Since the dinner wasn't for two weeks, Melanie put her purchases away, tried to forget about the upcoming date with Russ, and placed her attention back on the job.
* * *
Russ was smiling to himself as he drove away from Melanie's apartment. The hug had been a risk, but he just had to have her in his arms again, if only for a moment. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to hide how he felt. He was looking forward to the awards night with great anticipation and some trepidation. Dancing with her was going to be ecstasy and agony - in equal measure. But the prize was also going to be well worth the pain.
He, too, focused on his job, the construction of his house, and the irresistible urge to call Melanie - many times. He couldn't wait for the day when he could finally tell her he loved her and ask her to marry him, but he knew he needed a sign from her indicating that she was ready to hear what he wanted to say. Time was passing quickly. Work had begun on the interior of his house, and he would soon be ready to add the furniture and move, because he had a plan he wanted to put in place that just might bring Melanie closer to him.
* * *
Melanie had decided to take the Friday afternoon off on the day of her first real 'date' with Russ, so she had made an appointment to have her hair done after lunch. She was becoming more excited and nervous as the clock ticked off the hours and then minutes until she could leave the office. Gathering up her purse and briefcase, she left the building and rushed home for a quick lunch, and a change to jeans and T-shirt. She had the hairdresser shampoo, blow-dry and then set her hair, this time pulled back from her face and held in place with a pair of jeweled combs she had purchased when she first let her hair grow long. The mass of curls cascaded down her back and she was really pleased with the result.
Back at her apartment, she had a long soak in a bubble bath, then gave herself a manicure and pedicure, finishing with a pale pearl polish. Russ had said he would pick her up at five-thirty, so she kept an eye on the time as she applied her makeup, and donned her new dress and shoes.
With a half-hour to fill, she tried to read, but wound up pacing the floor and watching the clock. In all the times she had been with Russ, she had never felt this nervous or excited, and wasn't really sure why.