Page 44 of Only You

Glancing at his watch, Andrew saw it was eleven o’clock before looking around and realising they were the last customers left. They had spent three and a half hours talking non-stop.

Kate smiled and excused herself. While she was away, Andrew settled their bill and paused. He had enjoyed himself, not just a little, but really enjoyed himself. He had been a grownup, had adult conversation, and relaxed. Kate returned to the table and collected her bag. They thanked the waitress, who looked relieved to see the back of them.

“Do you need a taxi?” Andrew asked.

“It’s fine. My flat is only around the corner,” she replied, her head tilting questioningly.

“Can I walk you home?” Andrew surprised himself by asking.

Kate wrapped her arm through his. “That would be great.”

They walked in a comfortable silence, taking in the City’s hush at night, a sharp contrast to the day. When Kate had said her flat was around the corner, she meant it.

“Convenient,” Andrew chuckled as Kate motioned to the entrance.

“Sensible,” Kate said, turning to face him. “It means if it is a bad date, I don’t have far to escape.” Her eyes sparkled as she stared up at him.

“How was this date…” he left the question hanging.

“This date was one of the better ones,” Kate replied with a grin. She moistened her lips, and Andrew found his eyes drawn to the movement. “Would you like to come up for a nightcap?”

Did he? The question hit him hard. It was nearly midnight, and Olivia was home. Could he go upstairs? Olivia was fine with Ana. They were probably in bed asleep. Ana would have called him if there were any problems.

“That would be great,” he heard himself say.

He was an unattached, single dad, but why did it suddenly feel like he was doing the wrong thing? Andrew rubbed at the growing tightness spreading through his chest as they moved inside and made their way to the lift.

“Are you okay?” Kate asked.

“I’m fine,” Andrew said. “Too much food.”

Although he knew he was lying.

The lift arrived, and Andrew followed Kate into her flat. It was a beautiful modern flat with large windows overlooking the Thames.

“This is beautiful,” Andrew said, looking around.

“Thank you. I’m a trust fund baby,” she laughed. “This is all Daddy’s.”

At least she wasn’t after his money. Kate clearly had enough of her own.

“Take a seat,” she said before disappearing into the kitchen and returning with two glasses of chilled wine. Andrew accepted one and watched as Kate sat down next to him, leaving hers on the table.

Placing his wine on the coffee table next to hers, Andrew watched as Kate turned to face him. She leaned forward and ran her hand up his arm, resting it on his shoulder. Andrew leaned forward and pulled her towards him until she straddled his lap, their eyes locked on one another.

Both her hands trailed over his shoulders before moving down to rest on his chest. Andrew’s heart thundered under her hands, and he felt himself harden beneath her. His body reacted to the touch of another, something he had missed over the past couple of years. Reaching up, he cupped Kate’s face, drawing her closer. Their mouths fused. The kiss was gentle. He had a beautiful woman in his arms who wanted him. Andrew pushed aside the growing tightness in his chest, choosing instead to enjoy the moment as Kate ground herself against him.

Kate’s hands locked in his hair. She moaned in pleasure as their mouths nipped and teased. Andrews’ hands moved up her back, drawing her closer. Kate had worked his shirt free from his jeans, and her nails raked across his skin, making his muscles contract. Andrew’s thoughts flew to Ana, her small, delicate hands and the swipe of her tongue. Andrew groaned in frustration. Mistaking its cause, Kate pulled him back to her, her hands moving to the top button of his shirt. “Shall we take this somewhere more comfortable?”

Andrew froze. The tightness in his chest had become a pain in the back of his throat. His skin tingled with the need to escape. Andrew captured Kate’s hands in his.

“I’m sorry. I need to go,” Andrew said. “Tonight has been amazing, but I forgot, I have to be at the hospital early tomorrow.”

The lie spilt easily off his tongue.

Kate looked up at him, confused. Andrew lifted Kate off him and got to his feet. Bending down, he dropped a kiss on her lips. “I really have enjoyed tonight,” he said before making his way to the door. He needed to get out of there.

Kate had recovered and followed him.

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