mon, man, it's Valentine's." The man shook his head.

"I can't make an exception. Sorry."

"Then at least let me stay with her."

"Todd, no! I won't let you do that for me. I know how you hate to be locked up." Téa sniffed and stood up. She reached up a hand to caress Todd's chin. "I did this, and I'll take the consequences. I just hope you'll forgive me for ruining our evening. I'm sorry I disappointed you." Todd clutched her hand in his, holding on tight.

"You didn't disappoint me, Téa. If anything it makes me love you even more. You don't take crap off anybody. It's what makes you….well….you…and I wouldn't change a thing. Who needs Valentine's Day anyway? It's just a date on a calendar. We'll do the romantic stuff some other time…and we're definitely going to another restaurant." His little attempt at bucking up her spirits failed miserably. She was just too frightened and disappointed. The policewoman took her arm and Téa meekly began to follow her. Todd just couldn't take the hollow look in her eyes. She needed something to hold on to, something to help her keep focused on the future instead of the bleak night ahead.

"Wait!" he shouted. The detective, policewoman and Téa all looked at him curiously. "Look, just give us a minute, huh?" he pleaded. He reached in his pocket and fingered the velvet box. He approached the woman he loved, staring into her tearful eyes. Without a word, he dropped to his knees in front of her. Ignoring the curious stares from the law enforcement officials, he cleared his throat. "This isn't the way I had planned this, Téa, but what happened tonight doesn't change how I feel about you. I…I want you in my life forever. You worry about disappointing me, when I'm the one who's terrified that I'll wreck your life, that I'll hurt you again. I know you've heard this before, but I really do want to try again, to have a real marriage." Téa watched with wide eyes as he pulled out the velvet box, opened it and held it toward her. "Téa Delgado, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Her eyes widened in surprise and pleasure. Bringing her hands to her mouth she stifled a little gasp at the size and beauty of the ring.

"Oh Todd! I love you! Yes, yes I'll marry you!" They were both startled at the loud cheering and applause from the group of policemen that now surrounded them. The odd sight of someone proposing in the middle of a squad room had attracted quite an audience. Ignoring them, Todd got to his feet and took the ring from the box. Beaming, Téa held her left hand out. He was reaching for her when she suddenly snatched it back, leaving him looking at her in confusion. "No," she said shaking her head. "I'm being arrested. They'll take it away from me in just a couple of minutes. When you put that on my finger, Todd, this time I want it to be forever." She looked wistfully at the shiny diamonds. "Keep it safe for me." He nodded, clutching the ring in his fist, trying to control his emotions. An awkward silence descended.

"Well at least kiss the poor guy," said one of the policemen, breaking the tension. Téa smiled, wiping away a tear. She stepped into Todd's arms and to a chorus of laughter and cheers, the promise was sealed with a kiss. Todd clung on to her, fearing that he didn't have the strength to let her go, even for just one night. Finally, the policewoman cleared her throat and Téa pulled away reluctantly. She turned and began walking away, keeping eye contact with Todd as she watched him over her shoulder. He crossed his arms over his chest, holding in the anger, willing himself to refrain from throwing things.

"Wait! Are you Ms. Delgado?" asked a fussy little man in a long black greatcoat. His eyes darted from Téa to the cops and over to Todd, reminding him of a weasel. He pulled out a card, handing it to Téa. "Jack Albright. I'm Frank Deacon's publicist and I'm afraid there has been a terrible mistake."

Téa took the card then glanced up at the publicist warily. "Mistake? You mean your client isn't a woman-beating jerk?" The man blanched.

"Uh….well….no, that isn't….look, it was all a misunderstanding." He glanced around at the cops. "My client has decided against pressing charges against Ms. Delgado. He…he doesn't need the bad publicity that a trial would bring." Several of the cops cheered again. Todd was weak with relief, but his stomach started churning when he saw the set of Téa's jaw.

"Oh, so that's it, huh?" she said derisively. "I'm just supposed to go away quietly and Frank's little secret remains hidden. Well, that's not going to happen, buster. My fiancé over here just happens to own the New York Tattler, did you know that?" The man looked at Todd with wide eyes, then reached for a desk to support himself. Taking a deep breath, he recovered slightly.

"I'd suggest you take steps to keep this story out of the press, Ms. Delgado, or my client may decide to press charges after all." Todd could see the sparks flashing in her eyes from across the room. Wrong bluff, buddy. Téa stepped up to the little man so her face was just inches away from his.

"Was that a threat? Because if it was I'd like you to know that you and your client don't frighten me. Do you know who I am, Mr. Albright? I'm an attorney, an attorney who specializes in helping battered women escape their abusive lovers and husbands. I see your client every day in different guises and I take extreme pleasure in making men like him pay for their abuse. So go ahead. Let Frank press charges. I welcome the fight." Todd was proud of her, but he had to admit that he wanted this whole thing to go away. He wanted her out of here. Glancing over at him, Téa could read his mind.

"This hard line isn't helping either one of us, Ms. Delgado," sputtered Albright.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped back from the publicist and softened her stance. Glancing again at Todd, she took a deep breath. "Here's the deal. Frank drops the charges. In return, I'll attempt to convince my fiancé to keep this little incident out of the papers. This agreement lasts for two weeks. If at the end of that time I haven't received proof that Frank Deacon has started psychiatric treatment to deal with his anger and substance abuse problems, all bets are off. I go public and you can clean up another of Frank's messes." Albright stared at her for a couple of seconds more, then shrugged his shoulders in defeat. He really didn't have any choice. Frank had lost a nine million-dollar endorsement deal after that incident in LA.

"You win, Ms. Delgado." He turned toward the crowd of cops. "Mr. Deacon is dropping all charges against this lady." More cheers and applause accompanied the news. Todd approached Téa. He still had the ring in his fist. To loud catcalls and whistles he slipped it on her finger.

"I love you, Delgado," he whispered in her ear.

"Even when I've lost you one of the hottest entertainment stories in years?" she asked sheepishly.

"There isn't much I wouldn't do to keep you out of jail. And I never want to hear about that jerk movie star again. With any luck, he'll do everyone a favor and wrap himself and his expensive sports car around some palm tree. Let's go." He began towing her toward the exit. Téa resisted.

"Just a minute," she said, snuggling into his arms. She reached up to press her lips against his. "I want you to know that this proposal was the most romantic thing you've ever done for me. I'll remember it for the rest of my life."

Todd kissed her back. "Yeah, whatever. Let's get out of here. I'm starved." Shaking her head, Téa followed him out the door.

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

Bursting through the penthouse doors, Todd's gaze moved frantically from one object to another until it fell on the huge heart-shaped box of chocolates that he had left propped up on the sofa. Without bothering to remove his overcoat, he stomped over to the box and unceremoniously ripped off the ribbon and the cover. He shoveled several chocolates into his mouth, barely chewed them before swallowing, then reached for more. He turned around to find Téa watching him from the doorway, an amused grin on her face.

"What?" he said, revealing a mouth full of chocolate. Chuckling, Téa walked into the room, carefully removing her coat and draping it over the back of a chair.

"Are you going to eat all of those or am I going to get any of my Valentine's candy?" He glanced guiltily at the pillaged box.

"Uh, sorry," he said, holding it out. He swiped at the chocolate drool that was threatening to run down his chin. "It's just that we never ate at that freaking restaurant and, and…I'm starved."

Téa pretended to look over the offerings, then gently removed the box from his hand and set it on the coffee table. "I'm starving too," she said in a low purr, "but I think I'll settle for just a taste of the chocolate for now." Without another word, she pressed her lips to his. Suddenly Todd was warm, and it wasn't because of the toasty fire that crackled in the grate. Per his instructions, the doorman had lit the fire and set out a bucket with chilled champagne. "Still hungry?" inquired Téa, pulling away after the searing kiss.

"Yeah," grunted Todd, shrugging out of his overcoat. "But it isn't food I need now." He pulled her to him, tasting her lips again. "I think it's time I unwrapped the rest of my Valentine's present, don't you?" he said, eyeing the top button of her suit.

"Not so fast, Mister," grinned Téa, pulling away. "First we have to see how much you liked the first part of your present." She reached for his belt, beginning to undo the buckle. Todd rolled his eyes.

"C'mon, Téa, you didn't actually expect ME to wear those things, did you?" He stared at her bustline, driven crazy by the thought of what was under all that tight black satin.

"I wouldn't have given those boxers to you if I didn't want you to wear them, Todd," continued Téa pleasantly. After unbuckling his belt, she pushed his suit jacket from his shoulders and began to work on his shirt buttons.

"Hey wait a minute. I thought this was supposed to work the other way around," he protested half-heartedly as she undid his cuff buttons. Reaching over to the box of chocolates, she stopped his protests by popping one into his mouth, then sealing his lips with a kiss.

"I'm unwrapping my Valentine's gift," she teased. "You see, I was supposed to get a box of candy, but someone ripped it open before I got near it."

"That's not fair," he tried to say, but his mouth was too full of sticky candy. He chewed it while Téa removed his shirt and T-shirt. He shivered as she ran her fingers over the light fur on his chest, swallowing the candy with a gasp as she pulled gently on his nipples. Laughing, Téa pushed him into an armchair and seductively removed his shoes and socks. She pushed herself between his knees, lightly kissing him and caressing the firm muscles of his chest and arms. Then, with what can only be described as an evil little grin, she pulled him to his feet.

"Show time, Manning," she breathed as her hands expertly unhooked and unzipped his fly. Suddenly, he felt very shy and pulled away.

"Uh uh," he protested. She placed her hands on her hips and tapped her foot. "C'mon, Delgado. I'm not showing you my undies until you show me yours." She frowned at him a moment more before she broke down in an amused chuckle.

"I guess you've been patient enough." She held her left hand up in front of her face, watching the diamonds on her new engagement ring sparkle. "And since you did get me this for Valentine's Day, I'll forgive you for the chocolates."

"Don't forget the peach roses," he reminded her as he roughly pulled her into his arms. After another kiss he went to work on her rhinestone buttons.

"I've been waiting all day for this present, Delgado," he murmured. Soon the satin suit jacket was nothing but a pile of material on the floor. The skirt quickly joined it. Todd gasped at the sight in front of him.

Téa was wearing black lace lingerie--a bra that showed her curves to perfection and french cut bikini panties. Tiny little red embroidered hearts added just the right accent. Her black thigh-high stockings were adorned with red lace at the tops. For a moment, Todd just stared at her, his jaw hanging open in admiration. He didn't react when she approached and slid his slacks over his hips. She stepped back, appraising.

"Very nice," she purred. Suddenly coming out of his stupor, he glanced down at himself. His boxers were black silk with tiny red hearts. Now he knew why she was so anxious for him to wear them today. They matched. Self conscious, he stepped out of his trousers. Téa eyed the front of his shorts. "I see that you like your present." Todd blushed a little, because he knew she wasn't talking about his underwear.

"I haven't finished unwrapping it yet," he growled, pulling her roughly to him. Kissing each other hungrily, they sank to their knees on the soft rug in front of the fire. Todd covered Téa's chest and neck with fiery kisses. Staring into her eyes with an intensity that made her shudder, he reached around behind her and deftly unhooked the bra. He slipped the straps down her arms, exposing her upper body. After discarding the undergarment, he used his long fingers to pull and tease her nipples, watching in satisfaction as they grew with desire. Her head lolled back as he leaned forward to suckle her, moving his attention from one taut peak to the other. She held his silky head to her chest, caressing his neck as he continued the exquisite torture. Soon, they were stretched side by side front of the fire.

Todd slipped his hand inside the waistband of her panties, using his finger to drive her wild. He watched in fascination as she bucked and squirmed. Her deep brown eyes opened wide, and she quickly pulled his hand away. "Not yet," she murmured, rolling him on his back. "These boxers are sexy," she whispered hoarsely, "but I think I'd rather see you without them." Slowly, she rolled the waistband of his underwear down over his hips. After appreciating his maleness for a moment, she reached out and grasped him, caressing the tip of his manhood with her thumb. Now it was Todd's turn to gasp as he gave himself over to the pleasurable sensations coursing through his body. Téa looked up in surprise as he suddenly pulled her wrist away. The smoky look in his eyes told her that he was tired of waiting for his Valentine's gift.

Her panties and stockings were expertly stripped away as he positioned himself between her legs. Staring into her eyes, he thrust himself into her, waiting a moment as they both regained a bit of control. Then, unable to wait any longer, he started moving inside of her, pounding her insides with a rhythm that suited them both. The pressure slowly built, until both of their bodies were screaming for release. Todd exploded inside of her just as she arched back, tensing every muscle and soundlessly mouthing his name. They held tightly to each other as the aftershocks wrecked havoc with their self-control.

They lay entwined together as their breathing slowly returned to normal. After a while, Téa reached up to the coffee table and pulled the heart-shaped box of candy next to her on the floor. She reached blindly for a piece of chocolate and stuffed it into her mouth.

Todd chuckled. "And here I thought I'd satisfied your every need."

Téa looked up at him guiltily, popping another chocolate into her mouth. "You worked up quite an appetite in me, Manning," she laughed, chewing noisily. Getting serious, she snuggled back into his arms, leaning up on an elbow so she could study his face.

"I've always hated Valentine's Day," she said grimly. "It always seemed to underscore the fact that I had no romance in my life. But you changed all that today, Todd. I will never forget this day as long as I live. I love you." She leaned down and gave him a chocolate tinged kiss.

"But Delgado….you got held up in court, the restaurant sucked, you almost got arrested, I had to propose to you in a police station, and I ate most of your candy myself. In most places, that qualifies as the date from hell." She smiled, wiping away the traces of chocolate from his lips. She held out her hand, showing off the engagement ring.

"See that, Todd? That's all that matters to me. That, and the fact that you were with me every step of the way, even when I acted like an ass. It doesn't get any more romantic than that."

Todd gave her one of his rare, but beautiful grins. "That's me: Todd Manning, Romantic Fool." And soon he was using the champagne and chocolate to show her just how truly romantic her future husband could be.