Sharon's fingers went into the holes inside the ball as she picked it up from that rail. She took her time, weighing the ball in her hands and then winked before turning her back to him. He noticed the way her ass was tightly packed in her jeans, the way her shirt rose, exposing her slightly freckled lower back.

Andy could not concentrate on the game; instead, he looked at the way her legs crossed, the heel of her foot rising from the floor ever so slightly. He noticed the way she swung her arm backwards and then forward, releasing the ball. Her knees bent and for a moment, she looked like a delicate ballet dancer in a Croisé. He could hear the ball rolling across the shiny lane and then the sound of the pins falling one by one. It was a perfect strike. She won the game.

Sharon turned around and looked at him, shrugging apologetically, her lips curved up in a smile as she walked over to him.

"Did you purposely let me win?" she asked.

"Maybe," Andy grinned and shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. He wasn't a very good bowler, and Sharon claimed she wasn't either, but she still had 3 full strikes. Overall, they really played for fun. It was a good way to loosen up from the strains of their day and spend some time together.

Originally, they were only supposed to have dinner together and Andy could easily recall the moment in which she walked into the restaurant. She traded her usual high heels for simple navy blue flats, and her power suit for dark, medium cut jeans, a striped shirt that hugged her form and a navy semi-formal jacket. Her hair fell in big loose curls around her face, and some of the strands were tucked behind her ear. There was a thin silver band around her wrist and a pair of simple silver studs in her ears. Her makeup seemed fresh and natural. Andy was not used to see her so casual. Usually, she came straight from work for their dinners which meant that she did not have time to change. Today, however, she was dressed down, and it made her look very lively.

After they left the restaurant, Andy walked her to her car, or at least he was about to, when she noticed the bowling hall across the road. The light in her eyes when he offered that they go in made his heart skip a beat. She hadn't played for years, she said, as they walked into the hall. She used to take her kids, but at a certain stage, they preferred to hang out with their friends rather than with their mother. Andy was kinda rusty himself. He was never a very good bowler and also hasn't played in a few years, but he was sure they would have fun; and they did. They laughed and joked and made fun of themselves, but it was okay, because they were just two friends hanging out.

It was the first time he noticed how comfortable they were with each other's presence. He enjoyed having her by his side at Nicole's wedding, and she was the perfect partner when she accompanied him to the ballet, but he never felt so relaxed around her until this moment.

"Andy, are you alright?" he felt her hand resting against the side of his arm and realized that he was brooding. He looked up at her, the scent of her perfume teasing his nose. She was close to him, her body about 10 inches from his; her emerald eyes gazed at him with concern and warmth. Her lips had a rosy tint, he noticed for the first time that evening, and he felt the sudden urge to pull her closer and cover her mouth with his. He sent his arm forward, about to wrap it around her waist and pull her closer.

"Andrew?" his hand dropped by the side of his body. He turned around, facing the owner of the voice, surprised to see his second cousin, Lydia. "I thought it was you." The woman, in her late 40's walked over to him and smiled. She leaned forward and planted her lips on his cheek, leaving a wet and sticky lipstick mark. "I haven't seen you in a decade, where have you been?"

"Oh, you know; here and there," he replied.

"Oh my God, are you on a date?" Lydia asked when she noticed Sharon.

"Just a casual dinner," Andy replied quickly, hoping that his short answers will make Lydia lose interest and leave them alone. "This is Sharon, my boss," he said and then introduced Lydia to Sharon. The two women shook hands.

"Oh, well, if it's not a date, I'm sure you wouldn't mind if my husband and I join you two, right?" Lydia smiled widely.

"Actually, we just finished the game and we're about to head out," Andy said. "It was nice seeing you, have fun," he gave Sharon a meaningful look and she gave him a quick nod.

"Goodnight, Lydia; it was nice meeting you," she said before she grabbed her shoes and followed Andy to the shoe counter, to return the bowling shoes.

"I am so sorry about that," Andy looked at her and felt his face becoming warm and flush. "I keep dropping my family on you."

"Don't worry about that," Sharon shrugged as she changed her shoes and handed the bowling shoes to the person behind the counter. She placed her hand on Andy's arm again as they left the bowling hall.

They spoke about this and that as they walked towards the parking lot where Sharon parked her car. Andy's car was parked two blocks away from there, but no matter what, he would never let a woman walk alone at night.

"I had a great time tonight, Andy," Sharon's voice was warm and her smile was wide and carefree.

"So did I," he replied, smiling back at her.

"We should do that again sometime." Andy nodded in agreement and watched her as she unlocked her car and placed her handbag on the passenger seat. She then walked around the car and opened the door on the driver's side. "Do you want me to give you a ride to your car?" she offered.

"No, it's okay. I think I'll walk a bit. It's good for my blood pressure," he shrugged.

"Well, goodnight then," Sharon replied and was about to go into her car.

"Sharon?" his voice was a little high pitched. Sharon looked at him. "You look really good tonight." She rewarded him with a wide smile and a small nod of acknowledgement, her lips forming a silent "thank you" before she entered the car and waved him goodbye. He watched her car as she drove out of the parking lot and sighed. The next time, he'd take her to a quieter place, where no nosy family members would interrupt them. With this thought in mind, he started walking out of the parking lot, towards the street where he parked his car.