Unexpected

As it turned out, she didn't have to wait that long. It had been a long evening, too long. She felt like a cross between a kid on Christmas Eve and a condemned man waiting for his punishment. Excitement mixed with trepidation. Her years of self doubt meant she played this game to perfection. Yet again she wondered how she could be good enough for someone like Tom. How people like him and Benedict could possibly find her interesting. Was she the butt of some in-joke? She couldn't believe Tom was using her, no, that went too far even for her tortured mind, but she did wonder how soon he would find out what a drab little thing she was in actuality. Before this all threatened to engulf her, while she was desperately trying to find something to distract her mind, the doorbell rang. Glancing at her watch, she realised it was almost 10pm. It was dark outside and the livingroom was now lit only by the tv.

Snapping on a table lamp, she carefully opened the front door on its safety chain. A figure peered in at her , the eyes glittering in the low light. Instantly she slammed the door shut again, then grinned like a mad woman and almost ripping the chain from its seating, pulled it open and exclaimed

"TOM!" Her heart pounded in her chest, what a surprise! He smiled broadly, pretending to rub a wounded nose,"Well, its not often I get a door slammed in my face as a welcome, but your beautiful smile has made up for it!" He laughed, coming into the hall and kissing her cheek lightly.

"Come on in! I wasnt expecting you , sorry, the place is a bit of a mess!" Rosie blushed and kicked some of the shopping bags from earlier behind the sofa."Hmmm a mess eh? Well if this is a mess I hate to think what you'd call my place!" He laughed, sitting on the sofa."Tea?" She asked "or a drink?" "Oh just tea thanks, I'm driving" he said quickly, "and a Hobnob??"She nodded and winked at him, "just as well I always have some on standby eh?"

A couple of minutes later, tea and biscuits duly served, she switched off the tv and sat down on the sofa curling her legs under her turning so she could face him. For a second he paused, lifting the mug to his lips, closed his eyes and took a mouthful, swallowing slowly. Rosie felt herself mesmerised , watching his Adam's apple bob up and down, feeling to her inward shame ,yet again this was far more erotic than it really should be. Finally Tom put the mug down, wolfed two biscuits at once with a cheeky smile and sighed contentedly.

" I needed that! I hate long interview days. The people are fascinating and the questions often intriguing but the process.....oh my " he rubbed his eyes with his hand. "Sorry love, " he said, "I honestly didn't come here just to raid your biscuit tin!" He smiled again and she would have happily given him the sugar back out her tea if he'd wanted that too.

They briefly chatted about the bbq , with Tom roaring with laughter at her confession to squeaking at Ben "I knew that would happen" he said, holding his ribs and guffawing away happily. "So, you'll come then?" He calmed down and looked at her steadily. " I really would like you to, maybe..." he tailed off, swallowed and continued " maybe , if your sure its ok, maybe we could kind of make it a proper date, like a couple-type date?" He looked at her with suddenly serious eyes. "I don't want you to feel I'm rushing anything. I don't want you to think I'm expecting anything or pressuring you into a situation you're not comfortable or ready for, I really do understand darling, this is quite a leap of faith for you". He reached over and took her hand in his, gently rubbing the back of it with his thumb. Rosie looked down at her tiny hand in his. Felt the lightest touch as he stroked it, feeling the electricity in the pit of her stomach. She was afraid, that was for sure. Not of him, no. She was afraid that she would panic again, afraid she would disappoint him and afraid she would never be free to love him the way he deserved. He took her silence as the doubt and fear that it truly was. He came and knelt at her feet, taking both hamds again in the dim light of the lamp.

He looked more serious than she had ever seen, "I know it's sudden but you cannot mitigate for who steals your heart Rosie. I have thought about you almost constantly since we parted. My heart lurches at the thought I may never see you or speak to you again." Rosie started to say that wouldnt happen but he shook his head and she fell silent, letting him continue "When I look at you I feel at home and I long to feel at home in your arms.I have never felt so at one with anyone. Yes its sudden and yes maybe it is mad but i feel - no I KNOW - its possible. I also think you feel in some small way, attracted to me too. Though frankly, God knows why, according to my sisters im like a big kid and a golden retriever rolled into one!" A brief smile played with his lips and eyes "Please will you allow me the honour to convince you that I am worthy of your trust, your affection and ultimately your heart? " he paused, his face a pucture of hope yet ti ged with the fear of rejection.Old habits die hard and instinctively she was searching his eyes for mischief, his lips for a smirk. There was neither.All she saw were deep blue pools for eyes, his achingly fine cheekbones chiselled in the low light. His warm and sensous mouth, tongue licking his lips as he paused, nervously waiting on her answer.

Closing her eyes and drinking in the moment, Rosie felt her soul relax. It was almost more than she could take in. Slowly, opening her eyes she withdrew a hand and ran her finger from his temple, down his face, brushing back a stray lock of hair. He pressed his cheek to her hand, his eyes buried deep in hers, then sighed slightly with contentment , his lids flickering closed. Inside, Rosie was a churning seething mess of excitement and fear. This was really happening, it was really true. She smiled and her eyes shone, mirroring his.

For a moment, silence, stillness. Neither moved. Not wanting to break the spell. Then, slowly they pulled back, both at the same time, eyes locked. He stood up, taking her with him. Without a further wordTom placed his hands on her back and pulled her gently to him. He bent towards her, pausing very briefly, his expression one of concern. She smiled, nodded very slightly and whispered, "Its ok, Tom, I'm ok. Thank you".

And then he kissed her.

Slowly, intimately and in exactly the way her fevered fangirl imagination had ever imagined. His lips were soft yet insistant, his movements careful and unhurried. She felt her body press into his and her hands found the back of his neck. It was as if they had been apart for months - no years - then suddenly found each other. Rosie felt herself relax and melt into his embrace.

Eventually, they broke off. "Oh Rosie" he whispered, his voice a low hum in his chest, "You make me feel things I simply couldnt repeat in polite company, "his eyes glinted mischeviously in the low lamplight. She slipped her hands round his waist, pulling him even closer and she could feel his desire.'Is that so Hiddles " she breathed into his ear. "Is that so."

Her hot breath on his neck made him groan softly."Oh God Rosie. What the hell have you done to me?" She smiled and kissed his neck , her breath sending shivers up his spine again, " I have no idea, but I bet you're aching to find out though...." she said. Kissing him deeply, her hands pressed to his chest now, feeling the taught muscles under his shirt. She paused, stepped back and took his hand "Why dont we find out together, " and with that she pulled him back down with her to the sofa to begin.