Nikki awoke with a pounding headache and a slightly fuzzy memory from the previous night.
She went to stretch, and realised that someone was next to her. She frowned, sitting up.
Nikki smiled as she remembered the events of the previous night.
The Lyell team had been on a night out, and Jack and Nikki had finally admitted their feelings to each other. One thing had led to another, and they'd ended up in bed together.
Jack stirred beside her, and smiled when he opened his eyes. "Good morning."
"Hi." She breathed, leaning down to kiss him. "How's the head?"
"Awful." He groaned.
"That settles it." Nikki smiled, and made her way to the bathroom to get some painkillers.
She gave one to Jack, then took one for herself.
"Nikki..." Jack started.
"Mmm?" She asked, laying back down to talk to him.
He cleared his throat, feeling a little nervous. He ran his arm up and down her bare back, working out what to say.
She waited for him, a gentle smile on her face.
"Was last night just a shag? Or was it something more?" He asked, gazing down at her.
In answer, Nikki kissed him. And when they broke apart, she smiled. "Of course it wasn't just a shag, Jack. I've loved you for a long time and last night was just the start of what I hope to be a wonderful and happy relationship."
"Really?" He asked, looking hopeful.
"Of course, you silly sausage." Nikki chuckled.
It was a Sunday, so neither of them were in work.
After making love for a second time, the couple showered together and Nikki got dressed. Jack did the same, not exactly thrilled at the fact that he was having to redress in yesterday's clothes.
"I'm going to nip home." He said, getting his coat on. "See you soon?"
"Yeah, sure." Nikki nodded, but she looked worried.
"Hey, I'll come back to you." He promised, and kissed her on the forehead. It was only when he went out did Nikki realised that they didn't use a condom- both times.
When Jack got back with an overnight bag, she was anxiously munching on some cereal.
He knew instantly that something was up with her. "Nikki, what's wrong?"
She took a sip of her water and looked at him. "I was on the poll but the tablets ran out last week. And we didn't use a condom. What if I'm pregnant Jack? We've barely been together a day, bloody hell…"
"Hey, calm down! If you are pregnant then we'll deal with that, Nik. We'll be fine. Um, not to offend you or anything but aren't you too old to, y'know..?"
"Have periods? Jack I'm 44, not menopausal just yet. I hope that I'm reacting over nothing." She said.
He kissed her cheek. "Exactly. And I love you."
"I love you too." She smiled.
A while later, when they were cuddled up together on the sofa watching TV, Clarissa caller Jack.
"Hey loverboy! You at Nikki's?" She asked rather loudly, making him wince.
"Yeah." Jack smiled. "It's serious, we're together. I gather you'll tell Thomas and Max?"
"Of course." His best friend chuckled. "See you tomorrow."
"Bye." Replied Jack, and hung up.
"Clarissa knows, and she says to send her love." He said, sitting next to his girlfriend.
"She never misses a trick." Nikki laughed, cuddling into him.