Ricky came to Jan one afternoon in one of the chat rooms online that they both frequented. He liked her feisty nickname, and asked her openly if he could message her privately.

After they had talked for a few minutes, they exchanged photos. They even found out that they didn't live far apart. He lived in a town that she had lived in for 10 years, but had moved away.

They discovered they had a lot in common, and added each other as 'pals.'

They kept in touch online as often as they could. When Ricky would see Jan, he would message his 'cyber-friend' and ask how she was doing.

Ricky was becoming more interested in her every time they talked. But Jan told him up front that there could never be anything but a friendship, for Ricky was married.

Jan had been married for 8 years before she grew tired of her husband's constant drinking, and told him she wanted a divorce. He had even stooped low enough to beat her a few times during the course of his drunkenness. The police had been called, and he had been taken away in handcuffs, only to return the following morning to beg her forgiveness.

It finally came to an end one night when Jan had a semi-blackout, and painted the word 'slut' on her face with red nail polish. The kids saw this, and went screaming to their dad, who tried his best to clean the awful mess while tears streamed down her face. The next day, he packed his things and sadly left in defeat.

Jan thought Ricky was so easy to talk to. She hated burdening people with her problems, but Ricky always offered a shoulder. He had his own problems; a wife who was no longer interested in lovemaking, and Ricky suffered silently as she spent time in her own world, oblivious to his needs.

He even jokingly said that he and Jan should meet sometime, since they were practically neighbors, and have lunch or something. Jan agreed. She wanted to meet her dear friend who had always had an answer for her when she was feeling low.

They decided on something elaborate, since neither had been out in so long. There was a hotel in a nearby town halfway between them both, and they decided to meet there, in the elegant restaurant off the lobby.

The Regency Room was fine dining at its best. The hotel had been a landmark in the city, since its very beginning in 1882. Their specialty was Peanut Soup. You simply had to eat this, if you came to visit the restaurant.

Ricky arranged to have some business in the city that weekend, and packed his suitcase accordingly. This way, his wife would have no reason for suspicion, not that she cared anyway. He kissed her dryly on the cheek, and told her he would return Sunday, as he headed out the door.

Jan shuffled the kids toward the door. "Are you sure you have everything?" she asked her oldest daughter. She had arranged for the kids to go to Grandparents' house for the weekend, and wanted to make sure there were no loose ends. Cyndi assured her she had all she needed. Stephanie shrieked that she had forgotten her skates, and went running back for them.

After everyone was in the car, and Jan started to back out of the driveway, only then did she realize what she was getting into. Her mind raced. What if Ricky wanted more from her than to just meet her for dinner? Could she go through with anything like that? She shivered as she thought of what might lie ahead tonight.

After she kissed the kids goodbye at Grandma's house, and waved for what seemed like forever, she was on her way again. The hotel was across town, and would only take a half hour or so to get there. In half an hour, she was to meet the man she had been friendly with online for a scant 2 months.

At the next stoplight, she checked her reflection in the rear view mirror. She had gone to a lot of trouble to look good. Jan had nice features, but was rather plain looking. Her auburn hair showed the slightest hint of graying around the hairline, but still looked lustrious and sexy. Her eyes were of a deep blue, surrounded by a few worry lines of a hard life. Her lips were full, and pouty. Very kissable, but hadn't been kissed in quite awhile.

The car behind her blew it's horn impatiently, urging her through the light that had tuned green. Jan gave the driver a quick glance, and started quickly on her way.

She arrived at the hotel a few minutes early. She sat in the car breathing deeply, trying to gain the courage to go inside. "Well it's now or never," she thought to herself, as she got out of the car and went inside.

Ricky told her he would be wearing a pair of khaki slacks and a blue button down shirt. She looked around the lobby for him, and spotted him sitting on one of the couches by the far wall. He rose when he saw her, and with a huge smile on his face, met her halfway across the room. He had a single red rose in his hand, and gave it to her as he hugged her tight.

"It's so good to finally meet you," Jan said to Ricky. "You too Jan," he said to her. They decided to go in and sit down in the restaurant, and enjoy themselves there.

The waiter led them to the corner booth that Ricky had reserved. It was private, and cozy. They slid in beside each other, and the waiter asked if he could get them anything to drink.

Ricky ordered a bottle of wine, and the waiter went to retrieve it.

When he brought it to them, he poured them each a glass. Ricky said they would order later on.

After the waiter had left them, Ricky took Jan's hand and kissed it. "I'm so glad you agreed to meet me," he said. Jan blushed a bit, but smiled. She had a feeling this was going to be a wonderful night for them both.

They talked for a while getting to know each other. He, about his job, and his family, and she about her kids, and her dreams in life.

There was quiet music playing, and Ricky suddenly wanted to feel Jan closer to him. "Would you dance with me?" he asked her. She nodded and got up from the table. He took her hand and led her to the small space in the center of the room. There were a few other couples dancing, oblivious to those around them. Ricky's arms went around her, and they swayed slowly, Jan's chin on his shoulder.

She closed her eyes, and melted against him. He nestled himself into her hair, and breathed in her scent. He didn't realize it, nor did she. But both of them were becoming aroused with each other.

After the song ended, he led her back to the table. They ordered dinner, and talked while they ate, long into the evening. The candlelight cast a warm glow across their faces and Jan's eyes glimmered with interest at everything Ricky had to say. She laughed at his jokes, and marveled at all the things he'd done, and places he'd been.

After the plates were cleared, and they were having coffee, Ricky moved around so he was sitting right next to her. "I like looking into your eyes, but this somehow feels much better," he said to her. She didn't say a word. "Jan, may I kiss you?" he asked.

He didn't wait for her response instead he leaned over and touched her lips with his.

She drew in a quick breath of surprise, but didn't back away. Instead, she parted her lips to receive his.