Mike had been quite persistent, and Leila finally agreed to have dinner with him the next evening. She asked if he would come by a little early. It was the Maxwell girls birthday party and Leila wanted to go see them so she could drop off some presents. Mike arrived promptly and was obviously glad to see Leila. He took Leila's hand and they walked to his car. "You look lovely tonight, Leila," he said. "Thank you, Mike -- you look nice yourself!" she replied. He helped her into the car, put the presents for the girls in the trunk and got in the passenger seat. They took off for the Maxwell's residence.
They arrived at the Maxwell's home in time for cake and presents. The children were having a wonderful time. When they spotted Leila, they came running over to show her some of the presents they had received. Max and Madra offered them some cake, and they all settled into chairs to watch the girls finish opening their gifts. Madra noticed that Matt sat in the chair and pulled Leila into his lap. Interesting, she thought....and, they make such a beautiful couple! As if sensing his wife's thoughts, Max squeezed her hand and whispered into her ear to let them work it out themselves. Leila noticed that Max seemed a little quiet this evening, and Madra seemed to fuss over him a little too much. In reality, Madra was worried about Max. After the incident last night, she wanted to call the doctor, but he wouldn't hear of it. Just indigestion, he had said. But Madra noticed that he had a difficult night and didn't sleep well. Madra kept a close eye on her beloved Max, but the next morning he awoke and seemed like himself again.
	Mike and Leila thanked Madra and Max for their hospitality and left so they could make their dinner reservations. Mike made reservations at his favorite restaurant. He knew it would be almost empty that night and that's the way he wanted it. He wanted to get to know Leila better. He had never met anyone who affected him the way she did. He sensed that something was bothering her, but he would try to work around it. When they arrived at the restaurant, the maitre d' greeted them with a warm welcome and showed them to their table. The restaurant was decorated for the holiday and was warm and inviting. They ordered drinks and both were amazed at how easy the conversation was between them. Leila found herself telling Mike stories about her childhood that she never recounted to anyone! They laughed at each other's stories and the conversation never lulled. Mike put his hand on Leila's cheek and told her how comfortable he felt with her and how happy he was that she agreed to go out with him.
After dinner, Mike took Leila by the hand and asked her to dance. He led her to the dance floor, took her in his arms and glided her effortless across the floor. Leila couldn't believe what a good dancer Mike was and told him so. Mike replied that his mother had taught him to dance when he was a little boy. His mother loved to dance and she would frequently put the music up loud and they would joyously dance across the floor! Leila told Mike then that her Dad had done the same thing with her -- except she used to stand on his toes, while he led her across the room! They were laughing then and comfortable with each other. The music played a soft melody and Leila rested her head on Mike's strong shoulder. Mike pulled her close and they both lost themselves in the music and the rhythm of their dance.
	Mike looked down into Leila's soft brown eyes and before he realized what was happening, they were in each other's arms and he was kissing her -- long sweet kisses full of longing. She seemed to welcome his kisses and he could feel her gently trembling in his arms.
All of a sudden Leila let out a tiny gasp and pulled away from him. Mike was distraught to think that he may has pushed her too much. "Leila," he said, his voice soft and husky, "I'm sorry, I never meant for that to happen." He put his hands on her shoulders and could feel her tremble under his touch. "It was as much my fault as yours," replied Leila. "I shouldn't have let that happen." "Leila," he said, "talk to me -- what is it? Is there another man? Are you seeing someone else?" "Yes - NO!" she began, "Oh, Mike, it's complicated....you would never understand -- I don't even understand it." "Try me" he said.
	He turned her around to face him and he could see that there were tears in her eyes. "Oh, Leila," he said, "I never meant to hurt you -- I care about you. I want to be the one to make you happy." She didn't know how to respond. She was confused and full of emotions she had never felt before. Her head was spinning and she just couldn't find words. The truth was she didn't want him to stop kissing her! She enjoyed it! When he kissed her she felt this funny feeling all the way down to the pit of her stomach -- she had never experienced that before - never. Mike looked into her eyes and saw the longing there. He tenderly put his hands on her face and pulled him to her. He kissed her gently and fully and could feel her respond to him. Whatever it is she is fighting, he thought, I intend to help her through. Now that I found her I can't let her slip away from me. And, I may be crazy, but I sense she feels the same way about me! After Mike had brought her home, he kissed her goodnight and told her he would call the next day. "I want to see you again," he said. "I'd like that," she responded.
She entered the house and sat in the quiet room. She lost herself in thought. Oh, God, help me, she thought. How can this be happening. How can I care for two people like this -- and neither one would understand about the other. What am I to do. I have feelings for Mike that I never thought I could ever feel. Lauren makes me feel safe, but I have to admit, I've never felt like this. I don't want to hurt Lauren, but on the other hand, I can't deny my feelings either. But.....Mike will never understand. How can I tell him something like this?! Leila was so lost in her thoughts and emotions that she didn't hear her mother come in. Mrs. Jamison was with her charity guild preparing and wrapping presents for the homeless. She came in and caught a glimpse of Leila sitting in the den looking quite forlorn. She approached her daughter, but her hands on her shoulders and said, "Leila, are you alright?" Leila startled slightly but quickly recovered. "I'm fine, Mom" she said. "Did something go wrong with your date with Dr. Frain tonight, dear?" she asked. "No, Mom, as a matter of fact everything was right about it. I'm just confused, Mom. Oh, what should I do?" she pleaded. "Just follow your heart, my dear, just follow your heart." replied her mother. She hugged her daughter and kissed her cheek. Just then the ringing of the telephone pierced the quiet of the room and the tenderness that mother and daughter were sharing. Her mother answered the phone and said, "It's for you, Leila, it's Lauren....."

To Be Continued.....