Well, she feels exposed. You know exactly how she feels, but she doesn't know how you feel about her. That's why she is so upset. It's time you show her." Before I can argue more, she drops some bills on the table and stands up. With a soft smile, she reaches her hand out to me. I pray to God that this isn't one of my dreams again. Because I swear, I'm going to be pissed when I wake up. I grab her hand instinctively and follow her out. Simpler? You wanted me to pin her against something and kiss the daylights out of her. She probably would have freaked out, slapped me, and told me to take a hike," I say unhappily. Uh-huh, it's a date for you even if she doesn't know it. I can't believe that your Officer is this dense or dumb. From what you told me, your invitation screamed date. Does she even know it's your birthday?" I manage to swallow hard and say, "Yeah, it's new. Shall we go? I don't want us to miss our reservation."

I turn to her and softly say, "I wanted tonight to be special. It's your birthday. You deserve to have a wonderful time this evening." The entire precinct better not know what the hell is going on," I seriously say while batting Chloe's hand away. I'd love to. Do you have any place in mind?" I ask as a small, lopsided grin appears. I love when that happens. It wasn't just me. It did sound like a date invitation. I have a date with Holly Stewart. An actual date with the woman I think about all day and dream about every night. Now my jaw drops to the floor. It's her birthday. Damn, how could I have not known that?I giggle and say, "That certainly would have been interesting. Either way, you still have me pinned against a door." I can't believe she said it. She spelled it out for me. God, I don't think I've ever felt this relieved in my entire life. I walk over to where she's at and whisper, "Look at me, Gail." But it's her birthday. I meant what I said. She deserves a special night, and I'm determined to give her one. But it's time I make my intentions clear. I grab her hand, intertwine our fingers and whisper, "Come on Lunchbox. Your carriage awaits."

She leans in and kisses my cheek while she whispers, "I've meant to say this all night; Happy Birthday, Lunchbox." When I pull away to get some air, she only moves her kisses down my jaw while my fingers sink into her hair. I moan when she whispers, "God, you feel so good, Holly." The room erupts in applause, catcalls, and requests for another song; she just drops the mic and begins to get off the stage. I feel Tracy gives me a shove in her direction while softly saying, "Go, Holly. Yes, I know she hurt you, but you can devastate her. Please be gentle with my friend."

What did you get for yourself?", Holly asks as she looks at the containers and she begins to frown. Just the thought of her makes me smile. A text message from her makes my heart beat a little bit faster. We spend most of our free time together. Just hanging out at her place, going to dinner, and even a couple of times at the batting cages. I don't know what she's done to me, but I feel lighter somehow. More comfortable in my skin. I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not and not once has she asked me to change. She accepts my faults and all. These last seven months have been different but great. Tracy, if you share anything I'm about to say with absolutely anybody, I swear to God I'll never speak to you again." I can see her wheels spinning. She keeps looking at my food, and now she's scowling. I put my hand over hers and say, "Come on, Hol. We need to eat. My lunch hour is almost over. It'll be okay. Even if it isn't, you have one of my epi pens in your desk, at your house, in your car. Don't you think you are overreacting a little?" I roll my eyes and say, "I already knew that. What I meant is how do I make Holly understand that I like her that way too. I've never done this with a woman before, and she matters so much already. I don't want to ruin it, but I do want her to know how I feel about her. What she means to me."

Just as I'm about to tell Tracy to leave me the hell alone, I hear her voice. I turn to the small karaoke stage, and she's there. She's looking me straight in the eye, and her eyes seem to be pleading with me. "This song is dedicated to the gorgeous brunette at the bar. I'm sorry for not telling you, and I hope you can forgive me. The song is "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"by Sleeping at Last. I'll be here," Chloe says as I get out of the patrol car. As soon as I shut the door, she's off. She is going to find her Prince Charming. They're having lunch at the precinct. Danni said: "Happy birthday Dan! #couplegoals." John Terry wrote: "Happy Birthday Dan." Patsy said: "Awww this photo - Happy Birthday Dan x" Steph said: "Happy birthday Dan." Kate Thornton said: "Happy birthday Dan." Will Mellor said: "Happy birthday Dan!!" Andy Bebop said: "Happy birthday Dan !! Xx" Thank you for all your kind wishes… what a beautiful day … the best birthday gift of glorious blue skies and sunshine… with a healthy side/slab of cake… hugest love H," she added. I still couldn't believe it. I have a date with Holly Stewart. Holly said I meant the world to her. The world. Nobody has ever said anything remotely close to that about me. That might even mean that she loves me. Love me, me of all people. That's not a far leap, right? I'm used to men pursuing me for the most part. If I wanted something to happen, then they wouldn't require much prodding.Uh huh, so that's why you haven't done a thing since you sat down at your desk. Price said you started acting funny after your lunch with Holly. What happened? Maybe I can help," Tracy prods.