A/N: I loved writing this chapter. I really hope you'll enjoy it just as much.


Anna paced up and down the narrow hallway, the length of her dress trailing a little behind her and making a hushed swishing sound on the carpet. She felt like she had repeated her steps there for hours, but really it had only been a few minutes. She knew she had gotten ready too early. Gulping to try and relieve her dry throat, she took a look at the clock on the mantelpiece and was surprised to find that it was actually a little later than she had imagined. Her head swivelled to the door at the other end of the dimly lit hall, her eyes staying planted to the panes of frosted glass that she could barely make any shadows out from behind. She sighed in the silence, taking one last lingering look before she swept back into the sitting room.

Though her feet were already aching slightly from the heels she hadn't worn in a long time and the sofa looked particularly inviting in the empty room, she didn't dare to even think about seating herself, not wanting to crumple her dress. Instead she stood rather awkwardly on the threshold, a strip of light from the window stretching just far enough to reach her. She used the little bit of illumination to inch forward tentatively, regarding herself in the mirror. She must have tried it on at least ten times or more in the last week, but now, in the low light, the dress looked quite different. The longer she looked, the more she noticed that she looked different.

A finger stayed twisting a lock of hair around its length as she continued to gaze at her reflection. Something within her sprang up suddenly and she released the strand, letting the curled end recoil and rest below her shoulder, joining the others. With a shaking hand, she applied a coat of lipstick, pressing her lips together at length as she willed the jittering in her stomach to calm. She ran her other hand over the fabric covering her stomach, the action soothing her a little. In that second she did wonder whether it was all too over-the-top, too extravagant. It was only a little get-together after all, and here she was, dressed to the nines. Perhaps there was still enough time to go and change, if she was quick enough.

The shrill ring of the doorbell echoed, sounding deafening in the quiet room.

Anna's heart catapulted upwards as she moved down the hall again, the tiniest traces of a smile pulling at her lips. Her hand made to grasp the door handle fervently, but before she could prise it open she pulled her fingers away, tottering back beneath the stairs. The bell rang once more and she giggled inwardly as she wriggled into the coat, doing up the buttons hastily, her hair tumbling and bouncing over the collar.

She ran the short distance as best she could, holding herself for a second before the door was opened.

In a second, his head had lifted from the doorstep and his eyes were upon her, absolutely riveted. She noticed him inhaling a sharp breath, his lips parting slightly as he cast his gaze from the top of her head to the tips of her toes and back again, and tingles shivered down her spine. In the darkness, his look was a source of almost blinding light and made an aura glow around her. The smile that had started to spark on her face was now completely ignited.

"Good evening, Miss Smith," he uttered, the fingers of one hand resting upon the door's frame from the outside, his attentive eyes burning into her.

"Good evening, Mr Bates," she echoed, the flush rising on her cheeks as she kept her own eyes on him, delighted to see the soft smile spread across his lips.

He remained standing in the rather mild night air and she gestured for him to step into the hallway. Once he was inside, she clicked the door softly shut and smiled to see him rooted to the spot, following her movements, eyes flittering about the walls and along the stairs before they found their way back to her reliably. She stood only a few inches away from him, blossoming underneath his gaze and brightening by the second with the open appreciation of his smile. The pad of his shoes against the rather worn carpet was soft as he leant closer to her, his hand very lightly touching the brushed velvet of her coat as he angled his head towards her cheek. The anticipation bubbled within her seconds before his warm, soft lips pressed themselves tenderly to her skin, and she was surprised that she didn't jump to the ceiling. He lingered for a moment, seeming to lean his face nearer in to the curls that cascaded upon her shoulders, his breath riveting upon her neck. When he pulled back, Anna felt the loss of contact keenly.

"I hope you didn't mind," he said a little hesitantly, his hands fluttering lost in the air before he planted them into his pockets. "I just found that I couldn't resist. You look beautiful."

Anna knew that she was blushing intensely, feeling the entire length of her body radiating with heat.

"Thank you," she smiled, fingers fiddling with the clasp of her clutch bag. "You don't look too bad yourself."

That was a vast understatement, but for some reason she couldn't help but respond modestly, still slightly embarrassed by his compliment to her. He was all in black; black coat, black shoes, black suit, just offset by a grey shirt underneath and a lighter silken grey tie that sat on top. There was just a touch of stubble tracing his skin and his hair had a little gel in it but wasn't secured too tightly, looking like it could be dangerously close to being ruffled entirely free at any moment. Possibly by her, if she was given the chance. He was incredibly handsome indeed, and though she had always known he was, now she really noticed it.

He smiled back at her, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes just beginning to emerge. Before she could see them deepen, his gaze broke contact with hers, following the path of her body once more. Anna felt coy and triumphant all at once, and grinned when she saw his look linger at her ankles, the edge of her coat covering them almost completely.

"Something wrong?" she asked brightly, but keeping her voice low.

John shook his head very lightly, bringing his hand up to brush his chin.

"Not that I'm complaining, but I was rather looking forward to being the first to see this wonderful dress of yours."

Anna chuckled, turning just slightly to make the full-length coat swirl at her heels, swaying her hips just a little purposely as she did so.

"It's a surprise," she teased, her tone full of mischief. "You'll have to wait just a little longer. And use your imagination in the meantime."

"I've been doing nothing but on the way here."

His irises flashed dark towards her and she felt her skin prickle. In the next moment, his smile turned soft and warm again and her head stopped whirling, the world around her beginning to rotate at its normal speed. She took a steadying breath, and smirked.

"It won't be long, I promise."

"I can live with that," John replied, smoothing his palms over the wool of his overcoat. "It's probably a good thing, really. I'm not sure I'm quite prepared for how bowled over I'm going to be."

She shook her head at his whispered words, sending ringlets of her hair bouncing against her shoulders.

"Ready to go?"

Anna took another deep breath, holding her bag pressed against her figure, curling her fingers against the sleeves of her coat.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"It'll be fine. You'll be fine." The sincerity of his smile put her at ease, making her feel a little less petrified, the sureness of his voice enveloping and soothing her. "Just enjoy it. It's going to be a good night."

She smiled up at him, loving how his eyes shined so openly towards her, showering her in affection. It was going to be a good night; much better than that, she already knew that much.

"Your carriage awaits," he leant to whisper in the shell of her ear, and the shivers careened all over her again. "Well, your cab, at least. But if you tilt your head, and squint…"

She laughed, tapping the back of a hand lightly against his covered shoulder. A hearty chortle sounded from the back of his throat and he touched his own hand gently, almost imperceptibly, to the small of her back as he guided her down the driveway.

When they got to the curb, he removed his hand to hold open the cab door for her, offering to take her bag with his other proffered hand. Anna smiled graciously at him, the moonlight making her features glow beautifully before she climbed carefully into the compartment. He followed soon after, leaning over to give the driver the address, so assured and confident, and then settling into the seat next to her, his long legs stretching out across the floor of the cab. Anna swallowed hard as her eyes drifted across them, her hands clasping tight together in her lap. They were already clammy before the cab set off and as it rode down the streets, not going at a very fast pace, she could feel and hear her heart thundering against her chest and in the temples of her head. The cloying, sickening sensation of anxiety was winding its way upwards, clamping itself like an iron vice upon her. She startled as the cab's wheels jumped over a speed bump, one hand clutching to the hem of her coat, the other gripping the edge of the leather seat.

She slowly stole a glance to her right, to the solidness of his figure sitting next to her, only a little bit of space between them. Looking out of the window so casually, completely unfazed, he was her parallel. She had to admit, she felt better just observing his composure, and the smallest of half-smiles showed signs of appearing on her face. He had been looking forward to this evening so much, probably more than she had, and he would be beyond disappointed if she announced that she'd changed her mind, that she'd rather not go. She imagined the expression that would form when she said the words to him a hundred times over in her head. However, in all the pictures she envisioned, she didn't see a hint of sadness or frustration in a single one; only a sympathetic nod and smile, a tender grasp of her fingers in his, eyes sparkling with the deepest understanding.

Realising that her eyes were upon him, Anna watched John turning round, shifting a little against the seat to come face to face with her once more. He wore the same smile that she knew from her daydreams, appearing even more assuring and enchanting in reality. The amber streetlights peeked through the window, bathing his features in their gold. He gave a little nod of his head towards her, a silent question to ask if she was alright. Anna understood implicitly, and bobbed her head in response. He smiled wide, keeping his gaze fixed upon her for a few moments before he returned to staring out of the window. A little wave sunk in her stomach as his eyes left her, and she felt a chill began to itch at her toes as she focused straight ahead.

She didn't feel it for long. A surge of warmth burst upon her, planting firmly in the centre of her chest and tingling at the tips of her fingers as his large hand covered her dainty one completely, resting on the patch of leather that was left between them. It remained planted there for the rest of the journey, his thumb occasionally sweeping over her skin, keeping the comfort and the connection between them. All Anna could do was smile.

She was still smiling, albeit a touch uncertainly, as they arrived at the restaurant. John held his hand out to help her out of the cab and she let go a little too soon once they were both out. She looked up at the sign set outside, the soft low light emanating from the windows and behind the door, and took a slow, deep breath. She was still holding it when he came back to her side having paid the driver.

"You've no need to be nervous, you know." His soft voice filled the air, filled her head. "We're all on your side here. And those who don't know you yet soon will be. I mean, this is all down to you."

Though he did nothing but mean well, those last words sent a fresh jolt of panic soaring in her. She gritted her teeth, looking as outwardly collected as it was possible for her to be.

"I don't know, I just don't like being the centre of attention." She shifted a little on her soles, brimming with nervous energy. "I never have done."

"You could have fooled me."

He let out a little chuckle as she eyed him, the corners of her mouth quirking only a little. She stared ahead at the awaiting restaurant once more and pursed her lips, exhaling slowly.

"Anna."

His speaking of her name brought her back to earth.

"It's okay. I'm here. I won't leave your side for a second all night, if that's what will get you through."

Reaching out, his hand sought hers softly, the tips of his fingers stroking the sides of hers ever so gently before his touch became more certain and he twined their hands together. Anna curled her fingers instinctively, pressing her palm closer to his. She could feel his pulse racing against her own as they collided carefully and it seemed to be going faster than hers was at this moment. The rhythm soothed her, and knowing she was having that effect on him made her thrill. Glancing up to his height, she gave his hand a squeeze and smiled.

"Well, Mr Bates, I hope you know there's a good possibility I might not let you go."


The first thing that struck her on being inside was the warmth of the place, adding to the slightly unseasonal sultriness, most likely filtering through from the kitchens. The second was Cora appearing in front of her, all of her boundless energy barely contained in her wide smile and outstretched arms.

"Anna!" she shrieked, wrapping her into a hug, pulling back when she was aware she might have been being too much. "It's so wonderful to have you here. We couldn't very well start proceedings without you. You look lovely."

Anna smiled humbly and coloured, already overwhelmed with the flattery.

"Thanks, Cora. So do you."

Cora waved a hand out. "Oh, this old thing. I'm sure I had it when the girls were little."

Anna laughed a little nervously, her fingers dancing upon the handle of her clutch. She noticed a blonde woman standing at Cora's back, with a taller, fair-haired man at her side.

"Speaking of which, I'd like to introduce you to our daughter, Edith, and her fiancé, Anthony."

Anna stepped forward and was greeted warmly by Edith, who gave her a much more restrained, gentle embrace.

"It's so nice to finally meet you, Anna. Mama and Papa have said so much about you."

"Good things, I hope."

Edith simply smiled as she stepped back on her heels and allowed Anthony to move forward, stretching his hand out to give Anna a firm but slightly staid handshake.

"I'm sorry the other girls couldn't be here," Cora announced. "Mary's holidaying with her granny and Sybil's still off gallivanting on the other side of the world. But we're hoping they'll be back for the official opening."

Anna nodded silently, glancing over at John who was still at her side and flashed a smile at her. She returned it at once, not conscious at that moment of anybody else in the room.

"Robert, come on, stop faffing around in the kitchen," Cora shouted, and it wasn't long before he was dutifully at his wife's side.

"Anna, my saving grace. So glad you could make it."

Robert bent forward to give her a friendly peck on the cheek, and then moved to pat John on the shoulder.

"John, my good man. Where would I be without you?"

"You'd probably get by."

Robert extended a hand to offer John a hearty handshake and it wasn't until John made a move to reciprocate the action that they became aware that his hand had found its way back to hers again, and their fingers were laced tightly together. Their eyes locked for a second, acknowledging to themselves, and both let go of the other's grasp instantaneously. Anna cast her eyes to the side as John shook his friend's hand, still sensing his touch upon the length of her fingers. When she looked back again, she saw a telling little look twinkling in Cora's gaze, and felt herself grow hotter.

Before she had time to think more deeply, Cora clapped her hands together.

"Well, now everybody's here, we should get things underway!"

She made to scoot off into the room, leaving Anna and John standing a little lost, until she turned back again suddenly, gasping.

"Oh, you're still in your coats! Please, make yourselves at home."

John moved around to Anna's back, stretching his hands out towards her shoulders.

"Let me," he said, low enough to be heard by Anna's ears alone.

She skipped forward a little on the toes of her shoes, walking out of the waiting circle of his arms purposely.

"It's fine," she announced softly, turning her head over her shoulder just enough to catch sight of his gaze. He looked adorably confused, and Anna felt a little pang of guilt for turning down his gentlemanly advances, but she had a very good reason for doing so. It had been something she had been looking forward to all evening, and she wanted to make sure that she would be able to see his face when she removed her coat.

Deliberately slowly, she undid the buttons, eased her arms from the sleeves and shook her body from the covering, revealing herself in her splendour. Her shoulders hunched up slightly, feeling a sudden chill on her newly exposed skin and a slight apprehension. However, that fell away when she cast her gaze upwards again, and she couldn't stop the smile from easing upon her lips. The display had certainly had its desired effect.

She turned herself round a little, unable to miss the fact that John's eyes had widened a considerable degree in his head, and his mouth was hanging agape, despite his best efforts to control himself. She giggled to herself, arching her shoulders and sending the shimmering gold dress rippling across her back, floating at her heels. His jaw was still dropped near enough against his chest as she swept over the floor, handing the coat into Cora's offered hands.

"Bloody hell," Robert muttered, and then yelped as Cora dug an elbow sharply into his ribs.

"I'll just hang these up, and then show you the seating plan." Cora's voice drifted as she disappeared into the restaurant, the others following in her wake. Anna and John lingered by the entrance for a few moments, Anna revelling privately in John's admiring gaze, hot upon every inch of her skin.

"So, what do you think?" she uttered coquettishly, her fingers playing at the curve of one shoulder, adjusting the fabric slightly. She could have laughed out loud when she noticed that his eyes were immediately riveted to the spot where they were held. "Is it too much?"

"It's…it's…wow," he managed to breath, his gaze drifting up to meet hers after a few seconds, still held utterly entranced. "I truly believe I am lost for words."

Anna couldn't hold back her giggles. "Well, that's good."

John's eyes roamed upon the curve of her cheek, the pinkness of her rosebud lips. He lowered his head so that it was almost nestling in the crook of her neck.

"Anna, you are stunning. Completely amazing. There really are no words."

His whispers fell softly upon the skin at her ear, sending goosepimples springing up in an instant and she could smell his clean, slightly aftershaved scent.

"I just can't believe that I should be the one to be with you tonight."

His words were sincere and they made her buzz with happiness, yet she still detected a hint of sadness there. She reached to take his hand once more.

"Believe," she said, her voice soft and full of conviction. Her fingers caressed and then gently squeezed his and she smiled before she made to turn into the room. There was a tug upon her hand, still entwined with his, and she let herself be led back by him for a moment. She beamed up at him happily.

"What was it you said about not wanting to let go of me?" he uttered, dark eyes dancing all over her. "Now I'm not sure if I'll be able to let go of you."

Anna smirked, loving the cheeky look in his eyes, feeling herself melt inside. One by one, very slowly, she uncurled her fingers from his.

"You'll manage."

She fluttered her eyelashes up towards him, giggling before she sashayed away into the room. She didn't have to glance back to know that he was shaking his head amusedly and watching her adoringly.


Much to their chagrin, they spent most of the night apart, a fact which was mostly to do with their politeness in the company of others. Thankfully, Cora had seated them together at dinner and they managed to make their meal rather leisurely, stopping every now and then to share looks and brush hands as well as soak up the conversation around them. Everything felt so very natural between them that they hadn't realised that they'd brought their locked hands up to rest on the tabletop together, filling the space between their plates. Anna hadn't noticed that towards the end of the meal she had leant her head against John's shoulder, her hair nuzzling at the crook of his neck and tickling him slightly as she shuddered with laughter, her fingers falling just above his left knee. If anyone else had been surprised at their subconscious displays of affection, they hadn't shown it, taking it simply as par for the course.

The night had rolled on, and now Anna was sitting at the side of Cora, chatting and simply glancing around at the atmosphere about them. John and Robert were seated not too far away in front of them, having a bit of boys' time and catching up with a couple of acquaintances from university who neither had seen for a while, roars of shouts and laughter striking up every so often. Both Anna and Cora laughed too, softly, shaking their heads at the display. Anna got a little distracted by the way John's hands were flailing around in the air as he talked intently about something and had to smile at the action, now so known to her.

"You have done so brilliantly with the place, Anna." Cora's voice intruded on her thoughts. "When Robert brought me in to show me everything, I was astounded."

Anna shrugged, lifting her wine glass. "Oh, I was just bossing people about, mainly. I really can't take the credit," she insisted.

"You British are too modest. You should make a bit of song and dance about it all. I know very well that if it wasn't for you, Robert still would have been procrastinating two years down the line, and we'd be burdened with an empty shell of a place." She laughed almost as loudly as the boys had done, and then turned to smile warmly at Anna, her eyes sparkling. "We're lucky that John met you."

Anna didn't know quite how to react to that, turning the possibility over in her mind. Though it was all hung on a split second, she couldn't even imagine how things would have gone if she hadn't caught the train that day.

As her thoughts drifted, her eyes moved across the room to glimpse the table where Edith and Anthony were sitting, huddled close to one another. They'd been lovely, but quite quiet all night, only seeming really comfortable in each other's company. As he leaned a little closer to whisper something in her ear, Anna noticed the smile erupt onto Edith's face, much bigger than the polite smiles she'd given all evening. Her hand stroked lovingly at his shoulder, the engagement ring gleaming upon her finger. The sight warmed Anna's heart completely.

"Edith and Anthony are very cute together." She couldn't stop the observation from going unsaid.

Cora smiled, looking towards her middle daughter and her fiancé.

"They're kindred spirits," she replied. "Soulmates, really. I used to worry terribly about Edith. She was so quiet, and always overshadowed by her sisters growing up. I was so anxious that perhaps she wouldn't find happiness." She sighed, swiping a hand momentarily over her mouth. "But then there was Anthony."

Anna saw that Cora was so proud, so relieved, her eyes softened as she gazed at the pair of lovebirds, and it was such a delightful thing to see a mother so happy with her daughter's choice.

"Of course, Robert wasn't overjoyed when Edith announced that she was in 'love' with Anthony. He and Robert used to be at school together, and saw each other occasionally. Robert knew that his wife had died a few years before that, quite young. Truth be told, I didn't think too much of it at the time. Edith had just turned eighteen and I suspected it was just a silly crush, that she was getting fed up of Mary and Sybil getting the attention. But she insisted she was serious, and there were quite a few tears when Robert said he forbade anything to happen."

Cora chuckled at the memory, fiddling with her wedding ring.

"But Anthony, to his credit, was a complete gentleman. I remember that he came over to the house and told us that he quite agreed, that Edith was too young and should listen to us. I can still see her glowing bright red, trying to argue her point, and it was that day that I knew how much he really did care about her. The way he looked at her with such obvious love, well, a mother can't mistake that. Nobody can when two people are in love with each other."

She paused for a moment to turn to Anna and smiled a knowing smile.

"When Edith had stormed off in tears, he assured us that he would not do anything to make us ill at ease. He stayed away. My heart broke for Edith, until one day, a letter arrived. I could tell it was good news when she sat reading it, the smile nearly splitting her face. It was from Anthony, and she later confided in me that he told her that he would wait, wait until she was a little older and everything was far more settled. He said that he expected someone else would come along to take her fancy in the meantime, but they never did. Anthony was her first boyfriend, and they've been together five years now. They got engaged last year and I've never seen her more excited than she is planning the wedding."

Cora beamed fondly, her eyes a tiny bit misty.

"I think of all of them, Edith was born to be a bride."

"That's so sweet," Anna cooed, watching Edith flush and giggle as she held on tight to Anthony's right arm, craning herself over to kiss him sweetly on the cheek. A blushing bride-to-be. In all the time she had been engaged, she was certain she had never looked quite so content as Edith did. It was only in the last couple of months that she'd felt anything like the bliss she was witnessing at the other side of the room, and the realisation hit her not so much as a bolt out of the blue, but as a deepening, comforting warmth spreading throughout her.

"I know people do wonder, when they look at them together," Cora said. "I mean, I suppose it is obvious, that he's quite a bit older than her."

Though she didn't show it on her face, there was a touch of concern in the mother's voice. Anna rested her chin on her palm, keeping her gaze on the couple for a while and then turning to look at Cora.

"But what should that matter?" Anna questioned honestly. "Age is just a number, it doesn't say anything about the person. Anyone can see that they're in love, and that's the main thing in any case."

Cora smiled wide as she followed Anna's gaze a little closer, knowing exactly where it would fall.

"You know, I haven't seen John so happy in years," Cora confided in a low voice, shuffling a bit nearer to where Anna sat. "It's like he's been a different person since he met you. Something's just glowing from inside him."

Anna was aware her eyes had become riveted to where John was sitting, the dip of his neck arched and his head thrown back in hysterics as a particularly hilarious anecdote had been shared. He looked so good when he laughed so openly, everything about him seeming to shine. Saying that, he always looked good. She was admiring the strong line of his back as it was slightly curving over his seat when his eyes looked to the side for a moment, and caught her own. Anna had to catch her breath when he smiled such a genuine and affectionate smile at her, a smile that lit up his whole face and made her tingle from head to toe. He lingered in her direction for a while, and she thought he might have been mouthing something to her, until someone tapped his arm and they both returned from the snatched moment.

"I'm sure you must know that he talks about you all the time."

Anna blushed, a little worried. "Oh dear. I hope whatever he says isn't embarrassing."

Cora chortled. "Not at all. He can't speak highly enough of you."

A further glow burrowed its way in her insides, and Cora must have seen it radiating outwardly.

"You've done wonders for him, Anna. You really have."

Taking another look over, Anna grinned, basking in the warmth that just one look of his set charging over her.

"And he's done wonders for me."


Anna leaned lightly against the cool glass of the restaurant's front window, her coat draped over her shoulders as she gazed unseeing into the night. She was feeling just a touch giddy, probably from the wine she'd drunk most of the night. Cora really had pulled out all the stops and produced bottle after bottle of some grand stuff. She'd had to decline on the last round, wanting to keep a relatively clear head, and had instead stepped outside for a bit with the intention of getting five minutes or so to herself. She'd been there twice as long now and she reckoned that she should make a move, go and thank Cora and Robert for their hospitality and a truly lovely night, but the night air was so soothing upon her heated skin and even propped up slightly awkwardly against the window, she really was quite comfortable and content. The whole evening had made her very content indeed. Closing her eyes for a moment, a lazy smile fell upon her lips as she played everything over in her head.

"Ah, this is where you've got to, then."

The smile widened on her face as she heard John's voice not very far away at all. She opened her eyes deliberately slowly, savouring seeing every bit of his figure form gradually in her vision. She held a hand flat against the pane, steadying herself on her heels.

"Yes, I'm right here. No need to worry," she purred, her body leaning a little closer to him as she balanced herself against the glass. For a minute it looked as if she might precariously topple as she shifted her weight onto her other foot, and he rushed his hands out to catch her, but she recovered in a split second. One of his hands still landed softly upon the arm of her coat, sweeping a little bit of fluff free from it.

He smiled another brilliant smile at her. "So, how's it all been? Utterly terrifying?"

She sniggered, a stray curl fluttering against her cheek as she shook her head.

"Not as half as bad as I thought," she replied. "Once I got the first ten minutes or so out the way, it was fine." Smoothing down her dress underneath her coat, she looked down at her feet for a moment. "Although I'm not really sure I bypassed the whole centre-of-attention thing very well."

"Is it any wonder, looking like that?" he asked softly, and she felt herself burn again with the slightest of his glances. She gazed up to find a smile filling the width of his face, one that mirrored the utterly sincere look in his eyes, a look that spoke of something other than mere lustful appreciation. "I couldn't take my eyes from you all evening."

Anna shrank slightly, still smiling openly under his gaze. "I don't think you were the only one," she said, raising her eyebrows while John laughed.

"I suspect Cora gave Rob what for," he chuckled. "She's got a good aim, he's still in there complaining that his ribs are sore. I just think he's been a bit greedy with the food."

They both shared a cheerful laugh that echoed in the quiet street. Anna's coat had begun to slip from her shoulders as her body shook with laughter and before she could tuck it back round herself, John's hand had snaked upwards, delicately adjusting the garment. His fingers brushed under her hair, touching just gently at the base of her neck and she let out a little sigh, sinking beneath his fingertips. Her skin was burning at the spot he held her.

John averted his eyes for a second, gulping hard as he looked down at the pavement. Anna followed the path of his gaze, unable to tear herself away, finding that any second she didn't look upon him felt like an eternity.

"I fear that this is going to make me sound very silly," he piped up after a few moments, raising his face to meet hers again.

"Go on," she assured, touching her own hand gently to his forearm, seeing him tremble just a little as she began to sweep her fingers back and forth. "It won't be."

His lips quirked upwards at her motions, which gave him the courage to go on.

"Tonight, even though I knew you were in the same room, whenever you weren't next to me, something didn't feel quite right. It felt as if a bit of me was missing."

He looked at her sheepishly, his cheeks turning a little pink. Anna's hand travelled down to clutch his, and with every second she held onto him, she melted a bit more.

"But all the while, I was thinking it was just as well that you weren't by my side all the time. Because I don't think I would have been able to contain myself."

His eyes darkened again now, even in the shadows, and Anna thought she may as well have been on fire for the heat that was shooting and surging in her veins.

John took a breath, and glided his hand reverently over hers where they were joined.

"Anna, I can't stop thinking about you. You do something to me…well, you do so many things to me."

She couldn't help but grin at what he said, her eyes lighting up, their blue a shot of bright light against the black of the night.

He seemed to falter just a little, and for a second, she felt incredibly fearful.

"Please don't think it's only because of the way you look tonight. I mean, you look incredible, of course you do, but that's just a bit of it."

His fingers fumbled for a moment against hers; she felt them shudder and she was certain she had never known a man so remarkably sweet and sincere. Perhaps she hadn't wanted to fully admit it to herself until this very minute but she was falling for him, growing more helpless by the second.

"It runs far deeper than that, and you have to know. It'll drive me mad otherwise."

His voice was just above a whisper, and she was drowning in the sound, drowning in the depths of his eyes.

"You have bewitched me, Anna. And I realise now that I never knew something was missing in my life, until there was you."

She had to gulp against the lump gathering in her throat, her eyes shimmering as he covered her one hand with both of his in the moonlight, his strong but gentle touch seeming to become her completely. She couldn't find the words to say for a few minutes, and his face grew a little concerned.

"You must tell me if I'm being a sentimental old fool."

Anna beamed at him, her fingers fluttering underneath his.

"Of course you're not," she managed to say sincerely. Truth be told, she was still a little overwhelmed by what he said, in the best way possible, and was letting it sink in. Held captive by his eyes, she smiled as the perfect reply came to her.

"All night I've had people say how well I've done with the restaurant, pulling it all together."

She rose her free hand up, running the tips of her fingers so lightly up from where the first button of his suit jacket was closed, onto his shirt and along the silk of his tie. She licked her lips consciously before she went on speaking.

"You were even saying it yourself when you picked me up. But I hope you know that, really, it's all down to you."

She stole a glance upwards as her fingers began to fiddle just a little with the knot of his tie, caressing the silk with her fingers. He was biting his bottom lip ever so slightly and Anna felt a flash of heat spark in her stomach. She kept her eyes on him, smiling all the while.

"I don't even want to think of where I'd be if I hadn't met you. I know I wouldn't be feeling this good. I certainly wouldn't be feeling this way."

The moment had grew so intense between them that she had to break contact for a second, coming to terms with her emotions as she spoke them so candidly.

"I can say that in those ten years, I didn't feel anywhere near what I have been these last few weeks." It was completely the truth. "I thought I knew love, convinced myself I did." Her hands were dangerously close to trailing up to his cheek, his jaw, the curve of his lips. "But what I thought it was, it was nothing like…this."

Had she said she loved him? She wasn't entirely sure. The way he was looking at her and the fact that his hands had now moved to brace her hips filled her mind with a haze. The only thing she felt confident about doing was smiling at him, and she only did that for a few seconds before he had smothered her smile in a kiss so incredibly sweet that it actually made her ache. As his lips moved tenderly against hers, his hands travelled up again to cup either side of her face and every part of her shivered as his fingers stroked her skin softly, lovingly, a couple of them tangling carefully in her hair. Though the kiss had been quite chaste, it still left them both breathless as they broke apart.

Her smile had been imprinted upon him as he looked at her dreamily.

"I've been longing to do that all night," he grinned, unable to swipe the expression from his face.

Anna looked exactly the same. "Me too."

She stroked a hand against his cheek, the softness of his skin and roughness of the dots of stubble the perfect contrast underneath her fingertips. His hands were moving down her back, one trailing back and forth as the other cupped her hipbone. From under her lashes, her eyes roamed over every curve of his face.

"I don't think just one will do."

She craned herself up, clinging onto his shoulders, desperate for their lips to meet again. He fulfilled her wish instantly with a series of kisses, starting off gentle and sweet but soon turning passionate, teeming with each of their restrained emotions as they deepened.

Anna ran her tongue over her slightly swollen bottom lip, tasting and tracing where John's had been just seconds before.

"I don't want to go home," she uttered in a sweet, slightly pleading voice.

John smiled, the memory of her kisses still fresh upon his mouth.

"It has been a wonderful night."

She giggled, seeming almost brazen as she looked up at him, finding it so very sweet but also impossible that he could miss her meaning.

"I didn't mean it quite like that." She took his hand, running first her fingers and then her lips over his knuckles. "I meant, I don't want to go back to mine."

His eyes widened slightly as he understood.

"Oh," he breathed almost inaudibly, realisation dawning on him. He hissed as her tongue ran a circle over one of his knuckles. He probably didn't need to ask, but he did so anyway. "Are you sure? I don't want to rush you, Anna. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable in any way."

His sweetness made her want to cry with love for him, and scream out in frustration simultaneously. Instead, she spoke in hushed words.

"I've never been so sure of something in so long," she uttered, her eyes piercing into his. "Please, John."

The look in his eyes spoke volumes, and he bent to kiss her softly, pulling her closer against him for a few moments before he ducked inside, saying the goodbyes for both of them. When he came back out, he circled her hand tight within his, leading her steps into the street as he hailed a cab. She gasped, looking up at him while he held open the door for her to climb inside, watching him carefully as he sat beside her and spoke his address to the driver. The sound made sparks explode within her.

As the cab pulled away from the curb, weaving down the road, Anna looked out of the window, shuddering slightly to feel his hand cover over hers on the seat once more. Her heart hammered wildly in her chest, every beat like the bang of a drum. This time, it was for another reason entirely.


A/N: We'll leave things there for now...*ahem*

Thanks so much for reading, I'd love to know your thoughts.