Chapter 16

Fran was back in a flash. He was still there, standing in her living room. Damn, she could get used to that sight.

She closed the door and fiddled nervously with her hands. Richie watched her with a little smile. Why was she so nervous? They had met before.

“Uhm…would you like some coffee?” Fran asked and already rushed over to the kitchen.

“Yeah, sure.” He followed her and watched her opening different cupboards before finally finding the necessary items. She was obviously confused. He shook his head. How could he calm her down? Get her more comfortable?

“It should be ready in a few minutes…” Fran said and turned around. The next words were stuck into her throat. The picture just a couple inches in front of her was just too overwhelming and breathtaking.

Richie was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his button down shirt with only half off the buttons closed, now revealing even more bare chest. He had a light smile on his face and his brown eyes watched her carefully.

Slowly he moved forward and closed the little distance between them. He could see a small flush creeping up her face again; nervously she was running her tongue over her suddenly dry lips. He took another step and she could feel the heat coming from his body.

“What…What?...” she stuttered and leaned back against the kitchen counter. Her hands clenching around the edge of the counter for support which her legs weren't really giving her anymore. She closed her eyes briefly and tried to get herself under control again. This wasn’t really happening, right?

“What are you doing, Richie?” she finally asked.

“What do you think?” Richie whispered softly and reached out to sweep a streak of dark hair from her heated face. Gently he caressed her cheek. Fran held her breath.

Slowly Richie leaned down to her, stopping shortly and searching her eyes. He smiled when he saw a longing there and brushed his lips gently against hers.

Fran felt herself kissing him back and sighed happily when Richie deepened the kiss. His tongue was running over her bottom lip and asked for entrance and Fran willingly obliged. She moaned when his tongue danced with hers and he pressed her stronger against the counter with his body.

Her hands ran over his chest, locked themselves around his neck. She was standing on tip toes to get closer to him.

Richie groaned when her small hands touched his bare chest. It felt like she set him on fire. He was trying hard to control himself, but it was getting evident that he was more than turned on by this beautiful woman in his arms.

Fran felt his erection pressing against her thigh. She shivered. It had been way too long since she felt like now. Her body started a living on his own and pressed her stronger against him, her hips moved involuntarily.

Richie’s hands started to wander down her shoulders, her back to the soft skin of her hips, which was exposed by locking her arms around his neck. His fingers softly brushed over it before slipping under the fine material of her blouse.

Fran sucked in a sharp breath and pushed him back.

“No.”

Richie looked at her surprised. She was still leaning against the counter breathing heavily. He could see, hell he could feel that she was as turned on as him. So what was wrong?

“Richie…I can’t…I’m sorry…I can’t…” she tried to get breathing under control. Oh, God…what have I done?

“But…” Richie closed his eyes and took a deep breath willing his body to calm down.

“Is it because we just met?... I mean we are both adults and we obviously know what we want…and…”

“No,…no, it’s not that…” Fran interrupted him. Her expression saddened.

“…it just feels like I would betray Michael…” she suddenly whispered with tears shinning in her eyes.

Richie’s face softened. Michael, her husband who died three years ago.

“Oh, Fran.” He hugged her softly and kissed her temple. “You don’t.”

She looked up at him with sad eyes. “It feels like it. I’m sorry.” He must think she was a complete idiot.

“It’s ok, darling. You need some more time. That’s ok.” Richie smiled and tried not to sound disappointed. He sure wanted her, but he could also wait.

Fran was staring at him surprised. She sure thought he would be mad.

“So, how about we have some coffee now?” Richie suggested.

“If you still want…” Why was he still here when he couldn’t sleep with her?

Richie sighed seeing the confusion in her eyes. “Fran, I didn’t come here with the intension to bed you down…if it would have happened, it would have been great…promised…” he winked at her and she rolled her eyes smiling lightly.

“I’m just a normal guy from Jersey.” Fran shook her head at his comment.

“Yeah, right.” She said dryly. Rich looked at her surprised.

“I am!” he said forcefully. She could see he really believed that.

“And I would really like to get to know you better, Fran.” He continued seriously while looking deep into her green eyes. She smiled.

“I would like that too.”