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Author: Karen

Rating: G

Summary: Lee gets caught and there seems no way out.

Disclaimer: Characters are owned by Warner Bros, I’m only borrowing them for a little fun.

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Scarecrow had never seen Maplewood Drive this rowdy. The whole designated area was having a wonderful time. Lee had never wandered through or attended a block party before.

He finally made it to Amanda’s back door, and knocked lightly.

To look inconspicuous he had borrowed Buck’s W. C. Fields mask while Buck was bobbing for apples.

Amanda looked at her back door window when she heard the knock, assuming it was her next door neighbor because of the mask.

Once she was outside, Lee explained he was visiting to deliver Penny’s message personally. He promised Penny that he would. His eyes showed his intentions as he focused on her lips.

He moved closer to his partner, ready to take her in his arms, anticipating their first, sweet, no-cover kiss.

Amanda smiled in expectation eagerly awaiting the next few minutes.

Cue Dotty to appear, with a question concerning her Mae West costume. As soon as she opened the door, Her eyes bulged in surprise looking as big as banjoes.

"Amanda,---have you seen?" ----. "Amanda," a soft reprimand evolved from Dotty. She couldn’t think of anymore to say, she was so dumbfounded. She couldn’t imagine Amanda with Buck.

Then she viewed Buck sauntering toward them wondering why the gentleman with Amanda had his mask.

"Hey, what are you doing with my mask?" he asked Lee, slightly peeved.

Both Buck and Dotty assumed "the Amanda stance" waiting for his answer.

Amanda looked at Lee with resignation. He was caught, and she wondered what he would do next.

Lee did not release his arm from around her waist. He pulled the mask off and gave it back to Buck.

"I’m sorry. I just borrowed it for a little while," he offered contritely.

"Thanks," Buck replied slowly as if to seek Lee’s identity.

"Hi, I’m Lee—Lee Stetson," he extended his hand, "Amanda’s boss and good friend."

"Hi, Lee," Buck reciprocated. "Nice to meet you. Come to the block party if you get the chance, we’re all having a good time. Costumes aren’t necessary."

"Thanks, I’ll see what I can do."

Buck retreated back into the crowd.

Dotty now extended her hand to Lee. "So you’re Mr. Steadman, Amanda’s boss," she smiled.

"No, Mrs. West. I’m Lee Stetson, and yes, I’m Amanda’s boss and her friend. I came over to deliver a message to Amanda from Penny, a young lady we were working with recently. Nice to finally meet you," he kissed Dotty’s hand. Lee smiled flirtatiously, and added, "You’re as lovely as your daughter."

Well, that did it. Dotty was putty in his hands. "I’m sorry about your last name, Lee. I just can’t seem to get it right. Would you please call me Dotty?"

Previously Amanda had mentioned to her mother the location of the item she was looking for to complete her costume. "Listen, Amanda, what I was looking for is in the third drawer, right?"

Amanda nodded.

"I’m heading upstairs to achieve my Mae West look. Lee, why don’t you deliver your message in the kitchen, it’s a little more private. The boys won’t be home for awhile, so no one will bother you. See you soon"

Dotty proceeded upstairs with a knowing smile.

Amanda was by now blushing pink. Lee took her into the kitchen and continued his intent to deliver Penny’s message.

He took Amanda into his arms, "That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Your mother is a very nice woman, like her daughter, very special."

Amanda wrapped her arms around Lee’s waist.

She couldn’t believe this was happening at last. All her dreams and hopes coming down to this moment in time. She would treasure this moment forever.

She looked directly into Lee’s eyes, which by now, had grown darker.

Lee’s hand caressed her cheek, then edged closer to her mouth. He leaned in to claim her soft, warm lips kissing her lightly at first.

He broke away for a moment to gauge her reaction.

Amanda smiled back, her eyes reflecting all the love she had in her heart for her Scarecrow.

He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. A shiver of excitement ran through his entire body. No woman had ever made him feel this way before.

Amanda curled her arms around Lee’s neck. He tasted so sweet. She wanted more. They got lost in each other.

After a few minutes they separated as they heard Dotty coming down the steps, looking grand in her Mae West attire.

"Dotty, you look fabulous," whistled Lee.

"He’s right, mother, you look wonderful," Amanda agreed.

"Well, thank you both. Look, I’m going to invade the party outside, care to join me?"

"Sure, mother, for a little while. Then Lee and I are going for a drive after that."

"That’s nice, dear"

Buck saw Dotty, moved in closer and teased her, "Well, my little chickadee," in his best W. C. Fields mimicking.

Dotty continued, "Mmmmm," she quipped, in her Mae West imitation, "Why don’t you come up and see me sometime," strutting like the famous actress.

Everyone had a good laugh.

Amanda whispered to Lee, "Remind me to send a thank you note to Penny," she teased.

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