A/N Another little short one seeing as it's Peter Firth's birthday today. Hopefully by the time Harry's comes round on Tuesday, things will have progressed quite nicely. Enjoy. S.C.
"We did it!" Ruth jumps up, thrilled by the result, and turns towards him. "We won!"
He doesn't hesitate, taking full advantage of the opportunity to draw her into an embrace that she returns with equal enthusiasm.
"Have dinner with me, Ruth," he murmurs in her ear, the euphoria of the moment making him bold.
She pulls back to look at him, her clear gaze piercing, making him feel uncomfortably exposed.
"Why?"
Because I'm madly in love with you.
"Because I enjoy your company," he replies, "and I would like to get to know you better."
She's still watching him, searching his gaze for God knows what.
"Please?" he says when he can no longer stand the suspense. "Let me take you out, or I could cook for you if you prefer?"
"Potato salad?" She smiles this time and the relief is so great that he almost has to sit down.
"With chilli con carne and a trifle for dessert?" he offers.
She grins and kisses him, firmly, fully on the lips.
He thinks he might have died and gone to heaven.
"Deal," she replies as she pulls back laughing.