- Do you like crisps? – he asked as he got a bowl out for the package –

- They are the kryptonite for my continuous diet, yes. – she smiled –

- Well, I believe you have no need for that, so dig in.

She blushed at his words. So you WERE checking me out? As they started playing, their heads got clear. Although they had quite thight rows, it looked like he was winning.

- I must warn you, though, I am a very sour loser.

- Then, I may just have to make it up to you. – he said, as he put down a full win on the table –

- Wait, how... Not again... I'm not playing with you. – she threw her cards on the table – You must be cheating somehow.

- Or I am just simply lucky. – he gave that devilish grin again – Lucky enough to have you here.

- You should be punished for that. – What did you just say? –

- That would be a delight, dear. – What did you just say? –

She froze. Is he just playing or really wanting something from me? The silence was maddening. They sat close to eachother during the game. Their feet were crossed on the other's. He was leaning towards her now. She could feel his breath on her. Are you going mad, Tom? What will she think?... SHUT UP! She felt his hand slowly glide up on her arm onto her neck. She returned the favour, caressed his chest at the opened part of his shirt and dig her nails deep when she felt his breath on her neck. He released a small moan and her head ran full with blood. They were getting dangerously close, the light headed conversation from a moment ago just flew away, as if it didn't even existed. You have to end this now, he'll think you are an easy whore... I don't care anymore! She grabbed his neck with her other hand and pulled him closer. As the distance was getting shorter and shorter between them, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. As their lips parted they were just a breath away...

A phone rang. It was like a wake-up call, they almost jumped when they got out of the trance. The ringing of her phone filled in the silent room. They did not realise, but the Sun has already gotten up. She picked up the phone. You'll die for this...

- Hello, yes, who is this?... Simon! – his heart sank hearing a man's name – Thank God! You'll never believe what happened. Do you know the hotel's name I'm supposed to be? Yes, wait a second. – she put the phone on hold – Tom, may I bother you for a pen and paper?

- Yes, sure – he went for a piece of paper and pen to a shelf – here you are.

- Thank you. Ah, I see now, where I was wrong. Yes, I know the reception will be tonight. Yes I have someone to go with. – he sank once more – See you there, then, thank you. Bye!... Sorry for that.

- No problem, who was that?

- That? Simon, my contact here in London at the university. God, it's morning already.

- Yes, it is. So... do you have to leave now?

- Well, I am free for the day, because the reception will be in the evening, but I guess I should get going, to get my muddy clothes cleaned and take care of some paperwork.

He stroke his hair and gathered his courage to ask.

- And who will be your partner?

- My what? Oh, the reception. Noone. I admit I lied to Simon, because he can get rather paternal and wind me up with someone I don't even know. – you don't even know him either, but you almost slept with him –

He smiled with relief.

- I don't want to sound intrusive, but do you want me to go with you? – What are you doing, Tom? –

She did not expect this.

- Are you asking me to take you on a date? – she smirked –

- Well, we I had a wonderful time with you and...

- Yes, of course I'd love to go with you. Though I don't know, I wouldn't want to bore you with these stuff.

- It would not bore me, it sounds really interesting. And at least in the end you wouldn't be lying to your contact.

An awkward silence. They were smiling at eachother, she kneeling at the table with the pen in her hand and he, standing next to the sofa, looking at her. Suddenly he walked out the room.

- Your clothes.

- What?

- Your clothes, they should be dried by now.

- Oh, yes, thank you. – with the sudden realisation that she was almost naked, kneeling on his floor made her blush –

- But I think you'll need another shirt. – he said while bringing them to her – This leeks of beer.

- Oh, yes, sorry. – she blushed even more, remembering her former experience –

- You know what, I'll give you one of mine, this vest looks like a corset anyway, it wouldn't make a difference if it will be too large on you.

He brought a paler blue, than he was wearing and gave it to her. She thanked him and went to the bathroom to get dressed. She got herself together pulling her bunned hair out and leaving it flow. Tom was right, the size of the shirt did not matter and as a bonus, she could smell his scent on the shirt. She got up the robe and towel she used and went out.

- Well, it suits you perfectly, it matches your eyes.

- Thank you. – she smiled – Can get a bag for these?

- Why?

- I want to take them with me to wash them, before you get it back, it is the least I could do for your hospitality. – and another reason to meet again, if I ACCIDENTLY forget to bring them with me –

- No, not at all, you had quite the day, I can't let you do that.

- But...

- No buts, now, let me get you a cab.

- Thank you, Tom.

As the cab arrived he lead her outside and helped her into the car. He went up again to put the towel and robe into the machine. While picking them up, a black piece of lace fell out the pile. It was her suspenders. He gave a wicked smile. Oh, you hexen, you will be mine.