2005/2006
Disclaimer: All characters owned by Helen Fielding
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Bridget Jones: After the Kiss
Chapter I
New Beginnings
Weight: 9st 4 (sex really is the best exercise, isn't it?); Alcohol units: 1 ( shared with beautiful man); Number of gorgeous, sexy new boyfriends: 1; Negative thoughts about anyone or anything: 0 (disregarding brief panic attack)
Saturday December 29
6:00am My arse was frozen solid, but I'd never felt more warm and cozy in my life, engulfed in Mark Darcy's arms under the warmth of his wool overcoat. Such soft yet masculine lips. Hmmm. We stood in the center of the dimly lit snow-dusted street for nearly a half hour kissing as if no one was watching, knowing full well that a small crowd of curious onlookers had formed. Wondered if our "performance" was applause-worthy. I certainly thought so, but when our lips finally parted, heard nothing but the thunderous pounding of my own heart. Think I may I have heard the throbbing of Mark's as well. We were lost in each other's eyes. There were no words that I could have possibly spoken in that moment to tell him how I was feeling. My dear, sweet Mark Darcy. I love you. I wanted to say. I love you. I wanted to shout. Too soon, I warned myself. Mustn't scare this beautiful man who just gave up a prosperous career in America…for me. I can't believe it! He wants to be with…ME!
We walked quickly, hand in hand, back to my flat. He sacrificed his own warmth so that I could cover my near naked body in his coat. Smelled of his aftershave. Hmmm. Such a gentleman. We made idle chitchat along the five-block trek but it was obvious to both of us that we wanted nothing more than to be reunited in each other's arms, in the warmth of my flat…of my bed.
"Bollocks!" In my haste to chase after Mark in my knickers through the snow, left my keys upstairs. Was stuck on the street, in the middle of the night, with amazing man hot for my body. I wanted him and he wanted me. Began to bang like a mad woman on the main door into the corridor, hoping to wake a neighbour. Surely they would take one look at Mark and understand the urgency of my situation, not to mention the fact that I was literally freezing my arse off. Seriously hoped Vanessa, my downstairs neighbour, being a Singleton herself, would recognize the urgency of my knock. Knocked again…and again. Irrationally, I began to search for a way to scale the side of the building. Three stories, at eleven-thirty p.m. If Spiderman or Batman can do it… Began to eye the rubbish bins. That will give me a good start. Then I can somehow manage to… Mark interrupted my thoughts with a loud chuckle at the sight of me mounting the rubbish bins. "What on Earth are you doing, Bridget?" he asked with phony irritation. I think he was looking at my near-bare arse when he spoke. Before I could respond, the lid of one of the bins gave way beneath my foot and I fell into a heap of Mr. Ramdas's discarded fish dinner leftovers from two nights ago. "Oh Holy Jesus!" Am now in my knickers, Mark's black wool overcoat (probably now ruined), in the middle of the night, covered in rancid fish guts.
Have never seen anyone laugh so much in my life…and at my expense for that matter. Though I must admit it was wonderful to see Mark laugh. He always seems so serious…sad really. Must change that. Couldn't help but laugh myself as Mark helped me step out of the bin. Nice man. Trying to act as if I didn't stink to the high heavens, but could tell that he was trying his best not to gag.
Luckily my ruckus alerted Vanessa and she opened the door to the building, though not happily. She was not alone. Half naked gorgeous male stood next to her. As Mark and I passed by, she and I exchanged winks.
As we entered my flat, we gazed longingly into each other's eyes, but I knew that I had to have a shower. God bless him for temporarily tolerating my not so enticing scent, Eau de Rotten Fish. While I freshened up, advised him to make himself comfortable…in my bed…near the fire, and I'd be back shortly. Popped my head out of the loo to remind him not to read any more of my "old" diary. "I'm too tired to chase you down the street again." He smiled. I melted.
Emerged from the bath, wearing little more than I was before. This time in a short, blue slip dress. Didn't want to seem too presumptuous, even though it was now twelve-thirty a.m. The flat felt so toasty. Mark had stoked the fire, was sitting on the white, fluffy rug in front of it, and was warming his bare feet. He even has lovely feet. Stood watching him for a moment, drinking him in, before joining him on the floor. Dina Carroll sang quietly in the background. Asked him if he was warm enough. He handed me a glass of Chardonnay and we toasted to new beginnings. After a few sips, Mark began to nuzzle my neck. Hmm He took the flute from my hand and placed it behind him. He then proceeded to remove my dress and eased me back onto the carpet. Arched my back in anticipation of the touch of his exquisite hands and lips on my chest and stomach. He stopped abruptly and brought his face to mine. Our eyes met and without words, we said everything we had wanted to say to each other for the past few months. Oh how I have come to care for this wonderful man.
He carried me to the bedroom and laid me gently on the bed, my breath quickening with anticipation with every step he made. Watched him as he removed his clothes, my mind racing with the possibilities of what was to happen next. How could I ever have thought this man was so awful? He's positively perfect. Of course I realized this on the night of my birthday. The way he looked at me at dinner…I knew…I just knew…he was "the one". He was so lovely not to make fun of me or my disastrous blue soup. God, he's gorgeous. I wanted him badly…madly!
He began to kiss my face…my throat…my neck…my shoulders…my…...in a way that sent tremors throughout my entire body. He whispered in my ear how much he wanted me…needed me. Mark made sweet, tender love to me for hours. Daniel has nothing on him. Mark's wife was mad. But, I'm so very thankful that she was, otherwise I would not have just had the most extraordinary night of my life. We laid awake afterwards talking…just talking, and holding each other. He told me everything about him…and I about me, every embarrassing detail of my 33 years. Though from two entirely different worlds, we were so very right for each other….needed each other in fact. Mum really had gotten it right this time. I have never felt more close to anyone in my life. I think I am in love with Mark Darcy.