Chapter 4

Author's Note: Hi Girls! Thanks for all the lovely reviews. And big hug to Rach to beta this for me.:-) Here's the long awaited ch 4. Enjoy it.

"You should be here more often." Joseph's voice sounded at her back. She turned suddenly and started explaining…

"Joseph! I just wanted to…" Clarisse tried, but she couldn't finish because Joseph's mouth stopped her. There wasn't any sign or warning. He just simply leant closer and kissed her. It was the most natural thing in the world. Well, it wasn't that natural, but Joseph didn't want to listen to his head.

He didn't want to think; only to do what seemed best. Frankly, he wouldn't have been so brave if he had waited another moment. So he decided not to think, and just followed his heart. And his heart said… said? Shouted. Shouted kiss her right now.

So, he did it. It wasn't a long kiss, but he could feel from her reaction that she wanted it too. Those nine seconds were full of passion, unspoken love and hope…

"I think we should go," was the only thing she said, when they slowly broke apart.

"Of course." answered Joseph immediately, while he looked at her lovingly. They just stood there in each other's arms, neither of them wanted to move…

"So…" Clarisse started after a few seconds.

"Right… Of course. Sorry." Joseph smiled and stated moving. "Oh, I can see you found that mistletoe. I'm really sorry about that evening."

"Why?" Clarisse asked automatically.

"You know… what happened. Or, rather, what DIDN'T happen…"

"You mean…?"

"That almost kiss." answered Joseph.

"So that was really an almost kiss?" asked Clarisse with a little smile; a smile of relief and happiness.

"Yes. If Mia hadn't knocked the Christmas tree over on me, I would definitely have kissed you right there."

"But that was funny, you have to admit," giggled Clarisse.

"Really?" Joseph teased her. "Then what would you say if I told you… you have to make up for it?"

"That's not fair. It was Mia's fault."

"Yes, but you have to be responsible for her."

"Ok, you're right… But how could I repair this?" Clarisse asked in a guilty voice.

"Well I think we shall manage it somehow…" Joseph smiled and kissed her again.

This kiss was slower and more sensual, than the first one. And they felt a little dizzy afterwards.

"I love it that you're here." Joseph whispered and breathed in her scent lovingly.

"Me too." smiled Clarisse. "But we should really go now. However…"

"However?"

"Remember me that I have to pay the default interest too."

"Ok," Joseph chuckled. "You don't have to ask me twice."

OOOOOOOOOO

A few minutes later, they were ready to go…

"Well, thanks for the hospitality." smiled Clarisse as he helped her with her coat.

"I thank YOU… Oh, that reminds me, here is a copy of the keys. So you can come here whenever you think you need a little time to relax. And… I won't disturb you."

"Just disturb me anytime you want." said Clarisse and cupped his cheek. "I want to spend as much time here as I can, but…"

"But?"

"But soon we have to figure out something… You know, the queen can't disappear for hours…"

"And certainly not the same time as her Head of Security."

"Exactly." nodded Clarisse. "So we have to find a good reason… But what the hell are we going to say?"

To be continued…