Flashback...

I brushed off my hands. 'Nother day, 'nother gator,' I thought. Now, it was a daily occurrence, but I really enjoy the fight they put up.

"You make it look too easy."

I looked over and was greeted by a very welcome face. "A'right, how long've you been there, Adalida?"

She smiled. "Long enough." Beat. "Hungry?"

"Starvin'," I replied.

"Why do I bother asking?" Adalida said, starting down the path.

I followed briefly, then caught up to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"I wish you wouldn't fight those gators, Raphael. I mean, every week, there's news of someone being killed or seriously injured..." Adalida began.

And I interrupted. "But I ain't just someone. 'Sides, I've been doin' this for nearly three years now, but the gators don't learn."

"I just think it's dangerous..." she said, the worry still evident in her voice.

I swear, I'd be content just to stare at this girl forever. Petite, just over 5ft., brown hair, blue-green eyes, fair complextion. Even above that: she accepted me.

I shook my head. "I don't know why you didn't run off screamin' and leave me."

Adalida sat next to me on her couch. "I don't scare easily." She smiled.

God, I love that smile. I always feel like I could get lost in it. I returned the smile and slipped an arm around her shoulders again, pulling her closer until our lips met.

She opened her mouth enough to let my tongue enter. I wrapped my other arm around her waist, and she obliged, putting her arms around my neck.

I let my hands begin to roam her back, stopping when my thumb brushed the hook on her bra...

Present...

"Waitaminute!" Mike cried out, wide-eyed.

"There are ladies present," Leo reminded.

I threw my arms out in irritation. "Did I forget ta say 'no interruptions'? And I know! Geez, gimme a little credit, a'right? Nothin' happened anyway..."