Rose slipped Dave's t-shirt over his head, revealing the splattering of hair on his chest as he pulled Rose's top over hers revealing her black lacy bra and began kissing her neck as he leaned against the now closed door. He reached for the zip of her black trousers and slipped his fingers down the back but on top of her stretchy black panties as she fumbled for the zip of his jeans. He began kissing along her jaw line and below her left ear, whispering her name.
There was something in his Scottish accent, the way he said it that made it sound special and everything inside Rose was telling her this was so wrong, it was too soon, barely a month and she was betraying her best friend and Mickey but he carried on, pulling her unzipped trousers over her hips and kissing her neck, she could barely breathe. She reached down the back of his jeans and he moved one hand to help her as her hand went down the back, being able to tell he was wearing briefs and not boxers by the material and feeling both his hands on her own as he inched down her trousers until they were halfway down her legs and he was holding her closer, kissing around the side of her neck further around.
Rose's hands were pressed firmly on top of his briefs but she found herself wanting to do the same to him so she moved them to the waistband of his jeans, tugging them down. He called her name again as they slid down his legs and he let them fall off his slim frame as hers also dropped to the floor when he moved slightly, then he pulled her even closer and they touched through the material of their underwear, Rose on her tiptoes then he let go, grinning at her as if they both had the idea it might be just as well they took off their shoes and avoid tripping over their clothes.
Rose clasped his shoulders to balance herself then Dave did the same then he picked her up, carrying her to the bed then pulling back the bedclothes, hovered over her and began kissing the skin exposed by her black lacy bra, never attempting to take it off, knowing his young daughter was just across the landing. Then lowering the arms he had been propping himself up on, he let himself gently down on top of her as she tried not to gasp at the contact, although they were still partially clothed, both sets of underwear seemed thinner than they had thought as he pressed himself onto her, Rose gasping again.
She knew this should not be happening, she had told Mickey since the day of Rita's death she didn't want to have sex with him, that she was too upset to think about it and he had made an allowance for her and last week she hadn't been bothered anyway, being that time of the month but next Tuesday, it would be exactly four weeks since her friend had died. The first week, she had left Dave alone, then she had begun helping him by shopping and looking after his kids because that was what friends did for each other, they cared for those left behind to cope but this was more, ever since that innocent kiss the day of her friend's funeral and now she was under Dave, his hand was reaching around her back to get his hand down the back of her underwear and she was letting him, enjoying the feeling of him touching her, knowing he had needs he badly needed to attend to.
He was a 39 year old man who had just lost his partner of over ten years, she was a 27 year old single woman with a long-term boyfriend since she was 19 and it seemed to have all gone stale since her friend's death yet somehow, fate had thrown them together to cope with the loss of a friend on Rose's part and a partner and lover on Dave's part but as Dave continued to kiss her exposed cleavage spilling over the top of her bra, he pushed her over onto her side, her arms around his back and they began kissing, deeply, their tongues entwined. Rose thought she heard a noise and just as the bedroom door opened slightly, she ducked under the covers, hoping Evie was half asleep and wouldn't have seen her as she nudged Dave and whispered to him as he was busy following her thinking she wanted him to go on top.
''Dave,'' she hissed.
He realised the door was open. ''Ssh, get down,'' he whispered back as the door closed to.
He scrambled out of bed and struggled into his jeans then threw his t-shirt over his head, still bare-footed and opened the door, just as Rose got out of bed and scrambled for her own clothes. He dashed out, Evie's bedroom door was slightly open but the girl was back in bed as he looked in on her.
Rose quickly got dressed and ran into the bathroom, wondering how the hell they had managed to get so carried away so quickly, Dave should still be grieving, not contemplating having sex with his partner's best friend, especially with his youngest daughter in the next room. Dave had gone downstairs and was in the kitchen, it was after ten and Rose was going to have some explaining to do if Mickey had got back to their flat before she did. Dave sat at the kitchen table.
''She went back to sleep, I don't think she actually saw you, she'll probably think it was just me or she imagined it. Don't say anything to her about it.''
''Such as? Tell her we were just about to shag each other but not to worry about it? It was a big mistake Dave, we should have known she would wake up. I'd better get going.''
He got up as she went towards the door and grabbed her arm.
''No kiss goodbye Rose?''
''It was nice Dave, it really was but that's it. I'm not even having sex with Mickey because I've been too upset, we should just forget about it, we were both just seeking some comfort, that's all. I'll meet you at the football ground on Sunday if you still want to go?''
''We promised Evie now. Don't leave like this Rose, please?''
''Like what?''
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. ''I'll see you on Sunday, ok?''
''Ok, goodnight Dave.''
''Goodnight Rose, I'm not sorry for what happened, you shouldn't be either.''
He kissed her lightly on the lips and let her go. When she got home, Mickey was making some toast and tea.
''I expected you to be here when I got back.''
''Oh, can't I go out now? Is it only you who's allowed?''
''Don't be like that. Where have you been?''
''I told you, Evie was sick, she's six and she misses her mum, I was making sure she was ok, I was reading to her. She's never heard of Mary Poppins.''
''So you told her the whole story?''
''Goodnight Mickey, I'm too tired to play stupid games with you.''
''Huh? What's wrong with you Rose? You don't want sex any more, why all of a sudden?''
''My best friend died Mickey, just give me time to come round, that's all. We're going to take the kids to the football on Sunday morning, you coming?''
''Yeah, 'course.''
The next morning, Dave went to see Robin, Rita's brother-in-law, after dropping Evie, who was feeling better at her granny's house and Robin offered him the use of his company credit card to tie Dave over until the compensation claim went through, which he was confident it would.
''What happened to work Dave?'' Robin asked.
''It's been quiet. Rose has been looking after the kids but bills have been going out faster than I can send invoices out, I've no-one working with me now.''
''Look, take my credit card, here's the pin number, you can't keep relying on Rose to bail you out. You know Anna doesn't approve of her, especially since she started taking charge when you threw her out? Anna thinks you're spending too much time with Rose, what does her boyfriend think?''
''I don't care what Anna or Rose's boyfriend think, she was Rita's best friend, they were more like sisters than she and Anna were, Anna is just jealous of that fact. She misses Rita as much as anyone and she loves those kids. Now, I need to get them a nanny, it's not fair on Rose to keep asking her but she's keeping the kids going, Lucy is too young to take responsibility for them on her own, they get on well with Rose. Look, never mind going for more compensation, just go ahead with it, ok?''
''I know how you feel about it Dave, it won't bring Rita back but a nanny is expensive. You may have to pay more legal fees if I pass it on but it would be worth it, I know someone who can take it on, if you want me to go ahead?''
''Fine, just let me know when the hearing is going to be reconvened and thanks for the credit card, you'll get it all back.''
''I know, Anna reads all the statements,'' Robin grinned.
The next morning, the Tiler's met Rose and Mickey outside the local football ground and they all got seats on the same row, Evie shuffling her way down to sit on Rose's then Mickey's laps.
''Someone's feeling better today,'' Rose smiled, pulling the young girl's woolly hat.
Evie giggled and wriggled her way on to Mickey, who also pulled her hat since it was now making his chin tickle. Dave was at the other end, Lucy was at her friend's so she hadn't wanted to go with them and the two boys were looking at the football programme. Rose offered a weak smile in Dave's direction, she hadn't seen him since Friday night and almost getting caught by the young girl now being held by Mickey. It got to half time and Rose had the job of taking Evie to the girl's room and Dave took the opportunity to excuse himself a few minutes later.
Evie was taking her time as Rose waited outside, Dave coming out of the gents.
''Hi Rose, are you ok? You've hardly spoken since we got here.''
''I'm fine. Why don't you all come over and I'll make lunch, just something quick to warm up, I prepared enough earlier.''
''Are you sure your flat can stand three kids in it?'' he tried to joke.
''Yeah, anyway, how did your meeting go yesterday?''
''Fine, I can pay you back now.''
There was no-one around as people were going back to their seats and Rose called Evie again who shouted not to hurry her. Rose smiled.
''You should get back Dave.''
''Afraid someone will see us going back at the same time?''
He moved her against the wall and Rose let him kiss her but they heard Evie coming out and Dave backed away, slipping up the steps as the girl emerged. They never got chance to be alone again during the following week what with Rose leaving just as Dave was free from helping the boys with their homework and him eating. Mickey was still complaining Rose was ignoring him in bed, something he was getting fed up with but Rose assured him she didn't want him to leave.
Dave invited Rose and Mickey back the following Sunday. He had heard back from Robin and the law firm he had recommended was prepared to represent him at the upcoming inquest which was to finally be in two weeks. He had also got a contract to take photos for a tourist brochure over in Edinburgh so he was arranging to send the kids to their granny again and spend the weekend, getting a room in one of the city centre hotels and thought about Rose.
After he dropped the kids at school the next day, he decided to ask her when he got back that night since the boys were at soccer practice and Evie was watching TV, Lucy in her room so before Rose left, he got her in the kitchen and closed the door.
''Rose, I have to go away this weekend, come with me?''
''What? Seriously?''
''I have to go to Edinburgh to take some photos, I got a new contract, come with me?''
''I can't, you know that.''
''I'll be there from Saturday afternoon until Sunday, call me if you change your mind. I got a room at one of the hotels. I miss being with you Rose.''
''Shush, you don't want Evie to overhear. Has she said anything?''
''No, not a word although she almost said something the other day but changed her mind.''
''Well I'm off now, see you tomorrow then?''
''Rose, I really feel like I should be paying you, are you sure you don't want the nanny's job? I'm going to go to an agency, after the hearing is over and get someone before and after school and during the holidays. Work is beginning to pick up slightly now.''
''Good, you need someone and I don't want paying or me and you will fall out, got it?''
Evie chose that moment to come into the kitchen. ''Are you going Rose?''
''Yeah, have to go see to that Mickey, you're more house-trained than he is. Give me a kiss before I go.''
Evie planted a kiss on her cheek and put her arms around her as Rose leaned down. ''Bye Rose, see you tomorrow. Daddy, kiss Rose goodbye.''
Dave looked at Rose then went up to her, kissing her cheek. ''Bye Rose, thanks.'' Evie was smiling as Rose went off.
The next night though, Anna decided to pay a visit since it had been a while and she glared at Rose.
''So have you been here every night then?''
''I bring the kids home, watch them until their dad gets home, it's the least I can do.''
Rose was rescued by Dave coming in but Evie innocently almost said something to her aunt when she was messing about with Dave.
''More cuddles, Rose likes cuddles, don't you Rose?''
Dave wondered if the girl had seen something after all. Anna just stared at the young girl.
''What do you mean Evie?''
''Rose gives me cuddles, like mummy used to do, don't you Rose?''
''Yeah, come here you, my turn.''
Evie rushed over and Rose picked her up but Evie reached her arm out to Dave.
''I miss cuddles with you and mum.''
Dave took the girl from Rose. ''I know, I miss them too.''
Anna could see she wasn't wanted, Rose Tyler had wormed her way into the Tiler family.
Friday night though, Dave was setting off to take the kids over to Rita's mother's as Rose was leaving.
''Wait in the car kids, I'll be there in a moment.'' They all went out. He turned to Rose, trying to kiss her.
''So, will you come to Edinburgh with me then?''
''It's not a good idea Dave.''
''I've hardly been alone with you since the other week. We could have tomorrow night all to ourselves?''
''I'll call you, if I change my mind, if I can get away, ok?''
''Then I hope you can get away, if you change your mind.''
He gave her a kiss before allowing her out of the door before him. Rose was thinking this may get it out of their systems once and for all but it would make things awkward. He had said he planned to get a nanny, he could manage until he got one if things didn't work out. She was miserable with Mickey, they both knew it. He had asked her again but her monthly was coming and she had said for him to wait until afterwards but he gave her an ultimatum.
''Rose, whatever's going on with you, you need to get over it. Rita is gone, you can't keep filling in as their mother, let him get himself a nanny.''
''He is, as soon as this inquest is over and he gets a settlement. He told me he's also going to adopt Lucy, properly, child services have been on to him again and Robin is going to handle it for him.''
''Yeah, well that's good but it's not your concern Rose. How about we go out tomorrow night?''
''What football final is on?'' Rose smiled, knowing that would be the only reason.
''I'm hurt by that remark. I'm trying to make up with you Rose, not that I should be the one, I think I've been more than fair with you, waiting.''
''Look, I'm gonna go off for the weekend, give us a break. I'll go over to Edinburgh and treat myself to a shopping day and a spa treatment, you go to your football and next week, when I get over my monthly, we'll talk about what we're gonna do, ok?''
''If that's what you want, ok, go have your spa treatment but next week Rose, we settle this, right? I need to know one way or the other. Tell you what, let's save some time yeah? Get Rita's inquest out of the way, let Dave find a nanny, say a month, tops then either we start having sex again or I leave, deal?''
Rose had to agree. ''Ok, we'll be civilised about it, it's just been so hectic and I can't just stop looking after the kids, they'd be devastated, they lost their mum so I'll encourage Dave to get a nanny sorted then I'll know they're ok.''
She couldn't decide whether to call Dave or not but since he was setting off on his bike, she decided to keep it to herself that she would meet him there. So the next morning, she packed an overnight bag and set off to go to the capital and found a long stay car park, not knowing where Dave would be since he was supposed to be working but by two, she was tired of looking around the shops and sent him a message – 'I'm in Edinburgh.'
Her phone rang instantly. ''Rose, you changed your mind. I'm in front of the castle, by the fountain, come and find me.''
''Have you eaten yet?''
''No, where are you?''
''About five minutes away, don't you disappear on me. Where are you staying?''
Ten minutes later, Rose saw him, taking photos of the castle and the fountain and went up behind him, putting her arm around him and kissing his cheek. He spun around and told her to smile. She did and waved at him, blowing a kiss and holding a bag containing sandwiches and bottles of flavoured water. She handed him the bag and they sat on the edge of the fountain. It was now in to June and it was a nice day so Dave took off his leather jacket for Rose to sit on as he reached over to kiss her.
''Hi, glad you came. What made you change your mind?''
''Mickey, he gave me an ultimatum. He gave me a month to start, you know and I'm not sure I want to.''
''Oh, I see and that depends on?''
''You said we could have the weekend to ourselves, no kids to worry about or wander into the bedroom, we cut it close the other day, I thought Evie was really going to say something.''
''So did I Rose, I'm sorry. Listen, after the enquiry, will you help me choose a nanny for them? Only it would look better if you were there.''
Rose let the words sink in, he was actually going to do it and after all that time, she would no longer going to be picking them up, getting their tea and helping Evie with her homework and her reading. What was she going to do? She had enjoyed being part of the family, Rita would have approved but maybe not of her stealing her partner but that never would have happened had Rita still been around.
Dave was messing around, pretending to take her sandwich and Rose smiled. This was the first time they had been able to relax around each other without being spotted. She just hoped Mickey wouldn't decide to come over and surprise her but since she hadn't said where exactly she was staying, the worst that could happen was he sent her a text or called to say he was in the city.
By five, Dave had finished taking photos and told Rose where he was staying, saying he was on his bike and would meet her there. He got there first, getting the key and going out to get his overnight bag then Rose getting hers. It was just an hour before dinner so Dave found the room and threw their bags on the chair, grabbing Rose by the waist and going for her neck.
''I've missed you Rose.''
''I missed you too Dave.''
She grabbed hold of him and he steered her towards the bed but she made him wait when he tried to unzip her dress.
''Later, we have all night.''
Dave gave her a grin and sat her on the bed. ''Promise?''
Rose nodded and pushed him down playfully, pulling his t-shirt off.
''That's hardly fair.''
She leaned down and kissed him, they got so engrossed, they almost missed their evening meal. Dave bought two drinks and they sat in a quiet corner of the hotel bar.
''So is this hotel expensive then?'' Rose asked.
''Booked it at one of those discount sites, Robin said Anna checks the credit card bills, I've booked in under his name so I hope he can convince her he wasn't sneaking off for the weekend.''
Rose smiled and put her hand in his.
He leaned over to whisper in her ear. ''Had enough Rose?''
He took the empty glass from her, it was almost ten and Rose took his hand. Once in their room, Dave wasted no time in unzipping her dress this time, something she had denied him earlier as he just slid his hand under her dress and down the back of her underwear, him just in his unzipped jeans and pulling up her floral dress. This time, there was to be no stopping them as he sat above her, pulling his t-shirt off then toeing of his shoes and socks as Rose slipped out of her dress. Smiling at him, she reached for the zip of his jeans as he reached around to unfasten her bra, smiling at her, the wait now over.
''Oh Rose, that day I kissed you, since the second time, I've wanted you.''
'It just seems so wrong, I keep thinking I'm betraying my friend's trust.''
''No, you were right Rose, she'd want me to carry on.''
He pulled off her bra, leaving her in her white lacy underwear as he wriggled out of his jeans, revealing his boxer briefs. He smiled at her and reached for the bedside lamp.
''Dave, leave it on, yeah?''
''Oh Rose, I want to look at you, you're beautiful.''
They scrambled under the covers, Dave raising himself on his hands as he nipped at Rose's cleavage. She ran her fingers through his hair and he looked up at her. She reached for the back of his briefs and he raised himself back up again.
''I want you Rose.''
''I want you too.''
He slowly pulled down her underwear, taking a long look at her then Rose pulled down his briefs as he turned out the lamp. After they were both lost in each other, calling each others names, they tossed and turned, swapping places as Rose almost shrieked with delight, remembering where they were and as they finally collapsed, Dave back on top, he laid on his side, taking Rose half with him, his arm around her shoulder as she still came down from her high.
She knew she had never experienced anything like that with Mickey, they had come nowhere near, she had been so wrapped up in it all, she forgot it was her best friend's partner she was with. Dave pulled her close to kiss her, she knew she had never been kissed like that before either and she felt different, something she had never felt before, real deep satisfaction and she knew she had never truly given herself to Mickey, she had just given herself to Dave.
TBC