Topaz slept peacefully next to Aj. His presence comforting her through the night. The next morning he woke first. He looked down at her sleeping beside him and wondered where they would go from here.

He couldn't begin to believe the events that had taken place in the last few hours. One minute he was sitting at the bar having a drink, the next minute he was lying in bed with this beautiful, mysterious woman. There was something about her, something more than just the physical connection they shared and he was determined to find out what it was.

********* Several hours later, Topaz woke up to the sun shining on her face. She looked at Aj sitting up in bed beside her. After all this time, she had found him again. She wanted desperately to tell him why she had kept such close tabs on him, but she knew it was too soon. She would have to wait until the timing was right. She just hoped it wouldn't be too late.

Aj smiled at her, "Hey, gorgeous."

"Hey." She said sleepily, pulling herself up in bed.

Aj paused before asking, "Topaz. Where do we go from here? Was this just a one night fling, or do you want to more?"

She was taken aback by his question. She paused for a moment before answering. "I dunno. You have your career, I have mine. And this...well, this was a nice diversion."

"A diversion?" He asked, looking at her with surprise. "So is that all last night was?"

"Yes...no...I don't know. You don't have time for me in your life. You have your career, and that's what is most important."

"Why don't you let me decide what's important?" He asked angrily, getting up off the bed and sliding into his jeans.

"There are things about me you don't know Alex. And vice versa." She said matter-of-factly.

"So? What's wrong with finding out? " He pleaded, the look in his eyes challenging her to say no.

"Let's just take this one day at a time and see what happens. I can't promise you anything. I am damn sure you can't promise me anything. I know about your reputation with women, and I am not prepared to take backseat to anyone." Topaz declared.

"Ok, we'll take it slow. At least let me see you again." Aj said, hopefully.

"Alright. But I am warning you, there are things about me you might not want to know." Topaz said, staring directly into his eyes.

"We'll see."

"Yes, I guess we will."

next