Disclaimer: You know the drill.
a/n: Thanks again to all my wonderful reviewers, your reviews make my day. This one is a sort of continuation of 'Fire' an takes place just ten minutes later.
"You really shouldn't be here, Claire," Desmond said sombrely as he finally removed his arm from her waist. He rested his forearms across his knees for lack of a better place to put them. Well, he knew where he wanted his arms to be but his moral side scolded him for even thinking such things.
Claire continued to stare into the flames, not wanting to look him in the eye for fear of seeing rejection in them. She wouldn't, of course, but she didn't know that. What she would have seen was a longing to do what he wanted, consequences be damned.
"I know that but..." she sighed. Feeling a boost of confidence when his hand caught hold of hers, Claire leaned up and placed a small kiss on Desmond's inviting lips. She moved her face just a few inches away and whispered, "I want to be here," as she entwined her fingers with his.