Begin Again (Andy Barber x OC)

12 - Andy's POV

It takes me a moment to register what happened last night as I wake up and find Nora's sleeping form next to me. The whole sleeping alone thing is something I've never become used to since leaving Laurie, but this? It feels strange but right at the same time? Like she compliments the room as well as the bed. It's a hell of a mix and I check the time.

7 am.

I have the sudden urge to just have this woman as much as I did last night, and move so I can kiss along the bare shoulder that's exposed. Her skin is cool as my lips connect with the area and she now stirs, looking back sleepily over her shoulder and laughing lightly.

"Now this is the nicest wakeup call I have received."

"I've barely started." I lean in and kiss the corner of her mouth, pulling her over and onto me so as I can kiss her better. She's as light as a feather and it suits her petite frame.

She groans a little. "I should really go before Jacob gets back and discovers me"  and goes to get out of bed, but I pull her back.

"I've heard nothing yet, you're safe for now." I tell her, knowing Jake will text me when he needs a ride. He probably won't rise until noon if it's anything like the last time he stayed at Noah's.

I have no idea what Nora and I are now. We've crossed the line of just being friends but are we enough to be something? Something's been there for a while though. Jake is still my first priority of course, but I hadn't bet on finding someone so soon after the divorce. I hadn't planned on finding anyone else altogether. Thing is, I don't want to ruin it for us, but I also don't want to cause any upheaval for Jacob. I know he wouldn't give a damn if Nora and I got together, but it's the unknowing.

What if we got together and then decided it wouldn't work?

It's a small town, would meetings after be awkward?

I can't think like this. Not yet. Not now. I just need to enjoy what I have and figure out the rest later.

"Does this mean we can stay like this for a while then?" Nora now yawns and rests her head on my chest.

"Certainly does." I say and get completely lost in her once more.

I make my way downstairs a couple of hours later to make us some coffee and almost jump on seeing Jacob sitting in the kitchen. "Jake? When did you get back? Wait...did you walk?"  I frown, wondering why my son has all but gone into stealth mode when coming into the house.

Shit.

He's going to see Nora...

"Noah's mum gave me a lift. It's no big deal. Anyway I'm meeting Leah in tow..." he suddenly looks behind me and the bagel in his hand falls onto the plate.

"Morning Jacob." Nora gives an awkward wave as she cautiously walks in, stopping next to me.

He looks from Nora to me and then continues to do so, head going back and forth trying to make sense of what the hell is happening. "Wait...did you guys hook up?" He now is sporting a mischievous grin. "Oh my god! You did didn't you!"

I am never going to hear the end of this. Even more so if Lillian ever finds out.

"I think I'm gonna take off, I'll call you later?" Nora tells me, and then says to Jacob she'll see him later to which he gives her a rather cheerful wave.

"I'll see you out." I say and follow her to the front door, cursing myself inside. "I didn't know he'd be back early..." I try and explain as she walks out onto the porch. I close the front door behind us but I'm fully aware that Jake's gonna be eavesdropping.

This has probably killed the mood.

She smiles and puts me at ease. I swear she's the only woman who can calm me down. "Andy, it's ok. I mean, he could've walked in on far worse."

I wouldn't have put it past Jake to walk in on us mid sex session and I'm thankful he didn't. It would've scarred him and could have been another thing to add to the therapy list. I scratch the back of my neck irritably, and then make sure Jake isn't pressed right up against the window watching before I kiss her. "He's meeting Leah in town later; I'll give you a call then." I tell her.

"Okay." She says and then tells me she'll see me later, crossing the driveway to her own.

I return inside where Jacob is looking amused by the whole situation. "So I'm not gonna ask how you spent your New Years, coz that kinda confirmed it." He states through a mouthful of bagel. "Gross...but hey." And shrugs it all off like it's no big deal.

I cross my arms and frown at him. "Are you bothered?"

"Not really, I mean everyone in town has been practically waiting for you guys to get it together." He comes clean, "Still pretty gross that you're 'doing it' though..."

I make myself some coffee. "Well would you mind if I brought someone new into our lives so soon?"

Jacob frowns. "Nora's not exactly new though is she? We've known her ever since we moved here."

"I know but..."

"Dad, chill out – if you wanna go out with her then do it. It doesn't bother me, and perhaps it'll stop you from working on Friday nights. Bonus is that I like her."

I smile and sip my coffee. "Well if you didn't then I wouldn't ask her. So...I have your seal of approval?"

"Uh huh, I'm gonna go get ready, meeting Leah at noon."

He sounds a little excited and I let him go, taking out my phone and sending Nora a text. Jake leaving at noon. Can I see you?

A few minutes later there's a reply. I'll leave the front door unlocked. Come over when you're ready.

Already i'm wishing the rest of the morning away, just so I can see her again.