A/N Thank you to those of you who are taking the time to let me know you enjoy this story.
I don't own...
Anna used her wrist to brush her hair back from her face and continued chopping the vegetables for her Coq Au Vin. Why she decided on such a complicated recipe she had no idea. She had cooked dinner for John a few times before, but usually when he came over they just ordered in or he brought take away. This time she wanted it to be a bit more special.
She was distracted by the doorbell and quickly looked at the clock on the wall. It was only 3:00 and John wasn't due until 6:00. It couldn't be him, could it? Part of her wished that it was. It would show how eager he was to see her again, but when she passed the mirror hanging by the front door she rapidly changed her mind. She didn't look terrible, but she certainly didn't look ready for a date.
She opened the door to find Mary Crawley waiting on the other side.
"Mary," Anna said, remaining in the doorway.
The eldest Crawley took a step toward the door, clearly expecting Anna to move out of the way. When it didn't happen she asked, "Are you going to let me in or not?"
Anna hesitated, then stepped back just enough for Mary to squeeze past her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Well, hello to you too," her friend answered in a semi-offended tone, beginning to take off her coat.
"You, um, you can't stay."
"What? Whyever not?"
"Because I'm ...busy."
"You're busy?" Mary chuckled, "On a Saturday afternoon at 3:00? Darling, if you were busy it would be with me. Or Gwen. Is Gwen here?"
"No," Anna stammered, not knowing what else to say. She was botching this conversation terribly but she hadn't told anyone that she and John had started dating and she didn't want to start with Mary. First of all, because she didn't feel like being teased at the moment, but also because she wasn't quite sure how John would feel about it.
"Great. Then you aren't busy. I'm bored… and I've brought wine," Mary brandished the bottle in front of Anna's face and moved off toward the kitchen.
"Mary," Anna followed after her friend, "you really can't stay."
Mary entered the kitchen and stood in shock, "You're cooking? You never cook."
"I told you I was busy," Anna mumbled.
"What's the occasion?" Mary asked, beginning to rummage through the cupboards looking for the bottle opener and a wine glass.
"No occasion," Anna closed the cabinet Mary was searching, "I'm having a guest for dinner, that's all. So I really don't have time for a glass of wine with you. I have to finish prepping the chicken and get showered and dressed and…"
"Showered and dressed? Now I am curious. Who's coming to dinner?" Mary looked at the recipe in Anna's cookbook, "You certainly aren't making Coq Au Vin for me or Gwen."
"It's no big deal," Anna cursed herself silently as she felt her cheeks getting warm. Why was she blushing? There was no way Mary would know that John was coming over if she could only maintain her composure, "I'm just cooking for a friend."
"A friend, hmmm. I love a good mystery. The only other person you ever have over is Uncle John, but you wouldn't be so cagey about him. You two are always together." She popped a piece of chopped carrot into her mouth,"If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were cooking for a date."
"How do you know I'm not?" Anna snapped. The words flew from her mouth before she had time to consider them.
Mary smirked and Anna knew she was in trouble, "Because you haven't had a date in ages. Years probably. In fact, I don't think you've had a date since Uncle John showed up at the office."
Now Anna was blushing profusely. She hoped that Mary would attribute it to the heat in the kitchen but she doubted she would be so lucky.
Her fears were confirmed when Mary gasped, "You do have a date, don't you? It all makes sense: the fancy food, the shower, not wanting me around." She hesitated a moment and then continued, "Anna, do you really think it wise to have a first date in your flat? What if things don't go well?"
Anna sighed. She knew once Mary had the bit between her teeth she wouldn't drop the subject no matter how much Anna begged her to. "It's not our first date. It's our third." She resumed chopping vegetables in order to continue the dinner preparation but also to avoid the need for eye contact with her best friend.
Anna didn't know exactly when she had managed it, but Mary was sitting on a stool with a glass of the wine she had brought, "How can you be on your third date with this bloke and I've heard nothing about him? Honestly Anna, I'm a little hurt."
"We just started dating on Thursday," Anna said absentmindedly.
"Thursday? But that means you've had to see each other every day for this to be your third date. You must really fancy him."
Anna couldn't help the dreamy smile that played across her face, "I do. I really do."
Mary grinned mischievously, "You know what they say about third dates don't you? That's the date when you sleep together for the first time. No wonder you're so worried about getting into the shower."
Anna rolled her eyes, "Mary…"
"No, no. It's true. That's the rule, Anna. I'm not making this up. And you are having him over to your flat. It's quite convenient."
"Mary, I am not having this conversation with you."
"Fine, fine, have it your way. You'll tell me eventually anyway. I can't wait to hear all the sordid details." She took another sip of her wine thinking out loud, "Let's see, Thursday night. What was I doing Thursday night. I was supposed to go to that concert with you but…"
Mary suddenly stopped speaking, her eyes growing wide. A chill went down Anna's back, but at the same time she couldn't remember ever feeling warmer.
"You asked Uncle John to that concert, didn't you?" When she looked up and saw just how red Anna's cheeks and neck were she leaped off the stool, "Oh my god, Anna. It is Uncle John. He's the one who's coming for dinner tonight, isn't he?"
"No," Anna said in the least convincing voice she had ever heard.
Mary's hands began to wave wildly, "Oh my god. I can't believe it. He finally asked you out." She grimaced, "Ewww, whatever you do, please don't share all the sordid details with me. Just thinking about you and Uncle John 'that way' is giving me the shivers. Does Papa know? If John told Papa before you told me..."
Anna interrupted, "I don't think anyone knows. I don't even know if John wants anyone to know. Please, Mary, don't say anything to anyone. Please?"
"I don't think I could even if I tried. I can't wrap my head around it. You and Uncle John."
"Stop calling him 'Uncle John'. You're making him sound ancient."
"He is ancient! He's Papa's age. Good lord, I've known him practically my whole life. And you're going to… Oh my god." She downed a hefty gulp of wine and refilled her glass.
Now that Mary knew, Anna was relieved to have someone to talk to, "Are you really that surprised? You've known how I feel about John for ages."
"True. And it's not like his feelings for you have been well hidden. It's just, well, I never thought he'd get up the nerve to ask you out while Vera was still tied to him like an albatross."
Anna took the chicken out of the fridge and began browning it in the pan, "Yeah well, he didn't. I asked him."
"What?"
"I asked him," Anna repeated defiantly, "I asked him to the concert and told him I wanted it to be a proper date. He agreed," she added unnecessarily.
"My god you're brave. Uncle John is the most honorable man I know. And almost as stubborn as I am. I can't believe you wore him down."
"I can't either really. But I'm glad I did," Anna's face beamed as she finished speaking.
"It's going well then?" Mary asked, but she continued before Anna had a chance to answer, "Of course it is if you've seen each other two nights in a row and are on for a third. Well, I'm happy for you. I can't say I understand it, but I know it's what you've wanted for ages. And god knows Uncle John deserves someone like you in his life."
"Thank you, Mary."
Mary waved the comment away imperiously, "I'm not saying the idea won't take some getting used to, but I will in time I suppose. At least Uncle John isn't some bumbling idiot like Anthony Strallan. Heavens, maybe Matthew is too young for me. I suppose Mama had better keep an eye out. Next thing we know, Daisy will set her cap for Papa."
Mary took her glass to the sink, "I guess I'll be off then, seeing as how you have your big date to get ready for. I wouldn't want to stand in your way."
Anna walked her to the door and the two kissed cheeks before Mary stepped over the threshold.
"Tell Uncle John I said hi...Auntie Anna."
Anna wished she had something to throw at her friend, but instead she had to listen to Mary's laughter until the doors of the lift were completely closed.
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This time when Anna opened the door, John didn't hesitate for even a moment. He stepped inside, kicked the door closed with his foot, and pulled her into his embrace. She hadn't even had a chance to greet him before he was kissing her with more passion than any kiss they had shared so far. His tongue was boldly asking for Anna to grant him further access and although surprised, she didn't hesitate to match his ardour.
Eventually, their kisses softened and became less passionate but more sensual. John pulled her even closer until she was practically molded to him. She ran her hands up his chest and over his shoulders. It didn't take long for her to notice the physical effect she was having on him. The little moan that escaped her seemed to bring John back to reality. He took a step away from her, running his hand through his hair sheepishly.
"Sorry about that. I haven't been able to stop thinking about kissing you all day."
"Don't apologize on my account," Anna smiled, "I liked it."
"So did I," he rasped. He cleared his throat, making his way to safer territory, "Something smells great. What are you making?"
Anna took his hand and led him into the kitchen, "Wait until you see. I've been adventurous and I'm rather proud of myself. It's Coq Au Vin." She dipped the spoon into the sauce and raised it to his lips.
"Mmmm, that's delicious," John enthused.
Anna beamed at his praise, "There's potatoes and good crusty bread too. And tons of butter."
John chuckled and took another taste. Somehow, Anna had gotten it into her head that John loved copious amounts of butter on his food. The first time she had brought him a tray in the company cafeteria there was a veritable pile of the stuff on his plate. Assuming she did so because it was what she preferred, John had reciprocated whenever he brought her a tray. It was a joke between them now.
"I have a surprise for you," John smiled brightly, "Just let me hang my coat and I'll be right back."
He went into the hall and hung his jacket, retrieving the package he had somehow managed to place on the hall table when he first arrived. He grabbed it by the string and reentered the kitchen, handing it to Anna.
"What's this?" she smiled.
"I got you some of those little cakes you love so much. The ones from the french pastry shop?"
"The chocolate ones?"
"Of course."
"But the pastry shop is all the way over by work. You shouldn't have gone all that way."
John leaned in and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek, "And I keep telling you that you're worth the effort. I couldn't very well bring you another bunch of flowers. The others haven't even had a chance to wilt yet."
"You don't have to bring something every time."
John placed his hands in his pockets and shrugged his shoulders, grinning.
"Are you hungry?" Anna asked.
"I am now that I've had a taste of your delicious wares."
The pair held each other's gaze, blushing slightly as the double meaning of John's statement occurred to them. Anna finally looked away, reaching for the bread and potatoes.
"You take these and I'll bring the chicken. The table is already set."
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Dinner had been lovely and John had enjoyed the closeness and camaraderie of the washing up almost as much as he enjoyed the meal. It was such a domestic activity that he could easily imagine the pleasures of a life like this with Anna by his side. She stirred feelings in him that he had long ago given up the hope of ever feeling. No part of his relationship with Vera had ever been this comfortable or joyous. The thought made John feel decidedly uncomfortable. He couldn't let himself get so carried away while he was still married. It could easily happen, but it wouldn't be fair to Anna. He couldn't even hint at promises that he was unable, although willing, to deliver. Vera was vindictive and crafty and he had no confidence that he would be divorced anytime soon.
Now he was sitting on the sofa, feet up and shoes off, waiting for Anna to choose a DVD. She popped one into the machine and brought the case to him.
"The Princess Bride?" he raised his eyebrows, "We've seen this hundreds of times."
"Exactly," she smirked, tucking herself under the arm he extended out for her.
He chuckled as she snuggled into his chest and tucked her feet up under her.
"I'm hoping to see more of your moves tonight," she added.
He kissed her temple, "I'm sure that can be arranged."
They settled into watching the film, but before long Anna unbuttoned the top buttons on John's shirt and began making small circles on his chest. He felt himself react to her touch immediately.
"That's very racy of you, Miss Smith," he teased.
"I am racy," she whispered in the sexiest voice John had ever heard.
The smile on her face was so radiant that he couldn't resist kissing her. That kiss led to more and before long the movie was completely forgotten in a tangle of tongues, caresses, and sighs. Eventually, John sat back.
"It's been a long time since I engaged in a good snog on a date's couch."
"Me too," Anna said, snuggling into him again.
"Yeah, right," John replied skeptically.
"No really," Anna assured him, "I haven't been on more than one date with anyone in years."
"How is that possible? You're the most beautiful, kind, desirable woman I've ever known. How have you not had a string of partners?"
"Because the only one I ever wanted was you. From the moment I met you, John. It's always only been you. I guess all the other blokes could tell I wasn't really available."
John looked at her sadly, "I'm so sorry, Anna. It's not right for me to have kept you from so many opportunities."
"The only opportunity you've kept me from is dating you sooner."
"You shouldn't have such a high opinion of me," he stated matter of factly.
"You shouldn't have such a low opinion of yourself," she countered.
"But you know what I've done... where I've been."
"And yet you've overcome it all to become the most dignified, kind, and honorable man I know." She placed the palm of her hand on his cheek, "I love you John. I know I probably shouldn't say so, but we both know it's true."
John raised his face to the ceiling and closed his eyes, "Anna."
"Mary was here today," she rushed to change the subject.
John could read Anna's expression and knew she wouldn't let him continue their previous conversation. In truth, he was relieved. He was sincere when he said Anna shouldn't have such strong feelings for him. But if he was being honest with himself, he also had to admit that he was thrilled that her feelings for him matched those he held for her. He was in love; he had known it for ages and the thought of her with other men tormented him. As unfair as it was of him, he was happy to know she hadn't seen anyone in a long while.
"So," he roused himself from his thoughts, "what did Mary have to say."
Anna was nervous about how John would take the news that Mary knew about them but she refused to keep it from him. She didn't want to start their relationship with a lie of omission, "She figured out I was seeing someone."
"It was the cooking that gave you away, wasn't it?" he teased.
"Yes," she laughed and swatted him on the arm, "But she also figured out that it was you."
John looked a bit shocked before he recovered himself, "Oh?"
"I didn't tell her, I swear," Anna responded quickly, "She figured it out because I accidently mentioned our first date was Thursday night."
John was quiet for a moment and Anna asked, "Are you angry?"
"Angry?" he sounded surprised, "I'm not angry. I don't think I've ever been angry with you."
"So," she hesitated, "how do you feel?"
John sat forward and took a sip of his drink, "I'm not sure how I feel. I mean, I want to say that it's up to you to tell whoever you want. I'm certainly not ashamed of dating you. On the contrary, the very idea that you would even consider dating me is probably the greatest honor I've had in my whole life, even if I don't deserve it."
She frowned at him but he continued, "It's just that I'm not a free man. And the more people who know, the more likely Vera will find out."
"Vera," Anna said her name with vitriol, "can go suck an egg."
John shook his head, "You don't know her like I do Anna. She can be terribly hurtful and I won't cast you in the role of 'the other woman'."
"Does she still love you?"
"God no. I'm not sure she ever did. In fact, I'm not sure Vera could ever love anyone other than herself. But she hates me, and that could be worse. She won't like the fact that I'm moving on. She won't think kindly toward the woman who makes me happy."
Anna grinned in spite of the seriousness of their conversation, "I make you happy?"
He rolled his eyes at her, "Do you really need me to say so? I'm sure you and everyone else figured that out long, long ago."
"Still, it would be nice to hear you say it," Anna admitted shyly.
John brushed the hair from her cheek to behind her ear, "Anna May Smith, you make me happy. You were my first and only friend when I arrived at Grantham Industries. You championed me from the very beginning and have made me smile and laugh every day since then. You are my best friend. Dating you these past three days has made me so happy I can barely make my feet touch the ground. You say I'm dignified, but I feel like a love sick puppy. That's how happy you make me."
He leaned forward and kissed her to emphasize his point. When he broke their kiss, he rose from the couch and headed for the kitchen, "How about we have our cakes now. After all, I did go all the way to that part of town to get them. It would be a shame to let them go to waste. I'll put the kettle on as well. You sit and relax."
While John was getting the tea and cakes, Anna remained on the sofa, thinking about all that he had said. She was fairly sure that this was no typical third date. But, she reminded herself, they were not the typical pair of dating singles. They had been close for years and had many meaningful conversations during that time. This one had reminded her of how almost everyone knew what an amazing person John was except John himself. She needed to be sensitive to his feelings and not push him into things he wasn't ready for. They were making progress and she could be patient, whether she wanted to or not.
When he returned with their treats, Anna greeted him with a smile, determined that regardless of what Mary had said, she would not be asking John to spend the night with her.
He placed the tray on the coffee table and picked up a plate, "Chocolate for my lady." He handed it to her with a flourish then took his own and sat back on the couch next to her.
She eyed his plate, "What kind do you have?"
"Lemon tart," he mumbled around his first bite.
"That sounds lovely as well," she answered hopefully.
John laughed for what he felt was the hundredth time that evening, "Would you like some?"
"Oh...no...it's yours. You have it."
"Ann-na…"
"Well, maybe just a bite. But only if you don't mind. It does look wonderful."
John held his fork out to her and Anna took the pastry into her mouth. When she finished the bite John shared with her, she went back to enjoying her own cake.
John watched her for a few seconds, then said, "Well?"
"Well what?" she asked as she put her plate down and sipped her tea.
"I've given you a bite of my tart," he explained.
"Oh, yes, thank you," she picked her plate back up and resumed eating.
John suspected she knew what he was hinting because she had an evil look in her eyes. He really shouldn't give her the satisfaction of giving in so easily, but he couldn't help it.
"Aren't you going to offer me a bite of your cake?"
"But it's chocolate…"
"I know. I bought it," he affirmed, as he leaned in closer.
Anna backed away, "But I love chocolate."
"I know," he continued, leaning even more. There were only a few bites left now, "That's why I bought it."
"For me," Anna insisted, "That one is yours." She used her fork to point to John's abandoned plate.
John was incredulous now, "You really aren't going to give me a bite? Not even one?"
"Let me think," Anna said, right before she popped the last piece into her mouth, "Nope. I guess not."
John shook his head and laughed. Leaning closer with every word, he said, "I can't believe you did that. You didn't even save me one bite. Not one, single, bite."
Anna was pushed back against the far arm of the sofa by now and John was hovering over her. "I promise I'll make it up to you, Mr. Bates," she purred.
"Oh? And how are you planning to achieve that, Miss Smith?"
"Like this." She placed her empty plate on the floor and put her hand on the back of John's neck, pulling him in for a kiss.
John slid his hand under her back and shifted himself so that he was resting one thigh on Anna and the other toward the back of the couch.
Between kisses, Anna asked, "Does this make up for the cake, Mr. Bates?"
"And then some, Miss Smith. I'm going to have to remember to stop by the bakery every time."
Anna gave a sultry laugh and pulled him back to her. Somehow, they managed to shift themselves so that John was lying with his back against the couch while Anna was on the very edge. She clutched onto him and he wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"Don't worry, Anna. I've got you and I won't let you fall," he whispered.
"Oh you've got me, Mr. Bates," she affirmed, "but I'm afraid I've already fallen."
They spent a good long time enjoying their old fashion snog, but when the clock struck twelve, John groaned against Anna's mouth, "I should get going soon."
She leaned her forehead against hIs, "There's no work tomorrow. Can't you stay a little longer?"
"Only a bit. I'm going to my mum's for the day tomorrow."
"So we won't be able to see each other?" she asked, disappointment evident in her tone.
He sat up and ran a hand through his hair to straighten the mess Anna had made of it, "I doubt it. She has a list of chores for me about as long as my arm."
Anna frowned, "It's probably just as well. I've been neglecting Gwen and if it goes on much longer she'll get suspicious too."
John sighed in frustration, "You can tell your friends about our dates if you want. I don't have the right to demand you don't."
"I might tell Gwen. If she finds out I told Mary and didn't tell her, she might feel hurt. But she won't tell anyone if I ask her not to. And I've already sworn Mary to secrecy. She won't want Vera to find out anyway."
"No, she won't," John agreed, "and I trust Gwen completely." He paused for a moment, "I'm sorry Anna. I know you'd probably like me to be more enthusiastic and sure of myself."
Anna took his hand and gave it a squeeze, "It's fine John. I understand. Besides, you seemed pretty sure of yourself and plenty enthusiastic a few minutes ago."
John nodded in agreement, "Too enthusiastic. You're far too tempting to refuse."
"Well thank god for that," Anna laughed. She stood and took his hand, "Come on. You better go before I lose what little will power I have left."
John quickly put on his shoes and followed her to the door. He put on his jacket and wrapped his arms around her one more time, "I'll miss you tomorrow."
"Me too," she sighed, "but I suppose I'll survive until Monday morning."
"A kiss to take with me?" he asked.
Anna willingly obliged and kissed him slowly, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"That was your kiss," she teased, "where's mine?"
"Right here," he rasped, and returned the favor.
By the time John returned to his flat, there was already a message from Anna.
Is it ridiculous that I miss you already?
He smiled as he tapped out his response, Yes, but I'm so glad you do.