Page 62 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“We can’t blame beer this time,” Nathan said.

“I didn’t honestly blame the beer last time.”

“Me neither. Can I kiss you again?” Nathan asked. “I’m beginning to doubt it was as good as I thought it was. It can’t possibly have been.”

“It probably would be a good idea to check,” agreed Jessica.

This time it was Nathan who leaned in and the kiss was longer. He put an arm around her waist, coaxing her towards him.

“Well, this is a new, fun side to our friendship,” said Jessica when they finally came up for air.

“It certainly is.” Nathan ran his fingers through her hair. “But...”

Jessica pressed a finger to his lips. “No, buts,” she said, gently. “Maybe this isn’t the best idea, but, honestly, I’m fed up with pretending I don’t want to do this with you.”

She held her breath, waiting to see how Nathan would respond. Would he let her down gently? He’d been through so much with his ex-wife, was it even fair of her to push him into this whatever it was, which had no future to it?

“I really like you,” Nathan said.

“I really like you too. And we’re both consenting adults. Maybe this is just a lust thing, maybe if we just get it out of our systems...”

“I can’t imagine getting you out of my system.”

“I’m very keen to try,” said Jessica with a laugh. “Because, frankly, I’ve been going crazy lusting after you.”

Nathan gave a little laugh. He played for time by refocusing on his ice cream. Jessica could tell he was deliberating. He was such a good guy.

“I think you should stay over at my house tonight,” he said, finally.

“I think so too,” Jessica said, a huge grin breaking out across her face.

* * *

Jessica woke up the next morning with Nathan’s arms wrapped around her.

“I should have known you’d be a cuddly sleeper,” she muttered.

“Are you complaining?” Nathan said sleepily, pulling her in closer.

“No.” Jessica took his hand in hers and idly stroked it. “Do you know what the time is?”

“Nope,” said Nathan. “Go back to sleep.”

“I have to go to the dance studio,” Jessica explained.

“No, you don’t, you’re sick,” insisted Nathan.

“I’m not sick!” Jessica laughed.

“You seem hot to me,” said Nathan. She could sense him smiling.

Jessica reached out to the clock on the bedside table and turned it towards her. “I really have to go,” she said. “I need to go to Mum and Dad’s to get changed before the class.”

“No,” said Nathan, kissing her shoulders.

“I can come back later,” Jessica said.

“I’m coming for dinner at your mum and dad’s house, remember?”

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