Lee and Lucy were both still slightly in shock as they closed the door behind them, making extra sure they locked it.

Lucy had been worrying about how her parents might react when they found out about her and Lee, but she had been planning to wait to tell them until she was sure their relationship was serious. Nevertheless, she had already been thinking about how she was going to tell them gently and being caught with Lee in a compromising position was definitely not part of the plan.

Lee was a feeling understandably wounded by the exchange with Lucy's parents, having been the target of Geoffrey's insults. And he could see Lucy was a bit shaken and upset, though she was clearly trying to hide it.

"Are you okay Luce?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. You?"

"Yeah. Come on, let's eat. I worked very hard on that phone call to Speedy Pizza".

"I can see that. I mean, you even asked for extra mushrooms. You know me so well".

Lee smiled, pleased that Lucy had noticed this gesture. He wasn't even that keen on mushrooms, he just knew that they were Lucy's favourite.

They sat at the dining table and shared out the pizza, eating it without mentioning what had just happened at first. Today had been so lovely, and Geoffrey had definitely spoiled the mood somewhat, though Lee and Lucy were both trying to make light hearted conversation. They couldn't finish all the pizza, and Lee put the leftovers in fridge then joined Lucy who was now back on the sofa.

"Sorry I didn't lock the door earlier. I won't make that mistake again", Lee said, no longer able to stop himself from referring to what happened with Lucy's parents earlier.

"Don't worry, not locking door isn't really the issue is it? I'm sorry, about my Dad".

"You don't need to apologise for him Luce".

"Well, I feel like I do".

"What are we going to do about him anyway?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, he's never going to like me is he? I don't want to come between you and your parents".

"Well, I don't want my dad to come between us. He'll get over the shock of tonight, and I think he just needs to get to know you more, he'll learn to like you. I already know my mum does".

"I'm glad you can be so optimistic about this".

"Look, my dad's never approved of any of my boyfriends, that's just him. I think he'd prefer it if I became a nun. Anyway, I'm not looking for his approval".

"I'm happy to hear that, but I still want him to approve of me".

"Let's not let this spoil today, let's forget about my parents for now".

"I know you said to forget about them, but...you don't think the universe is conspiring against us, like someone's trying to tell us this is a bad idea? I mean, the first time I asked you out I ended being hit by the car, and since we've officially been going on dates every one has ended badly or in some sort of disaster. And now this".

"No, I don't think the universe is conspiring against us. We've both just had a bit of bad luck recently, I'm sure things can only get better. And nothing went wrong today. Okay, apart from the wasp stings and the overlooked dinner and my parents interrupting. But neither of us ended up in hospital so things must be looking up right?".

Lee nodded and smiled. Lucy continued,

"We had a lovely time today, or at least I did. It's not like you to be defeatist, are you not into this? Are you having second thoughts about us?"

"God no, I am very much into this. I just feel responsible sometimes for things going wrong, I've always been a bit...hapless I think is the word. I suppose I'm just giving you a chance to back out before things, you know...progress".

"I don't want to back out".

"Thank God for that...and I did too by the way, have a lovely time today. It was a perfect day, well almost perfect".

"Good. Lee...you said you're very much into this? And you want things to progress?"

"Yes, I...I..like you, a lot. In fact...I...I..actually..maybe it's too soon, I don't want to put you off".

Lee was about to tell Lucy he loved her but something, fear probably, stopped him.

"Lee, if we can get over all the challenges that have been thrown at us so far, well that's a good sign isn't it? Whatever you are wanting to say, it won't put me off. Just like the cancelled tennis and the cinema fire and the food poisoning...all of those things and everything that's gone before and the less than perfect cooking tonight and my dad's bloody mindedness about you haven't put me off. Please tell me what you were going to say".

Lee decided then that he just had to be brave and say it, he couldn't keep his feelings in any longer.

"When I was in a coma. I nearly didn't wake up, because I was happy in my dreams, being married to you. I didn't want to leave you and go back to just being friends. Because...I love you".

Lucy's heart was pounding now, and she wanted to squeal with joy.

"You love me?", Lucy had to check she hadn't misheard.

"Yes, hadn't you worked that out yet? I'm completely and utterly, madly in love with you. So much so that I can't think straight most of the time".

Lucy launched herself at Lee then, straddling his lap, taking his face in her hands and kissing him with a whole new meaning and fervour.

"I love you too", she breathed between kisses, "completely...utterly...madly".

Lee felt slightly dizzy and overwhelmed with elation at Lucy's response. She actually loved him back, and it was the best news he'd ever heard. He couldn't help but smile against her mouth as they continued to kiss, Lucy's hands running over his chest as his wandered across her back, clutching handfuls of her blouse between his fingers as they let their desire take over, just relishing the feeling of being so close to one another. As the passion built and seconds became minutes, they barely came up for air, their kisses becoming increasingly urgent.

Lucy could hear Lee's breathing getting louder and more desperate as she kissed her way down his jawline to his neck, dragging her lips over his skin until she found a sensitive spot close to his ear, nibbling and teasing with her tongue, making him moan with pleasure. She moved her hips then, purposely grinding her against him, and even though they were fully clothed the friction sent him almost crazy with lust.

"Luce..Lucy...st..op", Lee breathed.

Lucy lifted her head,

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, but we're supposed to be taking things slowly and I was dangerously close to losing control just then. I'm getting...you know...aroused".

Lucy could feel Lee was hard, and it excited her.

"So was I. This taking things slowly malarkey, to be honest I've had enough of it. Every time we kiss and touch I don't want to stop. I want to be with you Lee, and now I know you love me too...I mean if you still want to wait that's fine but just know I'm ready".

Lucy removed herself from his lap, standing up as she spoke.

"I don't want to wait", Lee whispered, his mind racing as fast as his heart now.

"In that case come here, come with me..."

Lucy took both of Lee's hands and pulled him up from the sofa, starting to walk backwards as she led him towards her bedroom.

"Where are we going?"

"Bed, where do you think?"

"Oh...", Lee gulped, sounding nervous. They paused, standing still.

"Still scared?", Lucy asked.

"Terrified. You?".

"A bit, but I'm excited too. You were scared before we kissed properly for the first time remember, and that turned out fine".

"More than fine".

"Exactly, so how about we don't put any pressure on ourselves now, or overthink this. Let's just see what happens and enjoy every moment, let go of our fears and inhibitions".

"I like your plan. I want this to be perfect for you Luce".

"And I'm sure it will be...but just know that it doesn't have to be. Practice makes perfect after all, and I'm willing to put in the hours if you are".

"Ready and willing".

"Good..now, why are we still talking?", Lucy whispered as she reclaimed Lee's lips...