Cordelia felt helpless, as she dangled from the arms of the huge vampire. He had toyed with her long enough and was about to bite.

"Wesley, HELP!!!" The young woman screamed at the top of her lungs, while beating ineffectually at the demon with her fists. Oh, for a scrap piece of wood, or a chair leg. She searched around her, but found nothing useful.

Wesley, hearing her cries, ran towards her down the street. Suddenly, he disappeared into a phone booth, only to reappear moments later, wearing a Superman costume, complete with gray tights and red flowing cape. Only, on his chest, instead of a "s", there was a large "W"....oh, and he was still wearing his glasses. He flew into the air and landed neatly next to her, staking the vampire cleanly through the heart and catching Cordelia as she fell. She gazed lovingly into his eyes and...

...woke up with a start. 'What the hell was THAT all about?' She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, hoping to also erase the peculiar image of Wesley in tights that was still haunting her. 'Not that he doesn't have the legs for it.'

"Oh, I SO didn't just think that. Phantom Dennis, next time I decide to eat a pepperoni pizza at 11 o'clock at night, remind me it gives me really wacko dreams. And I mean REALLY WACKO!!"

A cup of fresh coffee and her hairbrush flew towards her. "I know, I know, I'm late."

******

(45 minutes later)

"You're late." Wesley was there making coffee when Cordelia slipped in the door.

"Thanks Big Ben. Do you chime every hour too?"

"Hmmm, someone woke up cranking this morning."

"Yes, and someone else woke up British. So, what's your point?"

"Ah, I'm not sure anymore..."

"Besides, when our boss sleeps until noon, I don't really see why we have to get here so early."

"I would hardly call 9am the 'crack of dawn' Cordelia....and Angel happens to have an errand he wants us to run this morning. Oh, and he says the car is in the shop."

"Well, what does he expect us to do...walk?"

"There's always my motorcycle."

"Pfffft!! Yeah, right. Like I'm going to let you get me killed riding on the back of that thing. We can take a cab."

"I'm afraid, where he wants us to go is up the coast a bit. A taxi just isn't an option. You really have nothing to worry about, you know."

Cordelia considered things for a moment. "Well....you're not exactly 'Danger Boy' , so I suppose...do I have to wear one of those hard hats? Cause that's gonna affect my hairstyle choice."

"A helmet? Yes, of course. I have a spare. And I recommend a jacket as well, if you have one. The ocean breezes can get quite chilly, even this time of year."

"Well, I don't have one. Guess I'll just have to stay here. Darn!"

"Yes, well.." he rummaged through the office closet. "I don't suppose Angel will mind if I borrow one of his. You can wear mine. It's warmer." He handed her his leather jacket, and slipped on a lightweight black jacket he'd found.

Cordelia dutifully put on Wesley's jacket and felt the soft leather - 'high quality!' It was large on her, but it felt comfortable around her, like a security blanket. It also smelled distinctly of Wesley; a mixture of sweat, ivory soap and mild aftershave - a not totally unpleasant smell. She was suddenly aware of Wesley's amused gaze.

"What?"

"Nothing. You look rather...sweet in my jacket." He was smiling a wide smile.

Cordelia could feel herself blush and couldn't believe Wesley was capable of making her feel like that. A sudden flash of him in that Superman outfit only compounded her problem. She hurried past him. "Well, let's get moving if we're going to. The sooner we leave, the sooner I can get back and chew Angel out for making me do this."

******

Cordelia eyed the motorcycle skeptically. It was bigger than she remembered. She'd never ridden on one before, but wasn't going to admit her nervousness to Wesley. He slid easily onto the seat and she finally managed to climb on behind him. He handed her a helmet and put on his own. It was only as he started the bike that Cordy realized she had nothing to hold onto - nothing but Wesley. The bike lurched forward with a roar and her arms clamped around the young man's waist like a vice.

After a few blocks, Wesley was on the verge of having to pry loose Cordy's fingers, so he could breath, when she finally started to loosen her death grip slightly. He gave her hands a reassuring pat and heard her muffled voice shout something like:

"Keeph bwff hnz oh da bik!"

He chuckled softly to himself, and enjoyed the feel of Cordelia pressed up against his back and her arms wrapped tightly around him. Long dormant feelings were resurfacing in him, but this time they didn't scare him...much.

By the time the bike had reached the edge of town and was heading up the California coastal highway, Cordelia had recovered from her fear, and was actually able to enjoy the feeling of freedom and watching the world zoom past her. When she thought of the alternative - life in Sunnydale, working or stuck in classes, like the rest of her old friends, she was very happy to be where she was right now. She still had a firm grip on Wesley though and sometimes leaned against his back for protection from the wind. She could see dark clouds looming over the water that hid the sun from view now and then, but otherwise it was a beautiful day to be outdoors. It was two hours before they reached the small town Angel had asked his associates to go to, but by then neither of them minded.

"Right. Well, here we are." Wesley checked the address on Angel's note against that of the antique store they'd stopped in front of. Cordelia pulled of her helmet and tried to arrange her hair into something less than a tangled mess.

"I could never be a motorcycle mama. It's murder on the hair. Give me a second to at least brush it, Wesley. Whatever we came for has obviously already been around a long time. It can wait another two minutes."

"You look wonderful, as always, Cordelia." Wes sighed, but made no move from the bike until Cordelia was satisfied she'd done all she could.

A little bell tinkled to signal they'd entered the store, and the two found themselves winding through a maze of old furnishings, kitchenware, children's toys and anything else you could imagine, including a kitchen sink or two. A small man seemed to pop out of nowhere in front of them, and greeted them cheerily.

"You must be Mr. Wyndham-Pryce and Ms. Chase. I've been expecting you...right this way." Cordelia gave Wesley a shrug and they both followed the old man to a cluttered counter, behind which he disappeared momentarily. When he popped up he held a long rectangular package, wrapped securely in plain brown paper. "Mr. Angel has already sent payment, so here you go." He thrust the package at Wesley and disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

"Well that was interesting. Strange little man." He examined the package closely. "I wonder what this is."

"We could open it and find out." Cordelia looked hopefully at Wesley.

"No, Angel didn't say anything about us opening it; just about bringing it back for him."

"Party pooper."

Back outside now, Wesley peered at the sky. "I don't like the look of those clouds. The storm seems to be shifting inland. I hope we don't get caught out in it."

"Let's get going then. I don't wanna get stuck in this no-horse town. It's kinda creepy." Cordy plopped the helmet back on her head and got onto the bike. Wesley securely fastened Angel's package to the back of the bike and climbed on in front of her. With one more look at the darkening sky, he headed the bike towards home again.

******

The two had traveled about an hour when the black clouds reached them. Since communication was impossible, Wesley made the decision to get off the road, and took the next exit he saw, hoping the town it led to would have a place he and Cordelia could wait out the storm in. They had just reached the outskirts, when the first fat droplet of rain hit Wesley square on the nose. There was no sign of life - no restaurants or stores yet - so he tried to keep going a mile or so more. It was getting hard to see, since his glasses were fogging up and the rain was pelting them harder. Finally, Wesley could just make out some sort of structure on the right hand side of the road and pulled over. It was a telephone booth - better than nothing. He quickly helped Cordelia off the bike and removed her helmet, before pushing her inside. He then quickly took of his own, leaving them both outside, as he squeezed in after the girl, and shut the door.

"Hey! What's the big idea? There's not room in here for both of us."

"Well you certainly don't expect me to stand outside in the pouring rain while you're nice and dry in here, do you?!"

"Nice and dry?! Do I look dry to you? My head was dry until you took my helmet off. What's with that?"

It took a bit of squirming before Wesley was facing Cordelia. In fact, they were pressed up against each other, with barely an inch or two to spare.

"We could never have gotten them off once we were in here. There just isn't enough room." He was attempting to retrieve his handkerchief, so he could at least try to dry his glasses, when he realized it was in the inner pocket of his coat, which Cordelia was wearing. He reached over to get it and found Cordy's fist in his face.

"Watch it Buster. No sudden moves."

Wesley sagged wearily. He was tired and soaked to the skin. Angel's jacket had not, apparently, been waterproof. "For goodness sake, Cordelia. Do you honestly believe I would take this particular moment in our lives to 'cop a feel'? You have my handkerchief and I need it to clean my glasses. I can't see a thing."

"Oh...sorry. Here." Of course, with every move they made, they brushed against and bumped each other more. Wesley reached up to remove his glasses and his elbow nearly took off Cordy's nose.

"Could you TRY to be more careful? Anywhere but the face please. I AM an actress."

Wesley was unsuccessful at repressing his *snort*, in response to her statement.

"And just what is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, I was trying not to sneeze.....and could you please not put your hand there. Its....ah, no. Not there either! OW!!" At the feel of her hand in rather sensitive places, Wesley had instinctively - and unsuccessfully - tried to back up, cracking his head hard against the glass behind him. "Wonderful. I suppose I've got a concussion now." He was starting to whine, but he couldn't help it. Being this close to Cordelia had already shot his nerves all to hell.

"Oh, let me see, you big Cry Baby." She reached up to feel the back of his head. She was so close he could feel her warm breath on his cheek. A small moan escaped his throat. Cordelia's eyes were suddenly filled with concern. "Did that hurt? I don't feel too big a bump."

Cordelia realized she had never seen Wesley's eyes so close up without his glasses covering them. They were a pale blue, almost gray, and very attractive. Despite being wet, she was beginning to feel very warm. She felt a shiver shoot through Wesley and reached out to touch him.

"You're hands are like ice!" Only then did she realize how soaking wet he was. The jacket she was wearing had afforded her some protection against the rain, and was still dry inside. Without another word, she managed to slip Wesley's arms around her, beneath the jacket, so she could warm him with her body heat. She wrapped her arms around him and rubbed his back, and she could feel his icy fingers on her back slowly warming, as he gently rubbed hers too.

'I am only doing this to warm him. I am NOT attracted to Wesley...so how come that feels so good?'

Wesley was looking at her with a funny expression; a cross between pleasure and embarrassment. "I feel I should apologize in advance for certain...ah...impulses that are currently beyond my control. I'm sorry if I'm going to offend you." He was either flushed or blushing. Cordelia wasn't sure. She had no idea what he was talking about until she felt something hard pressing against her abdomen.

"Uh...ohhhhhh" was all she could say. She hadn't felt this attracted to Wesley since just before that fateful kiss they'd handled so badly on Graduation Day. Funny how that should spring to mind at a time like this.

'Time like what? What is this the time for?' Her mind was racing, even as she looked deeper into his eyes. 'Oh, damn. I'm gonna kiss Wesley again.' "Well, they say third time's the charm."

"Wha...?" Wesley never got to finish his question, as Cordelia covered his lips with her own. She'd caught him by surprise, but it didn't take him long to catch up. He pulled her body into his and his hands began to run up and down her back, as his tongue began to search out hers.

Startled by his own eagerness, Wesley pulled back from Cordy (as much as possible) and they both stared at each other, surprised and breathless.

"I...I think the rain is letting up. Perhaps we should try to find a place to get dry clothes to change into."

"Oh yeah...dry clothes...rain...whatever..."

Neither of them moved an inch, until, a few minutes later, when they were both startled by the loud *beep* of a car horn. With great difficulty Wesley managed to get the door open and he stepped outside. He was greeted by, what appeared to be, local law enforcement. Wesley smoothed down his hair and extended his hand.

"Good afternoon sir. I am Wesley Wyndham-Pryce."

The sheriff shook his hand. "Sheriff Cooper. I saw your bike and thought you might need some help." He nodded towards the phone booth. "Knew you must be in there. The windows are all steamed up."

"Er, yes. It was the only shelter from the rain we could find."

"We?" At that, Cordelia peeked out the door and gave a friendly wave; flashing the sheriff a big smile.

"Hi. I'm Cordelia Chase. My friend and I would be so grateful if you could tell us where we could find some dry clothes and a place to change into them. We're not from around here."

Sheriff Cooper eyed first Wesley, and then Cordelia, and tried hard to hide his smile. He gave Wesley a little conspiratory wink.

"Sure. Tell ya what. I'll give you folks a ride to Stew's hotel. It's not far, and his wife can fix you up with some dry clothes and a hot meal. How's that sound?"

"Oh, wonderful! And, by the way, I didn't catch your name..." Cordelia linked her arm thru his and allowed him to escort her to his prowler. Wesley rolled his eyes, picked up their helmets, and retrieved Angel's package, before getting into the back seat. Cordelia, of course, was riding up front.

"...and there is plenty of hot water for your showers. Supper won't be ready for at least an hour, so take your time."

"Yes thank you very much for the hospitality, Mrs. Johnson." Wesley finally managed to shut the door on the talkative woman. Cordelia was already over by the bed, critically examining the pile of clothing she had been given.

"Wow, she sure talked your ear off."

"Well, I suppose I know how Sheriff Cooper felt then, don't I?"

"Okay, sarcasm noted there. What's your beef?"

"You certainly seemed to be quite 'chummy' with him, that's all. I mean, you just met the man."

"Oh, so I let you give me one little kiss and that gives you the right to go all possessive on me? I don't THINK so!"

"Let me....? One little? You let ME?!...." Wesley sputtered.

"You said that one already....okay, I'm tired of standing here in wet clothes, arguing with you. I can do that back at the office - argue with you that is. I'm gonna go take a shower and change into these....whatever they are." and with that, she turned and flounced into the bathroom and slammed the door.

Wesley stood in the middle of the room, dripping and furious. He wanted to scream; kick something; throw Cordelia out the window. No, that wasn't what he wanted to do to Cordelia. He was not only furious, he was hornier than hell. Hearing the shower running and imagining her naked in it didn't help matters any. Tired of being cold and wet, Wesley peeled off his clothes and wrapped himself in a blanket. Dejected and frustrated, he sat on the end of the bed, his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands. He looked down at his manhood, which was still semi-erect and throbbing with desire.

"Don't look at me. It's not my fault." 'Great, now I'm talking to myself.' His hand wandered down to his groin. He figured maybe just a light touch would help alleviate some of the tension. Wrong! At first contact he sucked in his breath sharply, as the pleasure hit him and his penis sprang to life. He couldn't help but continue to stroke it, and then pull on it. His breathing quickened, as did his heartrate, and he began to feel very warm. He closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip, to keep from moaning. Suddenly, a noise alerted him to a presence behind him, and he whirled around to find Cordelia, wrapped in a towel, staring at him. Horrified, he couldn't do anything but stare back. 'Look at her bare shoulders, and her long legs...this isn't helping!!'

"Uh, Wes...I'm done with the shower, if ya want it....Uhm....maybe a cold one?"

"Cordelia. I think you know that's not what I WANT right now." Wesley's voice was thick with desire and his eyes were locked on hers.

"Yeah, I guess I do.....funny thing is....I'm not so sure that's what I want either....for you....uh, the cold shower...." She sounded hesitant, but took a few steps towards him. The young man stood and faced her.

"Are you sure?" She just kept walking, and when she'd reached him she dropped her towel. Wesley let his blanket fall to the floor and they stood naked, looking at each other. Then they were in each other's arms, kissing hungrily; hands roaming over each other's bodies; hips grinding together. Somehow they made it to the bed without their lips parting. Their tongues wrestled for space in each other's mouths and Wesley had Cordy's breasts cupped in his hands. Cordelia had one hand on his erection and was rubbing it against herself, which was really turning her on. They wrestled and groped almost frantically until, finally, Cordy moaned into Wesley's mouth.

"God, Wesley, please! Fuck me! I want you to do it now!"

Wesley rolled them so that he was on top, and without another word, thrust himself into her. They both moaned with pleasure and grew louder as his thrusts grew harder and quicker. They were both primed, from their previous encounter in the phone booth, and it wasn't long before they'd reached the brink. Cordy gripped the headboard with both hands and tightly wrapped her legs around Wesley's waist. With one final push, he kissed her hard and the two of them road out their mutual climaxes together.

******

The two lovers lay contented in each other's arms. Wesley idly traced the scar on Cordelia's stomach with his finger, while she applied soft kisses to his neck.

"Wesley?"

"Hmmmmm?" He was almost asleep. "Yes, Luv?"

"Your feet are freezing!"

He propped himself up on his elbow and looked at her. "Well, that's romantic."

"I can't help it. Do something."

He leaned over the side of the bed, found what he was looking for, and pulled a pair of sweatsocks out of the pile of clothes on the floor. Dutifully he put them on. "There, is that better?"

"Yeah, much. Now get back here and snuggle." He immediately complied, and just as they were drifting off, Cordelia whispered in his ear. "Did I tell you I had a dream about you this morning?"

"Hmmmm?"

"Yeah, you were a superhero, and you saved my life...and you were wearing tights!" He hadn't heard her. He was already asleep. She kissed him gently and joined him, with a smile on her face.