Sorry it's taken so long. Real life sucks. It's the chapter you've been waiting for……..

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They had been in the taxi for ten minutes in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. He turned to look at her and smiled. She was wearing his jacket loosely over her shoulders, absently playing with the lapels as she watched the scenery pass by. He closed his eyes painfully, thinking about what might have happened if she hadn't managed to escape. Looking at her again, he sighed inwardly, glad that she was with him,

Feeling his eyes upon her, she turned to him and said softly," Ray I want to go home."

"We'll be there in a few minutes," he assured her.

Hesitating, she looked at him meaningfully, "No Ray, not Abby's home, our home," eyes downcast she continued, "I don't' want to be alone tonight."

Hiding his surprise, he picked up her hand, soothingly stroking her palm.

"Of course, if that's what you want?" he whispered.

Smiling shyly she faltered, "If that's alright, I mean I wouldn't want to inconvenience you?"

"Neela," he scolded

"Just one night." She said softly, gently pulling her hand away and retuning her gaze to the window.

"One night," he repeated thoughtfully.

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"Welcome home Roomie," Ray said with a flourish as they entered the flat.

Looking round, Neela shrugged off Ray's jacket and sank into the sofa.

"Drink?" Ray asked heading to the kitchen and poking his head in the fridge.

"Please," Neela replied, taking off her heels and putting her feet up.

Holding two bottles in one hand he walked towards her. Effortlessly lifting her legs with one hand, he sat down next to her before releasing her legs onto his lap. He handed her a beer. Taking the caps off, they knocked their bottles together, simultaneously saying "Cheers,"

She surveyed the room taking in the minimal changes he had made since her departure.

"So you've made lots of changes then?" she said sardonically.

Grinning he replied, "well my previous flatmate had impeccable taste," he paused, "I couldn't change a thing." he said looking at her significantly.

Blushing she took a sip of her beer and made to lift her legs off his lap. His hand halted her.

"Tonight has probably been the best and worst night of my life." he said carefully.

She met his gaze silently.

"When I saw you running towards me, I," he faltered, "I was scared, that I was too late."

She picked up his hand, entwining her fingers with his. She exhaled slowly, "me too, but you know what kept me going?" he looked up curiously, "I knew you'd come, eventually. I just had to bide my time."

Eyes downcast, he murmured, "but I wasn't quick enough, was I Neela?"

Lifting her legs off his lap, she put down her drink and trapped his chin with her fingers, forcing it up. "

"If you hadn't turned up when you did, who knows what could have happened."

He gripped her hand tightly in his own. Her eyes were bright, tender.

Feeling transparent, she shifted her gaze from his intense scrutiny.

"So what was the best part of tonight?" she said softly.

Leaning his head back on the sofa he closed his eyes remembering, "well it would have to be dancing with a certain someone."

His face had relaxed into a smile, enjoying the fact that she could scrutinise his face unobserved, she inched closer.

"And what was so special about this certain someone," she whispered, unable to tear her gaze away from his face.

"Well, apart from being the best friend I thought I'd lost," he sighed.

Her face hovered over his, his breath dancing over hers.

"She's beautiful,"

She closed her eyes, leaning forward.

"Intelligent and…."

Her lips softly touched his, featherlight.

His body stilled in surprise.

Tentatively increasing the pressure, she sucked gently on his lower lip, lifting her hand to caress his cheek. He opened his lips, allowing her tongue entry. Obliging, she licked the inside of his lower lip. He shivered. Slowly she pulled back and opened her eyes. He was staring at her, his gaze unreadable.

Uncertain, she murmured, "Ray."

Forcefully, he dragged her towards him, crushing her lips against his own. She moaned, running her hands through his hair, pulling him closer. His hands travelled up her body, stroking her arms and massaging the back of her neck. She clung to him weakly. Needing to taste more of her, he released her lips, nibbling her earlobe before leaving a trail of butterfly kisses down her neck. She arched up against him, breathlessly calling his name.

Abruptly he pulled away, pushing her away from him. Panting, she opened her eyes. Seeing the confusion on his face, her face contorted painfully, "I'm sorry," she stammered, "I shouldn't have done that," she attempted to get up.

"Don't," he said harshly, snatching her hand and pulling her down. Bewildered she looked at him. Meeting her gaze she saw the uncertainty reflected in his eyes. " I can't do this, if it means losing you tomorrow."

"Ray, what are you talking about?"

"I don't want you to look at me in the morning with regret, I don't think I could stomach you leaving me again," he said desperately.

Seeing his pain, she pulled him towards her, smiling she whispered, "Ray, I love you, I always have."

His eyes met hers, Her eyes shone with love for him, "do you know how many times I've dreamed of this?"

Resting her head on his shoulders she sighed, "I think maybe we both have."

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