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--------- Part Eight ---------

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They talked and drank as they waited for their dinner to cook. The conversation flowed as freely as the wine, as they talked louder, laughed louder and lost track of the time. Susie doubled over and clutched at Jonesy's leg as he delivered the punchline of a story. He joined her, throwing back his head and giving a deep laugh. He reached over to top up his glass, frowning as only a trickle came from the bottle.

"I'll just go and grab another bottle." He stood up, pointing at her. "Don't you move." He ducked into the kitchen, grabbing another bottle of wine from a cabinet. He smiled as he walked towards her on the couch.

"What?"

"Nothin." He sat down on the couch, this time closer to her side. He started on removing the cork, his gaze fixed on the bottle. "You just look particularly stunning tonight," He stated offhandedly. "That's all." He eyed her curiously to gauge her reaction. Much to his relief, she was smiling.

"You don't look too bad yourself." He flashed her a quick grin.

They both laughed as Jonesy filled their glasses from the new bottle. Jonesy, despite the fact that he was scared that she didn't think he was serious. Susie, to hide how much the simple comment touched her.

"Your, um…" he reached out, tucking his finger under the strap of her top and sliding it back to where it had fallen from her shoulder. He let go of the strap, but left his hand on her shoulder, stroking the smooth skin with his thumb. She reached up and grasped his thumb, shifting down the couch so she was against him, her knee bent and across his leg. She draped her arm over his shoulder, looking up into his eyes.

He smiled, apprehensively, hesitantly. She felt him slightly holding his breath. Susie dropped her arm, sliding her hand over to the front of his shoulder and back in an attempt to relax him. She pulled him towards her gently by the neck of his shirt and into her kiss; soft but sure. He relaxed into it, moving his hand along her leg to her side.

They both jumped at the shrill beep of the oven, breaking apart. Susie dropped her head, helpless to their interruption. Jonesy jumped up.

"This is unbelievable!" He was a stride towards the kitchen before he was stopped by Susie's grip on his arm. He spun around, bending and planting another kiss on her. "I have to get this. That noise drives me insane." He practically bolted for the oven.

Susie found herself eyeing him yet again as he walked away. He snapped the alarm off, opening the oven. He slid the pizza onto a plate, swinging the door shut with a thud. He returned to the sofa slowly, walking seductively in jest. His eyes remained locked on hers as he approached the couch, dumping the pizza down, unwanted. He planted himself on the couch, leaning into her confidently and cupping her face. He kissed her; slowly, meaningfully, lovingly.

By the time they got to it, the pizza was barely warm.

Eventually, the exhausting nature of the day began to take its toll as their kisses became lazy, their embrace less tight and their eyelids heavy. They fell asleep in each other's arms.

Susie awoke, but left her eyes shit, letting the events of the previous night sink in. She nuzzled her head into Jonesy's chest, letting the warmth of his body sink into hers. She opened her eyes, squinting against the morning sun streaming through the window and looked up into his face. His eyes were still closed, his breathing deep and even. He had a look of peaceful contentment on his face, with a hint of a smile. He slept with one arm hanging above his head, the other around her waist, holding her close. Their legs were intertwined, 'to save space' had been his excuse. She smiled into his chest, never wanting to let go. She slipped her hand under his shirt, smoothing it across the firm ripples of his stomach. He stirred, producing a low, quiet murmur deep in his throat. His grip around her waist tightened. She grimaced, for fear of waking him but his eyes remained shut.

She closed her eyes, savouring the moment. She felt thankful, to whom, she didn't know. She was thankful for this great friend, this man she was crazy about who was by her side. Thankful for what was ahead and what had just begun.

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the end