As they stepped out into the sultry night outside the bar, a dusky-skinned beauty grinned at her male companion and tossed him a set of keys. "Here y' go, sugar. After what Ah heard tonight, you belong behind the wheel. Ah sure as hell don't."

He deftly grabbed the keys and looked at them to determine the model of car she drove. She pointed him toward a little red Cougar, low, sleek, obviously built for speed. "It ain't a tank or nothin', but it's got a surprise or two if things get tight. Mostly, it'll just scoot if you need it to."

Price looked at the car, then at Honey. His eyes sparkled as he looked to her. "How much speed?" was all he asked as he smiled.

She grinned back at him. "More 'n Ah ever wanted. Ah think it's supposed to top out at 180, but Ah ain't never tested it."

He walked around the side and opened her door. He held it open for her and said "I am feeling a little pent up after tonight. How about a nice Sunday drive?" The sparkle and smile never left his face.

"Thank you, sugar." Her long brown legs swung into the car smoothly, and she waited 'til he'd climbed in before answering his question. "Sure thing, just can't be too long -- we do have to convince Kay-Rock to make those calls, then enough time to actually make 'em. Where you wanna go? There's a really pretty lake west o' here if that sounds good."

Price sat into the seats after adjusting them and the steering. He ran both hands over the wheel. The slid around the outside curve as his fingers flexed to the innercurve. His right hand slipped to the shift on the console and caressed the ball and shaft for a moment. He seemed lost in a world of his own making. He inserted the key and turned the ignition on. With a laugh he told Honey "You might want to strap in," as he revved the engine a few times to feel it's vibrations around and through him.

It's a sweet little engine, but obviously not a high performance vehicle. Honey fished for the buckle on her side, strapping in as he'd advised. "Or, just jump onto the highway and open 'er up. Ain't too much traffic this late and she'll eat up the miles like a ravener." She rummaged in the glovebox for a brief moment, pulling out a hairbrush with a satisfied sound and applying it to her hair with something akin to relief.

He threw it in gear and took off. She could tell he was in control of the car as he spun out of the parking lot and headed to the freeway to open her up. His eyes would shift to the mirrors but his head didn't seem to need to turn. "So," he asked her. "Which way to the Ranch?"

Honey gave him the directions, smiling at his obvious competence at the wheel. "Did Ah understand you to say you're stayin' at the motel in the back? You must've called in a favor for that -- it's not usually somethin' Elton does for strangers."

"Who's Elton" he asked her in all sincerity.

"Owns a half interest in the business," she replied, giving him a strange look. "He didn't okay you stayin' there? Then who did?"

"One of the Ranch's employees made the arrangements for me."

The way he emphasized the word made her do a double-take, but she decided it was probably best to mind her own business at that point. "Well, Ah meant what Ah said, back at the bar. If you want a place to stay until you get your feet under you here, you can stay at my place."

"That would probably be better for both of us. You said you wanted to start learning some basics of self-defense. Be easier if we are around each other."

"That's a good idea too. Ah typically roll the furniture to the side of the living room when Ah want to practice a new dance anyway. Take this next exit, sugar." The lights of Arlington blurred past them in the deep hours of the night. They headed toward the south end of the city, where most of the illegal and extralegal business of the city went down.

Price slowed down slightly and took the exit she indicated with barely a pause. He headed down the already familiar streets to the Ranch.

****************************

When they pulled into Balsam Court, Price could see that his hostess lived in one of Arlington's modestly upscale neighborhoods. He looked around, impressed with the neighborhood and the layout. Even in the moonlight the small lawns looked well-landscaped, the buildings recently renovated and in good repair. She pointed out the entrance to the secured parking area, which took them down below ground level and to a gate that required her personal code (which she recited aloud so Price could punch it in) before it would open. The night security guard waved them through and once they'd secured the Cougar in its reserved parking slot, she led him over to the elevator. The same security code closed the doors and took them up to the entrance to her condo.

Directly into her condo -- the elevator opened into her foyer. Neither of them was surprised to find the other pausing for a moment, listening carefully, before exiting the lift. The soft lights in the foyer came up as they entered, she touched a panel in the wall to her right and the living room before them lit up, cheery and welcoming. Honey obviously favored overstuffed furniture, from the look of the living room -- everything looked cozy and comforting, the kind of place you could curl up and relax in. And though there are magazines left open here and there, and a pile of mail left stacked on a coffee table, the place is otherwise neat, and looks and smells clean.

"So that's how you get in through the garage," she told him, kicking off her boots and hopping a little to get the anklets off her feet.

"Ok now this is nice" he told her as he looked around. "One question though." He indicated the lift as he asked "This the only entrance and exit?"

"There's an emergency exit through the kitchen," she nodded, gesturing off in that direction. "If you open that door the fire alarm will sound in the whole building, which is handy if you're tryin' to attract attention."

"What about if you need to make a silent emergency exit?" He asked this in all sincerity. She could tell he was used to not wanting to cause a ruckus. Every move that Price made, everywhere he looked, Honey could tell that he was calculating how it all fit into a "what if this happened" scenario.

"Hope you c'n climb," she said, taking a deep breath. There was a floor-to ceiling drape on one wall and Honey went to it, motioning him to join her. She parted the drape and gestured him to look through -- just outside was a small balcony with a reclining chair a small table, and a largish potted plant. "We're five stories up, sugar. But this would be it.

"Now, in that drawer there," and she pointed to a low table decorated by a large vase of fresh flowers "is a spare set of keys. You'll need a key and that pass code to get in through the front door, so don't forget either in case Ah ain't here."

Price grabbed the keys as he mentally recited the code. It was no great deal. He had to memorize things before and on very short notice. Also in the drawer was a pad of note paper and some inkpens as well as two full clips of ammo for the little pistol she'd pulled out from under the seat of the car, earler. Completing the inventory were two coated rubber bands with strands of dark hair twisted in them, some paper clips, sticky-notes, and a can of either mace or pepper spray.

Price scanned the contents of the drawer. He looked at the hair to determine of it was hers or not (it was). He looked at the ammo and its location. He quickly scanned the condo for better places to stash spare clips. "Honey," he said. "If these two clips are emergency spares, might I make a suggestion?" He pointed to the metal container on the dining table and the wall sconce by the front door. "You might want to hide one in each of those. For one thing," he continued "you don't want both spares stashed in the same spot. It will give you an all or nothing backup. Next, you have two better vantage points from each of those areas. Just a thought."

Her head tilted for a moment, then she joined him at the desk. "Well, they're there mostly for me t' grab on my way out the door -- convenience. But Ah see what you're sayin'. Ah'll get a couple more t' put in those places tomorrow -- it's a good idea." She'd knelt to pick up her boots and turned to him with a smile. "You're a handy guy to have around. Come on, Ah'll show you your room. You can put your bag there 'til you're ready to unpack." Up a small flight of stairs (6 to a landing, turn 180 degrees and up another 6 to the second floor) was another landing with a door on all three sides.

"Here ya' go," Honey chirped, opening the door to the left and touching another panel to bring up the lights. The room was 12'x15', the floor covered in dark blue carpeting with ivory rugs. The double bed had an old-fashioned quilt on it, the colors predominantly blue and ivory in a distinctive square pattern that vaguely resembled pictures of old log cabins. There was a high-boy dresser, a shorter chest of drawers, and a chair. She walked over to the closet and threw open the doors. It was mostly empty -- there were a few garments hanging in there, plus some boxes on the floor, but all neatly contained at one end. "Don't look like you brought much with you, thank goodness," she grinned. "But Ah think that stuff should be outta your way anyway.

Price laughed aloud as he tossed his little duffle bag on the bed. "I have had to travel rather lightly this last year."

"If that's the sum total of your worldly possessions, sugar, Ah'd have to agree. Your bath is through here," she went on, crossing the room to throw open the other door. "The linens are in that closet across from the stairs there. My room is across the landing from yours, o' course. Mirrors this one to some extent, 'cept the bath's bigger. Want to unpack now, or go back down for a drink?"

Price unzipped his bag, pulled out his extra shirt and jeans. He put those away rather quickly and turned back to face her. He reached in, grabbed a spare clip for his 9mm and holstered his pistol. He took out his blade and secured it in his right boot. "There," he said. "I'm unpacked. Told you I had to travel light. Now how about that drink?"

Honey looked like she wanted to say something about that, but then reconsidered. "Ah'd like to think you'd be safe here, but ain't nobody c'n promise that. 'Specially with the spooks hauntin' you." Unself-consciously she reached out to touch his arm, as if to offer some comfort, then led the way back downstairs. There was a small bar tucked into one odd corner of her living room and she headed toward that.

Price looked at her as she said this and reached out for him. She momentarily saw the wall come down as his eyes actually softened. He smiled, the tossed the blade and the extra clip back into his bag. "This," he said as he pointed to his gun, "is more for your protection."

"My protection?" She asked, obviously puzzled. "How so? And Tell me what you'll have, sugar. Ain't got a full bar or nothin' but Ah try to cover the basics."

"Just my being here adds to your level of danger. Because of that, I must assume some responsibility for your safety. Especially since you invited me here knowing about that added danger."

"Oh." It was eloquent in its simplicity, and in its acceptance of that. Danger was apparently nothing new to Honey, though he could tell she' was taking the threat seriously.

"Scotch on the rocks, please. It's been awhile since I could enjoy one." Honey placed a few cubes of ice in a glass and poured the amber liquid until it half-filled the glass. She handed it to him. Price took the glass and smelled the aroma. His eyes closed and the corners of his lips moved upwards in a smile before he brought the glass to his lips.

She curled up with her amaretto on the rocks in one corner of that soft, welcoming sofa, tucking her long brown legs up under her as she did so. "So... aside from those hijinks at the arena, which were pretty much my doin', you ain't touched me or hit on me at'all, so far as Ah can tell. Ah don't think you're homosexual, but you sure don't act like other men Ah know. Are all yankee guys like you, Price?"

Price almost spit the drink out, but caught himself. "Uhm, I am not quite sure how to answer that. Let me see. No, I am not gay. You have given me no reason to believe you wanted any physical advances from me, Honey. You are incredibly attractive, don't get me wrong. But why would I hit on you? First, we were there on business. Second, unless I know a woman is serious about me physically, it is just wrong to take advantage her." Price paused momentarily before he continued. "It's just not the way I was raised."

"Oh." That head tilted again, and Price could easily sense she was still somewhat puzzled by his answer, but studying him closely, trying to understand. "They must raise 'em different in Boston, is all Ah c'n say. But it's kinda' nice, all the same, not havin' to fend y'all off with every breath."

"No, Honey, there are just as many slimeballs in Boston as there are anywhere else."

She gazed at him quietly for another moment, then with a minute shrug went on, very softly. "Hell, if Ah'm gonna trust you people Ah gotta start sometime. Ah... don't do relationships real well, Price. It's hard for me to let anyone that close. Don't take it personal or nothin', okay? You're a nice guy and cute too. Ah just..." The words drifted off, and she shrugged and sipped her drink again.

Price laughed at her words. "Honey, I think you misunderstood me" he told her. "I didn?t mean to imply that they have to be serious about a relationship. I meant that I won't force myself upon a woman."

"No, Ah got that part, Price," she told him, smiling a little. "Ah was tryin' not to be vulgar about it."

"You should never have to fend a man off of you. It's just wrong. If I know it is what she wants, and I want it too, then I have no problems climbing into bed with her. But thanks for the nice guy and you?re cute bit."

Price smiled warmly and he looked into her eyes so she could see the veracity behind his words.

Honey nodded, silky black curls tumbling over one shoulder before she tossed them back. "Ah guess Ah bring a lot o' that on myself, really. Men've been treatin' me that way for as long as Ah can rem-- well, for a long time." She shifted uneasily but went on before he could interrupt. "So Ah play on it. Fair's fair and all. They can treat me like a puppet without feelin's if they want, but they're gonna pay for it." Her full lips curled sardonically. "It can be a fairly lucrative proposition, for as long as it lasts."

When she met his eyes again, she was smiling. ''Bet a guy like you has never had to pay for it though. Ah c'n tell."

Price leaned back into the cushions and sipped his drink. He looked at the glass as he swirled the scotch around and around. The silence was briefly filled with sounds of ice clinking against the glass. He looked serious but not morose.

"Honey," he said as he ran his hands through his hair. "How great can the sex truly be for two people if one of them is only there for the money? You don't have to believe me, but if she isn't enjoying it as much as I am, if she isn't getting pleasure from what I am doing, then what's the point?"

"Oh, Ah dunno," Honey murmured. "A break from the loneliness? An hour or so to make a dream come true? Escape from a life o' boredom or mis'ry? A chance t' feel young again?" She shrugged. "Even an outlet for anger or hate, though Ah c'n spot those guys a mile away and never get near 'em. There are lots of reasons men want to have sex, in my experience. Most of 'em really don't take into account what the woman wants. That's why they have t' pay for it.

"And that's why you never do. Ah'd be willing to throw down my life savin's on it."

"I thought we were talking about me," he grinned. "And that is a bet you would win."

She chuckled softly. "Y'all are gonna take some gettin' used to, for sure. Not just you, but Cal and Mike and dear old uncle Ben too. None of you act like any of the men Ah've ever known. And believe me," she added, toasting him with her glass, "you should feel relieved and pleased at that."

Price returned the toast. He looked at her and then a grin slowly spread across his face. "Your turn, Ms, Rose. I have my own ideas, but since we are playing 'read the other' so we can know one another better... I am guessing you exude an exterior of desire while maintaining an interior wall of steel. You haven't had much control of your life, but playing that part gives you total control in an area where most people lose control. So it actually feeds your need which, during sex with those who wish or need to pay, is the only need you have. Your need to gain control becomes satiated, at least until the next time you are not in control of something. Then you can't wait to be in a situation again where you can take control once more. I would bet my life savings on that, meager though it is."

Those big dark eyes blinked, then blinked at him again. She glanced down at her own (mostly untouched) drink, then set it down on the coffee table with deliberate precision. "Ah think Ah'm done, 'cause Ah didn't understand more'n every third word o' what you just said," she confessed with a silly smile. "And since Ah'm pretty sure you were speakin' English, Ah must be drunker 'n Ah thought." Another of those owlish blinks. "Either that, or Ah'm stupider than Ah thought."

Price looked at her and stared into her eyes. "Like you said, Honey. I am nothing like any of the men you have met before. One thing you will find is that I am very direct, especially when lives are at stake. I know that many men would look at you and believe the sun was green if that?s what you told them. I am not one of those men. You're not drunk, and you're not stupid. I would not put my life or the lives of my teammates on the line if I thought for one minute you were that stupid. I also want you to know that I have no second thoughts about teaming with you. You are much smarter then either you know, or are willing to admit. And in case you were curious," he continued, "you have those brains in the body of one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen in all the seven continents I have traveled."

You gonna make your move, sugar? Honey thought to herself as the silence stretched out around them. If you were any other man Ah knew, Ah'd say now was the time. But of course he didn't and she sat there across from him, waiting because it was familiar, and a little afraid because it wasn't.

She didn't understand him, and finally had to admit to herself that she didn't. Price Cannon didn't seem to be governed by the same passions and appetites that ruled almost every other man she'd known in her life. They were present, she could sense them, but Price ruled them, they didn't rule him.

And there were maybe three others just like that Ah met in the last two days -- four if Ah count McCandles. That means there is a whole 'nother world o' people out there for sure who don't act anything like the people Ah've known all mah life.

That should scare the be-jesus outta me. And Ah guess it does, a little. But for right now this man is sittin' on my sofa, got me pinned with those predator's eyes and he ain't makin' a move to take advantage of it. And for the first time since Ah was nine years old, Ah don't know what to do about it.

"Thank you," Honey finally whispered, that well-crafted facade of her crumbling fast; behind it, glimpses of a very wounded, very angry young girl. "What's a `continent'?"

"Well it is the truth, and you are more then welcome" he told her. Price could see she was wrestling with something. He knew she could sense she aroused him. He was a man, after all, and she was close to if not the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He was not, however, here to take advantage of her, or play her for one night. He did respect her so much more then that.

He continued. "A continent is one of the..." Price paused a very brief moment. "well North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica...those are the seven continents that make up Earth. They are just extremely large areas of land. Most continents are made up of many countries."

Price tried to make sure that what he just said came across very conversationally. He did not want to belittle or talk down to Honey. He looked at her casually, but it was hard not to stare at her too deeply. He knew his assets and strengths with women. He did not, however, wish to use them to gain any advantage over her. She was too close to trusting and he would not be the one to crumble that trust. If anything were to happen, it would be because they both wanted it and wanted to savor it completely.

"Oh. Ah see. Ah always wondered what the word meant. Had t'be somethin' big, but..." She shrugged, then smiled a little. "Ah don't really remember much of the schoolin' Ah did have, Ah guess."

This wouldn't be so hard if he wasn't so handsome. And intense. Wish to God men came with manuals, Ah swear. "And thanks for not makin' me feel stupid for askin'. You were right, Ah don't think Ah'm stupid -- stupid girls don't last long in this life -- but there's a whole lot Ah don't know, Price. And Ah'm findin' out right now that a lot of what Ah thought Ah did know don't necessarily apply to guys like you."

No, Honey, it doesn't" he told her. "Your knowledge of men is limited to your circle of experience. I will say your understanding of men in your circle, however, is dead-on. I have no doubt that you will learn and adapt the more you are exposed to these new people. You are very quick." Price emptied his glass. The light sparkled from the cubes of ice that remained. He sucked on one briefly before he allowed it to fall back into place with the rest.

You are a work of art, Honey Rose. So beautiful...dangerous in some ways, yet sweet and innocent in ways you can't begin to understand. Price caught himself staring at her and realized she was watching him. He hadn't meant for that to happen, and he wasn't sure what she was thinking. He felt himself thinking about her in ways that he hadn't intended. Dangerous in some ways... Price placed his glass on the coaster near him. Sweet and innocent in so many other ways.

Okay... Ah know what Ah felt there. You do want me, Price Cannon -- but you're also not gonna move on that unless Ah tell you it's okay. Got it. Thing is... Ah think Ah want you too. Honey shifted, uncurling her legs from beneath her and stretching them out, mostly to give herself and excuse to look way from those eyes, and for time to think.

It scares me some. Wanting you cain't be a good idea. There's too much at stake an' too much Ah don't know yet. Sex gets involved an' everything seems to go to hell in a hurry.

"You're probably right about that control stuff, after all." she sighed quietly. "Ah feel like everything's slippin' away from me and right now. Ah think Ah'm more scared o' you than Ah was the man who raped me last night. Not because Ah think you're gonna try it," she clarified quickly. "Ah know you won't. Hell," she laughed ruefully, "Ah wouldn't be scared o' that at all -- situation normal. It's more because Ah want you too, and we're gonna be workin' together an' sex seems to change everything, whether we want it to or not."

Price smiled and was glad that this was now in the open. At least I now know what she was thinking when she caught me looking at her. And she is sincere about wanting me too. He hated games.

"I know what you mean about sex changing everything. You are used to the games that are associated with sex. Yes, sex can complicate things," he told her, "especially when it comes to work. I don't like games, Honey. I find them too tiring and an insult to genuine people." Price was collecting his thoughts as he spoke. He didn't want to send the wrong message, but he also didn't want to overtax Honey or himself. He did, however, need to be up front with her.

"I, too, am torn between the what-if's. I cannot predict the future as to what would happen if this or if that. It is obvious there is an attraction. I will bet my first toolshed paycheck" he paused and grinned "and my life's possessions, that our attraction is more then purely physical. That alone has already added a level of complication to things that neither of us intended. Nevertheless, it's still out there between us."

"Well, Ah do like you -- at least, what Ah know about you. That's pretty novel, right there." Honey was quiet for a moment, reflective, then chanced looking at him again, into those magnetic eyes. "When sex is a commodity, it twists you up inside until the idea of using a commodity with someone you like -- or love -- it just ain't right anymore. So when Ah meet a guy like you, a guy Ah'd like to get closer to, the first response Ah have is, `what am Ah sellin' here? What is he buyin'?'"

Her lips twisted in distaste, and she sighed. "Ah don't like lookin' at this, Price. And Ah don't like thinkin' about it neither. Mostly 'cause Ah know it's fucked up but Ah don't know how to stop doin' it -- how to stop tradin' on sex t' get what I need and t' keep myself safe. What Ah do suspect is that it ain't really right to do that with you."

"You are right...things are fucked up. You have had a fucked up life that would have killed most other people. You have had to approach most every man you encounter as a transaction. I don't know if you realize how thankful I am that you aren't trying to do that to me. I've had a fucked up life." Price thought long and hard about whether to tell her how his parents died.

"You didn't press the question earlier, but I think you should know especially since we are talking so frankly now. I told you my parents were killed shortly after I joined the Navy." Price paused and looked away for a moment before he continued. "My father was devastated after I quite the driving team and joined the Navy. A year after I left, he murdered my mom before committing suicide." Price sat up and grabbed the bottle of scotch. He poured a nice amount and drained it before returning to his seat.

"We don't get to pick our families, Price," Honey murmured. She thought about how her father used to beat her mother, a pattern the woman replicated with every `boyfriend' she moved through their lives after she kicked Manuel out. "An' we don't get to make their choices, neither."

"Like I said," he told her, "I don't play games. That scares the shit out of most people, but I don't have the luxury or the stomach to be anyone other then who I am."

"I know how you feel," he told her, "about the business end of life. In my life, trust was something that didn't come easy. Life had become a commodity. It was bought, sold, brokered, and bartered for someone else to gain." Price was quiet for a moment. Honey could tell he was thinking about what he was going to say next. She could sense that he wasn't trying to come up with something, but that he was searching for the right words.

"Honey," he continued, "if you want to get close, then I am right across the sofa from you. You don't need to sell me anything, and I am definitely not looking to buy anything." Price couldn't help himself as he told her this while looking directly at her. This wasn't a game of his and she knew it.

Like hell, she thought to herself, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. You want comfort, compassion, absolution -- forgiveness. An' so do Ah. Trouble is, those are things that cain't be bought nor sold. But Ah want you and those other things badly enough right now that Ah'd try.

"Ah do believe you mean that, Price," Honey replied. "Ah just wish Ah could say it, and mean it, too." And she did, she truly did -- but wouldn't lie to herself, or him, about it.

She took a deep breath and stood up. "We prob'ly ought to call it a night before we end up doin' somethin' you'll regret later." A half-smile, and she added "There's food in the kitchen, mostly heat 'n eat 'cause Ah cain't really cook. Some leftovers, juice, help yourself whatever you want. Ah'll let you know what Ah hear from Kay-Rock when she calls."

Something I'll regret? Price smiled warmly to her. "Ms. Rose, you are right," he told her. "It is late. I hope I haven't caused you any discomfort" he said. "I shouldn't have kept you up talking about things neither of us intended." He looked over to the kitchen.

"Hey," she said, putting her hand on his arm to make him turn back. "Don't shut down on me. Please? Ah ain't never had the guts to share this with anyone before -- Ah don't want to regret it now." Her eyes were dark, lines of tension at the corners as they searched his. "Ah just need time, Price. Just... time, and maybe some help."

Price looked down and into her eyes. He felt himself swim in her gaze and knew he was on dangerous ground. She stood before him vulnerable and his for the taking, he knew it. He reached out with his left hand and placed it gently on the side of her face, palm to the side and his thumb on her cheekbone. He never broke her gaze.

"Honey," he said. "I am not shutting you down. You have nothing to regret. Not now," he said to her before pausing. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead. He pulled back but left his hand on her cheek. "And it is more important that you have nothing to regret when we see each other tomorrow morning. I could not live with myself if I knew I had given you cause to regret."

He brushed his thumb across her cheek before he removed his hand altogether. "We both need time. Maybe just a day, but something beyond tonight." He smiled at her and it was the warmest smile she had ever seen on his face.

Hers emerged tentatively to meet it. "Ah don't believe in regrets, which is why Ah'm careful not to do things that would cause me to have to change my mind." She covered his hand with hers. "So come on. Ah'll show you 'round the kitchen and set up the coffee for the morning. With any luck, we'll have time to grab some breakfast before we go."

GM: *applause*