Bridget Jones: After the Kiss

Chapter IV

Happy New Year, Darling

Weight: 9st 9 (not smoking eventually causes weight gain); Alcohol Units: Who cares! (It's New Year's Eve); Cigarettes: 4 (good for having quit for 3 whole days); Cigarettes smoked in front of boyfriend: 0; Unexpected encounters with Ex: 1

Monday December 31

3:15am Mark just left after a rather fantastic goodbye kiss. Could tell that he really didn't want to go. Was really hoping he would have stayed. Love waking up next to beautiful, sexy man. He said he had some early business to attend to, but would ring me as soon as he woke up. Before leaving, he asked yet again if I would go out on a real date with him...for New Year's Eve!

7:30am V. excited for three reasons:

1. Am first thought of the day for hunky man (Is he my boyfriend? Special

friend? Buddy? Sex partner?)

2. Mark is taking me to see his mum and dad today (…as his girlfriend? Special

friend? Buddy? Sex partner?) I know he likes me, but what am I to him?

3. Mark invited me to be his date for a party at Magda and Jeremy's tonight.

BOLLOCKS! V. SHORT NOTICE. HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!

V. busy and important day. Must go shopping straight away.

11:30am Can't believe Shazzer and Jude hadn't rung me up until today. Still in Paris having fantastic time. Where were they yesterday during my nervous breakdown? What a difference a day makes. Told them all about my weekend with Mark, while frantically searching for the perfect dress at Debenhams for tonight. "You go girl!" Was really hoping for better advice than that, being that am not exactly poised social butterfly.

Thankfully, just happened to run into Magda, who was out picking up some things for tonight. She chose a sexy dress for me that she thought would surely drive Mark mad: a low-cut dark plum colored calf-length dress. Most definitely an occasion for fat sucking knickers. Also bought silk nylons and 3-inch heels. Really wish I had time to practice walking in them. Will surely be making payments on today's purchases for at least six months. Mark is worth it…I think…I hope.

Gah! Mark will be round in 15 minutes to pick me up for two hour car ride to Grafton-Underwood. Not sure why we are driving up today, just to turn around, come back to London, then go back out tomorrow. Never got around to telling Mum and Dad about Mark and me. Perhaps will surprise them tomorrow. Hope she doesn't have a "date" for me. That could be rather awkward.

12:15pm "Mark…why are you taking me to visit your parents?" I asked sheepishly.

"Well, you are my girlfriend, aren't you?" He took his eyes off the road for a few seconds to give me a salacious wink. I giggled a bit, my cheeks feeling flushed.

V.G. Will avoid potentially embarrassing situation by not being reintroduced to Admiral and Mrs. Darcy as their son's new sex partner. Am now bonafide girlfriend of handsome, top human rights barrister.

7:45pm Had a lovely afternoon with the Darcys. We ate a fabulous assortment of scones and finger sandwiches, as well as ginger tea. There was no mention of Mark's aborted move to America or Natasha. I suspect that Mark had probably requested that the subject be avoided. Later, Mrs. Darcy and I chatted about Mum and Dad, my blossoming, yet sometimes tragic career at Sit Up Britain, and tomorrow's turkey curry buffet, while Mark and his dad discussed some boring business dealings (the actual reason for today's visit—should have realized that from the start).

Mark's mum surprised each of us with a wrapped gift as we were preparing for our drive back to London. Gah! Light-blue scary snowman jumper! V. bad color for pasty white complexion, but v. thoughtful. I exchanged a sideways glance with Mark as he held up his own coordinating dark-blue scary snowman jumper. We were expected to wear them to the buffet. Ugh! Mrs. Darcy gushed over what an adorable couple we will be tomorrow.

Mark and I had a good laugh in the car on the way home.

Tuesday January 1

8:45am Mark picked me up at around 9:30 last night, after ringing me 4 times to see if I was ready YET. He looked extremely handsome in a tailored black suit partially concealed by his long black overcoat, now thankfully minus the fish smell. He seemed equally as pleased to see me in my new dress with hair swept up. My fiercely uncomfortable shoes brought me closer to his eye level. He helped me with my coat. Then kissed me tenderly just before opening the car door. If this is a dream, I don't ever want to wake up.

We arrived at Magda and Jeremy's grand estate twenty minutes or so later. Magda was definitely the most well off of all of my friends. Many of Mark's law partner friends were already there as well as a few people that I knew through Magda. Mostly Smug-Marrieds. It was v. nice to show up on the arm of Mark Darcy for all to see. Maybe now, I won't have to endure endless questions of when will I ever find someone nice. Most mean well, but irritating just the same.

Mark and I both took a glass of wine from the bar and proceeded to circulate the room together. Most guests seemed genuinely surprised that I was his date. Why is that so hard to imagine, you uptight pricks! I soon found myself embroiled in what I found to be a less than stimulating conversation about the current economic world recession and opinions of the IMF with a bunch of overbearing bores. At the same time, Mark seemed to be less than pleased in my participation in said conversation, somehow finding comfort in staring at his shoes. Shortly thereafter, I left Mark to find a group of my "own kind", normal people. That's the great thing about Magda and Jeremy. They have an assortment of friends, and at this point the only mutual friends of Mark and myself. Sure, they are Smug-marrieds, but not insufferably so.

It didn't take me long to find better company in a group of guests discussing the importance of owning a fabulous pair of Prada boots and matching bag. Soon after though felt a gentle hand on my lower back and turned to find Mark. "Care to dance?" Good. Perhaps he came to apologize for having boring friends.

I smiled obligingly and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor, depositing my fourth empty wine glass on a nearby table as we walked. My feet were really starting to ache.

"Are you having a good time, Bridget?" He pulled me in close and we began to move as one with the music. Hmmm….

"Yes, it's a lovely party. Don't you think? Magda and Jeremy have really outdone themselves. Thank you for bringing me." Our eyes met, then our lips.

"Is it midnight yet?" Magda, who had been circulating the room, interrupted with a smile. Mark immediately released his hold on me, seemingly a bit embarrassed, like he'd been caught with his hand in the biscuit tin. The room began to spin, though not sure if from too many glasses of wine or from reaction to the amazing kiss. "You look absolutely fabulous tonight, Bridget. Doesn't she Mark?" Magda gave me a wink.

"Yes…yes, she looks beautiful, as do you Magda." Mark looked from me to Magda and smiled sweetly. He really can be quite charming.

Jeremy, Cosmo, and Woney soon joined us. Ugh! If one were to look up "smug-married" in the dictionary, there would be a picture of the two of them. I still haven't forgiven Cosmo for being such a prick at Magda and Jeremy's last dinner party. At least Woney has since given birth and so Cosmo isn't constantly rubbing her stomach like a crystal ball and talking incessantly about babies and how everyone should have one.

Eventually, we were able to escape Cosmo's yammering (don't think Mark cares much for him either). Mark left momentarily to fetch us both another drink. I was pretty surprised that he had actually had several glasses of wine tonight as well.

"Oh Holy Jesus!" I swore quietly.

Unfortunately, Mark had returned and heard me. "What's wrong?" He stared wide-eyed at me while I tried not to divert my eyes from him. Didn't want him to see what…who I just saw. Standing across the room with his arm around a long-haired stick insect was none other than Daniel Cleaver. He looked fantastic as ever in a black suit jacket, pinstriped shirt with top button undone. No tie, as usual. Exuding arrogant confidence. Damn, he's sexy!

What the hell was he doing here? Oh God! He's stalking me! Got to keep Mark from seeing him!

"Bridget…hello? What's the matter?" I didn't know what to say.

I grabbed Mark, forcing him to kiss me, the glasses in each of his hands sloshing about. He stepped back and handed me what was left of my wine. "I'll ask you again…what is the matter?"

"Nothing really, my feet are just really killing me."

Mark's worried expression softened. "Oh, is that all. That made you want to kiss me?" he inquired with amusement.

"Do I really need a reason to want to kiss the most dashing, sexy man in the room?"

"I suppose not," he answered lustfully. He took my face in his hands and kissed me passionately…longingly. "I can't wait to take you home," he whispered. We began to dance slowly…silently, my head resting on his shoulder.

When I glanced back over toward Daniel, he was staring at me from across the large room, an occupation previously possessed by Mark. Holding tightly onto Mark as Daniel watched, I began to nibble and kiss Mark's ear, my gaze still on Daniel. Don't bother me! Pressed so close to Mark's body, I could feel his growing arousal. I turned and smiled at him wickedly. "Not yet," he whispered. At that moment, I again wanted to tell Mark that I loved him. Not yet. He's got to say it first. I wish Daniel would leave me alone and let me be happy.

Twenty minutes until midnight. I excused myself from Mark promising to meet back up with him in fifteen minutes to ring in the New Year properly.

Finally alone on the balcony with the other smokers, I was able to smoke an urgently needed cigarette…or four. Since becoming involved with Mark, I had quit…3 whole days (but still carried an emergency stash in purse). This was an emergency. Sat on the stone bench with my shoes off…my eyes closed, contemplating what possible reason Daniel could have for being here. Ahhh!

"Jones!" Opened my eyes to find Daniel staring down at me, lighting up a cigarette.

"What are you doing here?" I asked offensively.

"Bridge, I'm not here to spy on you and that self-righteous wanker Darcy, if that's what you mean."

"Daniel Cleaver, I'll thank you not to insult my boyfriend!" I stood up, hands on my hips. How nice it was to call Mark Darcy my boyfriend.

"Oh, so he's your boyfriend now?" He began to laugh arrogantly. "Figures!"

God! What did I ever fancy about this man! He's infuriating! "What's that supposed to mean? Mark is a better man than you could ever hope to be."

"Forget it Bridge," Daniel rolled his eyes as if to dismiss me.

"Why are you here?" I repeated.

"Bridge...not that it's really any of your business, but I'm here with Vivian. I believe she is the daughter of a friend of your friend Magda. Figures he would be here with someone half his age. "It's almost midnight. I've got to get back to my date. I suggest you do the same." He gave me one final condescending glance before crushing out his cigarette and returning to the party.

I reentered the party but located the loo before finding Mark. Needed to brush my teeth, so as not to have to explain to him why I was smoking.

"There you are! I've been wondering where you had gone." Mark gave me a nice hug and kiss. I could taste the wine on his breath.

Two minutes until midnight. Magda and Jeremy had arranged for everyone to have a glass of champagne to toast the New Year. We stood holding hands, counting down the seconds…

Gave a sideways glance to Daniel, who was again watching me...raising his glass in my direction. I didn't care. I was with the man that I wanted…needed. Mark is who I love.

"…five…four…three…two…one. Happy New Year" everyone shouted, hoisting his or her glasses into the air. Mark and I turned and passionately kissed one another as if no one else was in the room. We had finally truly found each other, and this was the first day of the rest of our lives together. The beginning of my happy ending.

The ride home seemed endless. We barely made it into my flat. Mark pressed me hard up against the wall, something fell and broke. He pinned my hands over my head, our fingers laced. We stared deep into each other's eyes. I was actually trembling. The kiss we shared sent shock waves throughout my body. Our tongues explored each other's mouths hungrily.

He released my hands and I began unbuttoning his shirt…fumbling with his belt…

Mark thrust the zipper of my dress down. It fell to my ankles, exposing my black, scary knickers. Gah! He didn't notice…or didn't care.

We stumbled up the remaining steps. Then he scooped me up in his strong arms and carried me to the bedroom, laying me on the bed forcefully. He climbed on top of me, straddling my eager body. He cupped my face in his hands, lifting me a bit from the mattress, arching my back and kissed me passionately, taking my breath away. Gently he eased his way down my body with a trail of soft kisses then…seductively began to remove my silk nylons one leg at a time, caressing each against his cheek. Oh dear God, this man is amazing. Thought I might spontaneously combust. I had no idea such an aloof, repressive man could be filled with such passion.

Unexpectedly he climbed off the end of the bed and began to finish removing his own clothes. Oddly, he took the time to meticulously place his clothes over the back of the chair and FOLD his underpants. V. strange.

After taking care of the necessary precautions, he rejoined me. I had taken the liberty of removing my own undies and had climbed under the sheets. There was enough light in the room cast from the neon sign outside that I didn't want to scare Adonis with own scary body.

The momentum of our passion was instantly recaptured. Dug my nails deep into his back to stabilize myself from the explosion that was happening inside. We rode the wave for a long time until we were both too exhausted to go on.

"Happy New Year, darling," Mark whispered, touching my face, before falling asleep in my arms.