"Seriously?" Joey arched an eyebrow, and he nodded. "How can you honestly believe that?"

"Just look at our government. How can you not?"

"We’re a free country. We vote. That’s want the United States was founded on." She argued, leaning forward.

He rolled his eyes, "Those are great values, Jo. But it’s complete bullshit. Just look at Washington. Can you say ‘shadow government’?"

"And you truly think that the president is just a puppet?"

"Do you honestly think Dubya the third was actually voted into office?"

"Oh, my God," A vivacious looking blonde appeared beside their table. "Josephine Potter, don’t tell me you have this fine looking man hanging on your every word, and you’re actually talking politics?" The busty woman grimaced and slid into the booth beside Pacey.

With wide eyes, he scooted over to make room. "You must be Audrey."

The woman grinned, "I see my reputation precedes me. Good things, I hope."

"Mostly," Pacey smiled.

"Audrey, this is Pacey. Pacey, Audrey." Joey made the introductions, looking slightly put out.

"If you don’t want to share, I’ll gladly go find my own hunk for the night," Audrey winked at her friend.

"No, I’ll share." She said hurriedly, "At least for a little while."

Grinning, Audrey looked over at Pacey, "So, where’d you meet our little Joey?"

"Right there at the bar."

"Lucky you," Audrey smiled with mischief, "Joey’s not much of a social butterfly, if you know what I mean. I’m surprised she didn’t kick you in the balls."

"Are you known for that?" He arched a teasing brow at Joey.

"It’s happened a time or two," Joey said airily. She focused her eyes on Audrey, "So where have you been all night?"

"What are you talking about?" She checked the fine watch on her wrist, "It’s not even past one yet."

"Uh huh."

"Well, honestly, I met this guy as I was on my way over here. And wow, was he built. You can’t really expect me to just walk away, now do you?"

"I told you she was a man eater," Joey said with a smile.

"I am not!" The blonde protested indignantly. "Are you spreading lies? I only bite when asked to." She turned sultry eyes to Pacey, "And really, its more of a nibble."

"Sounds as though that gentleman lucked out tonight."

"What about you, sailor?" She leaned forward slightly, her breasts jutting out against the pale pink of her dress, her voice husky. "Do you feel lucky?"

Joey reached for Pacey’s whisky, knocking it over. The brown liquid splashed across the table and into Audrey’s lap. "Oh, Aud! I am so sorry!" She slid out of the booth and held out a hand for her friend. "Let’s get you into the bathroom to get cleaned up."

Looking confused, she eyed her silk dress and nodded, following Joey towards the bathroom. Pacey watched them go, laughter on the tip of his tongue.

Minutes later, Joey returned, smiling as she slid into the seat Audrey had vacated. "How’s her dress?"

"Oh, it’s fine. Nothing the dry cleaner can’t handle." She shrugged innocently.

"I never pictured you as the possessive type."

"I am not possessive!" Her deep chocolate eyes widened.

"You couldn’t have been more clearly marking your property if you had stood up and peed on me."

She couldn’t help but laugh. "You are such a dork. And I am not possessive."

He shrugged, "Doesn’t bother me any. But you know, there are much better ways to mark your territory."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"My favorite happens to be the hickey. But that’s just me."

"I’ll keep that in mind," she said with a smirk.

"God woman," he groaned, leaning back and slipping his arm around her shoulders. "You’re killing me here."

"I’m killing you?" She laughed. "Every time you get that heated look in your eyes, I feel like my bones have completely disappeared."

He leaned into her, his words brushing the soft curve of her cheek. "I turn you on."

"Cocky devil, aren’t you?" She murmured breathlessly.

His eyebrows jumped wickedly, "You have no idea."

"I will soon enough," she whispered, lifting one hand to trace a finger along his jaw, the stubble of his five o’clock shadow tickling the pad of her finger. "Is it the perfect moment yet?"

"Just about," his eyes fell half closed as he drew her closer to him, noticing the faint flush of her cheeks and the glistening tip of her tongue as she moistened her lips. Fastening his eyes on her face, he brushed his thumb over her cheekbone, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. God, her hair was soft. His heart pounded as he met her melty brown eyes, his breathing sped up considerably.

"You’re the pickiest man I’ve ever known."

"You must really want me to kiss you," his lips curved into a seductive smile as he traced the curve of her bottom lip.

"Nope, not anymore." She pulled away from his touch, "The moment passed."

He chuckled, "Stubborn." He caught her chin gently, meeting her eyes and then sliding his burning gaze down to her lips. He watched as they parted with a trembling sigh.

Oh yeah, he was going to kiss her. It was inevitable. Wild horses couldn’t have drawn him away at this point.

Their first kiss was a soft brushing of their lips, and despite the faint contact, the effect was heart pounding. He was acutely aware of the heat of her hand as she rested it against his chest, his own shook as he lifted it to cup her cheek, tilting her head slightly so their lips could meet completely…

Fireworks.