Bridget Jones: After the Kiss

Chapter II

Dinner?

Saturday December 29

12:00pm Spent the morning in bed with Mark. V. tired for having spent almost 10 hours in bed. Am feeling quite hungry. Not much to offer, but returned to bed (and naked man) with two blueberry bagels and coffee on a tray. Mark had drifted off to sleep again in form of cuddly teddy bear wrapped in duvet. Looked for a place to set tray down. Gah! Note to self: Really must clean flat. Am embarrassed of its current state. Placed tray on nearby chair (and pile of clothes) and climbed into bed next to Mark. He did not stir. Poor dear must be v. tired from jet lag…and not sleeping all night. Will just lay here and watch him for a while…

5:12pm Awoke to sound of Mark's mobile beeping, with pen stuck to side of face from falling asleep while writing. Glanced around. No Mark, but his phone was next to the bed. Heard water running in the shower. "Oh God! Natasha! What does she want?" Sat staring from mobile to bathroom door and back again. Mark didn't hear it. Should I answer it?

5:13pm Did he tell her to bugger off? Maybe she is calling to beg him to take her back? Oh shit!

5:14pm Did he tell her that he was leaving her for me? Hope she isn't a jealous homicidal maniac. Gaaaaahhhh!

5:15pm Maybe he hasn't told her anything and is waiting to see if we work out. If not he will return to New York and her. Bastard!

Looked up and snapped diary shut. "Bridget, you look like you've just seen a ghost. What's wrong?" Mark startled me, standing in the doorway, green underpants on, rubbing his wet hair with a towel. "Don't worry, I have no intention of peeking at your precious diary," he explained with a smirk. Mark sat down on the bed next to me and we shared a long, lovely kiss. God, he smells good wearing my soap. We sat on the bedside for a while longer with our foreheads touching, gazing into each other's eyes. Mark makes me feel like a giddy teenager on a first date, instead of semi-respected, thirty-something journalist with scary hair and chubby cheeks.

"I'm famished," Mark announced, standing up. "What would you like to do for dinner?" He began to put on the turtleneck and trousers he had been wearing last night. Then he began to fill his pockets with everything he had placed on the bedside table last night. He had not looked at the mobile yet, or if he had I didn't notice. Was he going to call her back? "Bridget, are you listening? Do you want to have dinner with me or do you have a hot date with some male supermodel tonight?"

"Oh yes, I almost forgot about Roberto. I'll ring and cancel." I stood up, still in my dingy, blue, terry dressing gown. Why had I not put on something more flattering?

"So glad you can pencil me into your schedule. I am most appreciative." We grinned at one another. Then Mark put his arms around my waist. "You are so good for me. Do you know that? We have been together for less than 24 hours, and already I have laughed and enjoyed myself more than I have in many month's time. Thank you Bridget." He kissed the tip of my nose lightly, then my cheek, and then rather hungrily on the mouth. Hmmm…

"Oh, look...weapons." I turned to see Mark banging this morning's bagels together, demonstrating their hardness. "I'll just dispose of these rocks and cups of mud while you get ready." He left me alone in the bedroom to contemplate what to wear on our first public outing together.

"Do you mind if we stop by my house on the way out so that I can change clothes?" he asked from the other room. Goody!

I quickly showered and dressed. Mark reentered the bedroom impatiently. "Are you ready yet?" His mood seemed to change when he saw me standing in front of the mirror in a short dark turquoise dress. "You look so beautiful." His eyes were so penetrating. "Don't be daft. I haven't even done my hair or face yet," I scoffed. "Doesn't matter. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen." He stretched his long arms around my waist from behind and began to lightly nibble my ear. No one had ever said that to me before. Tears began to well up in my eyes.

We missed the dinner reservation that Mark had made. We shagged for hours, feeding our actual hunger on lust.