Bobbie went to sleep that night with the memory of Jake's warm, soft lips pressed against her own on her mind. Once again she dreamed of him, but this time it was a very nice dream, in which they both floated lazily down a stream, just the two of them, borne along by a raft or canoe.

The following day was her day off, but there were errands to run, laundry to wash, and various other things to occupy her day. She thought about Jake all morning, warm, fuzzy thoughts in which she relived various events from the night before.

That evening the phone rang while she was clearing the table after dinner. She let the answering machine pick up, but as soon as she heard his voice, she grabbed the receiver.

"So you screen your calls, do you?" She easily detected the merriment in his voice.

"I was clearing the table and couldn't get to the phone in time."

He laughed. "Well, my dear, I'm awfully glad to have caught you at home."

"So am I."

"So, how has your day been?"

She laughed. "Busy, as usual. Catching up on all the stuff I don't have time to do on days I work. How was yours?"

"The same." He laughed. "Hey, Bobbie, I just wanted to tell you once again what a lovely time I had last night and how much I look forward to the next time we get together."

"God, Jake, I just enjoyed last night so much," Bobbie said. "I don't think I even realized how lonely...how lonely I've been lately until last night."

"Well, you won't have to be lonely anymore," Jake said tenderly. He had heard the slight catch in her voice. "Sounds to me like someone could use a hug right now."

"Guess I'll just have to settle for a long distance one, huh?" She chuckled.

"Aw...hey, would you like for me to come over for a bit?"

"Well...the house is kind of a mess, and I'm barely presentable right now..."

"Oh, nonsense. You're always presentable to me. So, what do you say? Of course, if you'd rather I didn't, that's fine too. I wouldn't want you to feel pressured in any way."

"Oh no, please, that's all right..." Suddenly she wanted to see him again more than anything else in the world. "Please come over. I want you to come over."

He laughed. "All right. I'll be there in a few minutes. See you soon, sweetie."

Bobbie went into her bedroom to put on something nice, tidied the living room, and sat on the sofa to await his arrival.