The First Kiss (1/?)

The front door opened and a square of soft light spread on the floor from the hallway. For a few seconds, only two pair of legs were visible crossing the threshold, due to the darkness lingering around the apartment.

"I got it," Sharon's voice was heard just before she switched on the light. Andy closed the door behind him and waited for her to hang her purse and coat, before doing the same with his jacket. He still couldn't get over the gorgeous blue dress she was wearing. It went down to the middle of her thighs, leaving enough room for his imagination. And boy, did he imagine. He could barely concentrate on the play they were watching, and not just because of her legs.

The old-fashioned dating was driving him crazy. It had been over a month since they'd made it official, and he couldn't stop wondering when she would be willing to take it up a notch…

"So, uh…" she turned to him, smiling. "Coffee? Tea?"

"Yeah," he said absentmindedly, smiling at her without even realizing.

Sharon chuckled. She took a step towards him, hoping that her movement would snap him out of... whatever this was. He seemed to be aware of her movement, but he kept gazing at her, probably wondering what she was doing. There was something endearing in the way he looked at her. His eyes were sparkling with anticipation, and it made Sharon think of an eager child.

"Andy…" she said gently, taking another step forward.

The second time, he regained full focus. She was so close; it actually took effort for him to stand still.

"I've been meaning to thank you for being so patient and respecting my… unusual pace."

Andy shook his head dismissively. "Don't thank me. It's not even a question."

"Still, you've been waiting longer than socially accepted."

"Who gives a damn about what's socially accepted?" he smiled that smile that melted her heart every time. "I'll wait as long as you want."

Sharon took the last step between them, bringing their chests together. She was going to say that she didn't want to wait any longer, but her mouth wasn't able to utter any words. They were so close now, closer than she'd ever let herself get to him. She could feel his warmth, feel him breathing against her, feel his excitement. She saw his face getting closer and closer, like in slow motion, awakening all of her old fears. For a moment, she heard the familiar voice in her head, yelling at her to step back and stay away from any intimate situations, so she didn't get hurt.

This time, though, she wasn't going to let it win.

She put her lips on his and froze.

It was like stepping out into the sun after heavy rain. A warm sensation flashed through her body, letting her know that she made the right decision.

Andy held her gently by her upper arms, unsure what was acceptable in her eyes and what was not. He felt her hands on his chest, one staying to rest there, the other moving upwards slowly.

More than once, he tried to imagine what it would be like to kiss her, but he could never have imagined the way it actually made him feel. It was something unfamiliar to him, something that he couldn't put into words, not even in his own mind. It was definitely a first of some sort.

All he knew was that it was good. He couldn't think straight.

His lips felt soft against hers, or maybe it was the gentle way he was kissing her. Sharon never wanted it to stop. It had been so long since she'd kissed a man, and he wasn't just any man to her - he was special. She knew she couldn't feel so strongly for just anyone.

By the time they opened their eyes, each catching their breath, she had one hand on the back of his neck, and his were on her back, holding her close to him. They smiled at each other, both a little embarrassed but feeling confident that this relationship was one of the best things they had decided to give themselves.

"So… coffee?" Sharon finally asked, after what felt like an eternity of staring into each other's eyes, and they both laughed in relief.

"If it buys me more time with you."

"Or we could just stand here and stare at each other," she teased him.

"Oh, yeah, I like that idea."

"Come on," Sharon giggled. She took his hand and led him to the kitchen, trying to come up with the most refined way to get herself in his arms again.