As they waited for the valet attendant to bring the car around, Mishka remembered the sketches in her bag.

“I brought along my sketches for us to discuss, but there wasn’t any time. I had such a good time, Cliff. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for accepting. I’m glad there wasn’t time for your sketches. I didn’t want our night to be spoiled with talk of work,” he replied, placing his arm around her waist and pulling her closer to him.

“Thank you for a memorable evening, Mishka.”

They had barely left the driveway when Mishka yawned.

Cliff laughed.

“Tired, Miss Harris?”

“Just a bit, Mr Powell. I haven’t been out partying in ages. Do you mind if I rest my eyes a bit? I promise I won’t snore,” she said laughing.

“Go ahead, sleeping beauty. I’ll wake you before we reach home,” he assured her.

Mishka opened her eyes when she felt the car had stopped. Her head was dangling to the right and she found Cliff staring at her.

“Are we home?” she asked sleepily.

I wish it were our home and I didn’t have to say goodnight, Cliff thought before answering.

“Yes, we are. Let me get the door.”

She smiled as he got out and swiftly walked around the car. He opened the door and held out his left hand. She took it in her left hand and swung her legs gracefully from the car before rising to her full height. Cliff closed the door and took her hand in both of his before letting his left hand drop to his side, holding onto her hand with his right hand.

They walked slowly to the door neither wanting the night to end. At the door, Mishka fumbled in her bag for her key. She was about to unlock the door but instead turned to Cliff.

“Would you like to come in for a nightcap?”

Cliff found it difficult to hide his excitement and ended up giving her a lopsided smile. He reached past her and opened the door.

“I’d love one. Thank you.”

He stepped inside and switched on the light then turned to face her.

“I know it’s customary to say ladies first but I had to make sure it’s safe for you to enter,” he said, pulling her closer to him.  She stumbled slightly and fell against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

“You ok?”

“Yes… yes, I am,” she replied breathlessly.”

He loosened his embrace and looked into her eyes, cupping her face in his hands.

I want to kiss you, but I don’t want to rush this. I want to taste the sweetness of your mouth. I want to feel you lose yourself in the moment…

Instead, he gently caressed her cheeks and kissed her on the forehead before releasing her.

“How about that night-cap?”

“The nightcap. Yes… yes, of course,” Mishka said regaining her composure. “What would you like?”

“Coffee, no milk, three sugars please.”

Strong and sweet, just like you, Mishka thought.

“Make yourself at home in the lounge while I make the coffee. I won’t be long.”

Cliff flopped down on the three seater sofa and untied his shoelaces before sitting back and closing his eyes.

When Mishka returned with the coffee, she found Cliff lying on his right side with his head resting on the large throw cushion. His legs were dangling off the sofa and he was breathing deeply – fast asleep. She didn’t have the heart to wake him so she placed the cups on the coffee table before gently lifting his legs, one at a time, onto the sofa.

She removed his shoes before retrieving a comforter from the linen closet in the hallway and covered him with it. She kissed him softly on the cheek and he sighed deeply but didn’t stir.

“Sleep well Cliff,” she whispered.

The next morning, Mishka woke to the smell of pancakes. Stretching her arms above her head she wondered why her aunt was up so early. She usually slept in on a Saturday.

Cliff!

She jumped off the bed and dashed to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, washed and dried her face and checked her appearance in the mirror. Not too shabby.

Back in her bedroom, she pulled on her skinny jeans and a white t-shirt, not bothering with shoes and rushed downstairs.

In the kitchen, she found her aunt seated at the kitchen table; alone.

“Good morning, Aunt Vi. Is Cliff up yet?” she asked as she helped herself to the pancakes.

She had stuck a note under her aunt’s bedroom door the night before to alert her of his presence.

“He’s long gone, petal. He said to tell you he’s sorry he had to leave without thanking you for your hospitality, but he didn’t want to wake you.”

“Oh!”

“He did say he will call you soon. Seems you already have a second date – all the way in Johannesburg,” Violet said, fanning herself.

Mishka blushed and looked down at her pancakes, laughing.

Upon entering her office on Monday morning she was greeted by a tastefully arranged bouquet of lilies and sunflowers on her desk. There was a note attached that simply said:

Thinking of you. Love Cliff.

She sat down at her desk and started dialling his number when her cell phone rang.

Caller ID: Cliff Powell.

“Good morning, Cliff.”

“And good morning to you, beautiful. Did you receive my belated thank you for Friday evening?”

“You’re welcome and thank you. It’s exquisite and my favourite flowers,” she answered.

“I know. I asked Aunt Vi.”

They talked briefly about work and Cliff enquired whether she could be ready at 4 pm on Friday for their trip to Johannesburg.

“I’ll book the plane tickets right away. The new youth training camp is demanding all my free time,” he explained.

The rest of Mishka’s week passed swiftly as she dealt with deadlines, fabric delays and minor adjustments to garments in the sample stage of production. She left the office at 2 pm and rushed home for a quick shower. She’d already packed a bag the night before. At 3:35 she was ready for Cliff. Her aunt had gone to visit a sick friend.

At 3:45 she heard a sharp knock on the front door.

He’s early.

She grabbed her overnight bag and headed to the door, smiling. Her smile faded when she opened the door to find a strangely familiar face greeting her.

“Miss Harris?”

His voice sounded familiar too.

“Yes.”

“Cliff sends his apologies for not being able to collect you himself. He’s been delayed and will meet you at the check-in counter. Are you ready to leave?”

“Yes, I am, Mike.”She’d just remembered he was the MC at the Powell Foundation charity gala.

He raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Allow me,” he said, taking her bag.

“Thank you.”

She followed him to the car after locking the door and got in while he placed her bag in the boot.

The drive to the airport was quick. Mike escorted her to the check-in counter where Cliff was waiting as promised. He looked tired, but his face lit up when he saw them approaching.  In two long strides, he was in front of her and enveloped her in a warm embrace.

“Hello, beautiful.”

He kissed her lightly on the lips.

“I’m sorry I had to send Mike. One of the kids got injured.”

“I understand. Is he going to be ok?”

“Yes. It was only a slight hamstring pull but I prefer dealing with the parents in person,” he explained.

He turned to Mike and took her bag. “Thank you, mate.”

“No worries. Anytime, Cliff.”

He turned to Mishka. “Have a pleasant trip, Miss Harris.”

“Thank you, Mike. And please call me Mishka.”

“I’d love to call you to arrange a date but Cliff here would scalp me alive,” he teased and slapped Cliff on the back.