Chapter title taken from the song Everlong by Foo Fighters

Chapter 12: Everlong

Her eyes were piercing into him, every single feeling he had hidden in the depths of his soul were coming undone. Tom's hand took hold of her thigh and his other arm wrapped around her resting his hand on her back bringing her in closer. Both leaned into each other just inches away with the need for enclosure hanging thick in the air. Bracing themselves for what was to come, their eyes closed just a fraction. Coming closer…

Flash

The photo booth flash broke their trance and all was lost. Their emotions retreated back into their cages and left them in an awkward position. Sarah quickly got off his lap and headed out of the booth leaving Tom alone. Tom leaned his head back in frustration and looked at the little ceiling. They were so close! So close that he could taste the cotton candy that lingered on her breath. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that she would taste sweet without it. All day they had been playing with fire always finding any excuse to touch so why couldn't he just have that one kiss? Just that one taste.

Tom sat in the booth for many long minutes contemplating his next move. He would have to go find her but what was he going to do when he did? Say 'sorry I tried to kiss you I hope things don't become weird'? Although he knew she would ignore the situation as much as possible he wanted to know where they stood. Even though they hadn't kissed he was sure they were beyond the whole work professionalism thing. They were in the grey area of being friends and maybe something more. Tom mentally kicked himself for thinking these things. Jade had been calling him all day. Her concern for him was overpowering and it made him feel terrible for his actions. He was here with someone else while Jade was home waiting for him. Tom let out a sigh of desperation. He was in the wrong and he knew it.

Tom vacated the blasted photo booth only to find Sarah leaning against it. She looked pristine as ever like he had predicted she would be; she held the strip of pictures in her hand, and put them in her bag. Tom was thankful that she did because looking at them would mean he had come close to betraying Jade's trust.

Sarah didn't know what to think about their close call. All though there was no denying that it would have been a nice kiss she was sure she would have felt contrite about it. She wasn't that type of girl to just go and kiss some guy but the thing was he wasn't just some guy. Despite her working for him he was her friend her only friend for that fact. She couldn't have a thing such as a kiss hanging over their heads every time they saw each other. She knew that every time she spoke to Jade she would feel remorse for her actions.

Thinking now would be the right time to go back home she began walking through the park which was now ablaze with multi color lights but being as late as it was the park had become almost abandoned. Had they really been here all day? As she walked under a light post the bulb went out with a spark. She thought about the pictures they had taken and turned around and made her way back to the tent. She didn't want to risk anyone getting a hold of them and selling them to tabloids. She would feel responsible if a thing like that happened. After all she wanted to take the damn pictures!

She came to the entrance of the tent and walked in. As she came closer to the photo booth she saw that he was still in there. She was going to grab the pictures and leave but decided on staying. Her neighborhood was nice during the day but she wasn't so sure about the night. The pictures were still there in the photo holder. Sarah took a look at the fully developed photo strip. She looked at the first two pictures and smiled at their inane expressions. Her eyes lingered on the two photos before she willed herself to look at the last two. The last two photographs were proof of what had almost happened. A pure indication of something illicit. The laughter picture could be depicted at them simply laughing enjoying a good joke but really only they would know what had led to that moment and the moment after. Just as she thought it would look their last photo gave an impression of an intimate moment put on pause as if both participants were waiting for someone to play the scene. Sarah wondered what that kiss would have been like. From the look of his lips she was sure they were soft like rose petals. What was he doing to her? He was with Jade! Sarah thought' what was she thinking trying to initiate a kiss from him! He was strictly off limits!

As he came out of his stupor, Tom stepped out of the booth and looked over at Sarah as she tucked the pictures in her bag. The look on his face was something of indifference. Was he angry with her? He probably should be she didn't really have to touch his face like that she should've had more common sense. The tingle on her hands was imperative as she thought of the flesh memory but she ignored it, determined to think of it as trivial matter.

"Ferris wheel." He said.

The way Sarah heard it, it sounded more like a command than a request. Whither it was either/or she nodded her head. He walked ahead of her, his legs taking long strides that she practically had to jog to keep up with him. Why was he acting like a jerk?

"Slow down Thomas it's not a race." She said as she caught up to him.

The line for the Ferris wheel had come down to only a few people. They stood in line and he still said nothing to her. Once they got up to the ticket taker Tom whispered something to the man and followed Sarah into the circular Ferris car. They both sat on opposite sides facing each other with Sarah trying to look at anything else but him. Tom did the same as well opting to look out at the open park. They had gone around a few times still not looking or talking to each other. They came to a stop at the highest point of the Ferris wheel giving Sarah the full view of London as far as she could see twinkling lights were ablaze in every direction. The night had become cold making Sarah rub her arms for warmth. Tom took off his jacket and handed it to her.

"Thanks."

She put the jacket over the front portion of her body and held on to it from the inside. She could smell his intoxicating scent coming off his jacket which made her want to smile with glee but held back. She looked over to Tom who was now looking at the floor of the car seeming to be deep in thought. Sarah decided to ignore the fact that he was not speaking to her and looked out at the starlit sky above them.

"Why don't you talk about yourself? He asked warily.

Sarah looked to the ground as if the answer was hidden beneath her shoes.

"There isn't much to talk about." She said shrugging her shoulders

"Doesn't it bother you that you don't have any family or friends around?"

She frowned at his words and began to observe her nails. "I always thought you were my friend" she mumbled.

It pained him to agree that he was her friend when he wanted to be so much more. Being so much more was impossible. If he was to be close to her as a friend then he would, but even that didn't sound like a good idea.

"I am your friend. I've always said I was."He choked out. "But friends are supposed to be able to tell each other things. I've told you loads about me but have heard nothing about you." Tom threw his hands up and said "You could probably go to the tabs with all the things that I've told you."

"I can't you made me sign a confidentiality contract. Although I'm sure the Sun would like hear about you're late nights at the nail salon I can a sure you that I won't spill the beans." She quipped.

"Well I actually wouldn't mind if you told them about that. My fan base could only get bigger from there." He joked

"Yep, and your ego is already big enough as it is."

Tom and Sarah laughed at their little banter. Her laughter was carefree and lively. The rise and fall of her shoulders, the length of her smile, the brightness of her teeth, the way she scrunched up her nose and threw her head back was compelling. Another of his favorite things about her laughter were the cute barley there dimples that showed just below the apples of her cheeks when she tried to stifle a laugh. Those were just a few of the things that he found attractive about her. It was a laugh he wanted to memorize.

When her laughter subsided Sarah turned to Tom and said "Well I guess it's true that we as friends should have some trust with each other but I don't think I'm ready to go deep into the abyss that is my life. So let's just talk about little stuff.

Tom nodded his head and said "Okay Sarah I'll take that." He tapped his finger on his chin as if in thought and asked "What's your favorite color?"

"Whoa your getting straight to the point aren't you? I can just feel myself coming straight out of my shell."

"Okay smarty, just answer the question."

Sarah gave him a smile and said "Purple." She paused. "Well different kinds of purples I guess, like mauve, mulberry, royal and eggplant. It depends on how I feel. You know if we're going to continue this we mind as well finish our game from went we first met.

"You're on. What number was that?"

Sarah thought for a moment. "I'd say we're at two to three."

"How do you suppose that is?"

"If my memory serves me correct I asked you how long you were with Jade, and if you were going to marry her. Then you asked how old I was, what kind of tattoo I had and the favorite color thing. Although I don't think we should count the tattoo one because you were just being observant. So I guess its two to two.

"Only 18 questions each."

"Yep, and now it's my turn." Tom watched her move his jacket up over her bare shoulder to keep it from the cold. That jacket was one lucky bastard.

"Did you listen to that mix I gave you for your birthday?" she asked curiously.

"Yes I did I found it quite intriguing actually." What he really wanted to say was 'yes and when I listen to it I think about you… which by the way is on a daily basis.' Tom continued with "I really like it.

"Really?" Sarah said with much enthusiasm "I didn't know if it would be your cup of tea."

"Honestly I really did like it." Tom dug in his pocket and pulled out his phone. "Just give me a minute."

Tom stretched out his arm with his phone in hand as Sarah leaned in to listen closely. Words spilled from his phone as they listened together.

Hello, I've waited here for you…Everlong.
Tonight, I've thrown myself into…

"This song is one of my favorites." said Sarah. "Have you heard them before?"

"It's one of my favorites too but no I had never heard of this particular band until I got your mix."

Sarah began to bob her head a little to the song getting entranced into the music at the palm of his hand.

"If everything could ever feel this real forever, if anything could ever feel this good again"
"If everything could ever feel this real forever, if anything could ever feel this good again"

The soft melody he heard months ago echoed in his ears, greeting his channel like an old friend. The song was fast but she had her own swing on it keeping up with the beat with her sweet harmonic tone.

"You've got to promise not to stop when I say when…she sang."
"You've got to promise not to stop when I say when…she sang."

Sarah let out a laugh slightly embarrassed for getting carried away by the music when she noticed Tom staring at her intently. What happened next took her by surprise as he placed his free hand on the side of her face cupping her jaw. Bringing her in close he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Pacing in the bedroom of her friends home she redialed the number again. Where was he? He assured her he would be home when she got off work. Jade got to his flat and knocked on the door numerous times waiting for him to answer but he never did. She needed to get a key. That was four hours ago. It was now pushing 10:30 pm and here she was calling him non-stop like some clingy paranoid girlfriend.

Veronica walked back into the room and watched her friend walk back and forth between the four post bed and her dresser. Jade collapsed onto the bed with her phone at her ear. This time it went straight to voicemail. She felt the bed sink in at her side as her friend lay next to her. Together they stared up at their reflection in the flat top mirror above them set in the middle of the mahogany four poster bed.

"Still can't get a hold of him?" said Veronica arching her eyebrow with suspicion looking.

Jade shook her head "no".

Looking at her friends' reflection in the mirror she knew the words that were going to come out her mouth. Before her friend could speak her mind she said spoke first.

"He's not with her. He's probably just out with the boys." She wanted to believe her own words but she knew that even if he was with his brothers he would never ignore her calls.

"Alright, if that's what you want to believe." Veronica said with a smirk."I told you how she was looking at him at his birthday party. She would have pounced on him if I hadn't intervened like I had."

Veronica had told Jade about that fateful night when she had come in contact with the ballsy assistant albeit leaving out a few details of that night and incorporating her own details.

"I still think you went too far with slapping her in the face." Said Jade "Thank you for giving her that warning though I don't think I could have done it the way you had.

"Well I do try." Veronica replied with a cocky look on her face examining her nails."Although I don't mind being a tyrant I do hope that our little conversation sunk in with the girl. That twat does have a mouth on her."

Jade wasn't sure of that since Sarah had only spoken to her in a business type manner but let out a laugh anyway.

Jade was certain that things with her and Tom would blow by and soon they would be back to normal and that this little thing was just a crush. He was testing the water making sure it was right for him and when he found out that it wasn't to his liking he would come back to her. It was only fair that she let him have this one chance right? Well it would be fair if Jade was the kind of person that played fair. She would do everything in her power to make sure that he didn't bite into the forbidden fruit. Even if that meant she would have to go as low as threatening Sarah herself. Although she still had yet to find out for herself if Tom and Sarah were even friends. She had never once heard Tom mention Sarah in a way that would cause her to be alarmed but actions speak louder than words. She needed to see how they interacted with each other.

Tom's demeanor had become different than what she was used to. Thoughts of the last few days came to mind. Jade had done everything she could to ease the thoughts that had burrowed into her mind by being attentive to him. The love was there but she still felt he was off in a different place. Like his intellect was filled with thoughts of her. Every stroke of his hands on her body gave the feeling that they weren't meant for her but she savored it anyway. His loyalties lie with her and she would fight dirty if she had too. Feeling pent up tension throughout her body she wanted to relax but the comfort of the bed just wasn't doing it. On the nights she felt like this it was usually Tom that would relieve that stress but he was nowhere to be found. She was aware she would be treading dangerous waters and feel remorse come morning but this itch was setting her on edge.

"Hello! Earth to Jady!."

"Sorry I was thinking—"

"About him fucking that slag?"

"No! But thanks for the image!" Jade said with irritation. Veronica could be a good friend sometimes but other times she just didn't know when to shut her mouth." I was thinking that we should go out tonight."

Veronica turned to face Jade with a glint in her eyes and said "Right I get it you want to get back at him for being out with her don't you?"

Jade got up from the bed and walked over to a full length mirror checking her outfit to make sure it was club ready.

"Verde he's not out with her. But I could use something or someone to set my nerves right." She said with a wily grin.

It was quick. Almost too quick.

Sarah pulled away from him much too soon to his liking. Her brain felt fuzzy like all her blood rushed to her head. All she could do is stare back at him. Her lips were pulsing from the sweet graze of his lips. She didn't taste him but the sting was fresh on her lips like mint.

Tom's tongue grazed his lips searching of something to relish but nothing it was too quick. It was a mere peck but a kiss none the less. His lips on hers. His mouth burned like a flame and needed cooling.

She looked over the car and still no ride jock. Where the hell was he? She swore if she had to she would jump from the Ferris wheel. She would do anything to get away from the mess that was about to unfold at that moment. Still looking over the car she contemplated if she could land safely in a nearby shrub.

"Sarah… I don't know what…I'm sorry." Tom said breaking Sarah's thoughts of a risky jump.

"Thomas…I'm not that…I don't mess around with my boss or men who are relationships-"

"I know that." He interrupted. "I don't want you to think I'm being promiscuous that's not who I am either-"

"What do want me to think?"

Tom gave a frustrated sigh running his hands through his hair.

"I don't know…but I think"

Please don't say what I think you're going to say.

"I think I have feelings for you."

Sarah stared at him awestruck. They both felt the jerk of the Ferris wheel as it moved them to the ground. Once on the ground Sarah dropped his jacket and hurriedly jumped out of the car and ran from him. She apparently wasn't running fast enough because he caught up to her quick. Damn flats. He pulled on her arm turning her around.

"We should talk about this." He said through breathes.

"What is there to talk about just because you have feelings for me doesn't mean I have to reciprocate them. We're just friends and you're my boss. Nothing's going to happen!"

Tom loosened his grip on her arm and watched as she began to walk away. He screwed it up! The kiss caught him off guard too. She needed to know how he felt about her. She needed to know that he thought of her as more than a friend. Now she did. But how did she feel about him? While she didn't exactly put effort in the kiss there was something there. Tom was confused. Didn't she already say how she felt about him? How could he expect her to feel that way about him anyway? He was in love with Jade. Wasn't he?

Tom ran back for his jacket and ran towards the direction Sarah had walked in. She was a good distance away from where he followed. He decided on letting her have her space walking only a few feet behind her. When they descended upon her complex she simply walked through the doors and up to her flat. Tom waited outside for a few minutes contemplating on going up to talk to her or leaving instead. Deciding on the latter he got in his car inviting the last hour of the night to replay in his head on the drive home.

A/N: Sorry so late! Hope you've enjoyed.