Let Me In | Herophine Fic

It's Tradition

HERO

Dinner really wasn't just dinner for me and Jo. It was so much more. It had every characteristic and trait of a date. If you ask me, I indirectly asked her on a date when I word vomited all over her and asked her to dinner. As always, Miss Langford knew exactly what to say. It's like she has a direct link to my emotions and knows exactly what I need from her. I've only felt that once before and it was a long time ago. So long, I'd forgotten what it feels like. To have some description of a connection with someone.

It's undeniable that me and Jo have a connection. Jesus Christ, I was ready to whisk her home the first moment I laid eyes on her walking towards me in Portman Square Gardens. The top, the skirt and those fucking boots that perfectly accentuated her legs nearly had me pooling at her feet. I'm sure she caught me staring while she walked towards me. The things my mind were screaming at me to do were... obscene. Picturing her underneath me, her full lips swollen, my name tumbling from her lips while I was burying myself inside her... I can't allow my mind to wander. Not to that extent anyway. Jesus Christ, I'd asked her out for dinner but clearly, my body thought otherwise.

Everything with Jo was - is - so easy. It always is. Everything seamlessly flows, the conversation, our laughter, just... everything. Every little part of it. I'm so glad I asked Jack over training for nice restaurants in central London. Similarly to me, he doesn't venture there much but does with his other half on various, special occasions. He suggested Locanda Locatelli as a nice starting point, making the very valid point of who doesn't like Italian food? Jo's face when I told her I was buying got me. It showed me just how selfless and generous she really is. There was no way I was letting her pay. Not in a place like that. I knew how much it was roughly, but given I'd asked her out it only seemed right I pay. And she said there'd be a next time so I took that in my stride.

I didn't want the night to end. If I could have stayed with her in front of the Thames all night, I would have. Happily. Like when we were at Clayhall Park, my mind pestered and yelled at me to reach out for her hand and take it in mine. So I did. I couldn't listen to my subconscious blaring at me any longer. Her warmth coursed through me like a bolt of lightning. The moment our fingers interlocked with one another I knew there really is something between us. There are so many possibilities ahead for us. I'm sure of it. But while there are certain times I feel like I can read her like a book, there are other times when she's nothing but a mystery. Not giving anything away. Is she in disbelief? Believe me, I'm right there with her. Who knew a letter could bring such things? There's also the wracking guilt that continues to remain in the pit of my stomach. I've only ever felt any of this with Sara before, but I can't let that hinder me. I don't want to be lonely anymore. She made me promise her I'd be happy and I have to focus on that.

And part of that happiness includes my little girl. Jo already has a huge fan in her. She calls her Princess Jo all the time and is usually the number one spot when it comes to topics of conversation at home. I need to know Mila and Jo can work. Them working is an absolute must, otherwise, I can't pursue this any further. I can't risk my little girl getting caught in anything messy, she's too young and I'm not going to drag her through anything unnecessarily. Mila is and always will be my number one priority. My happiness includes hers.

Pulling up to the curb, I switch the car off, sad mine and Jo's night has come to an end. But I knew it had to. I owe my sister massively for looking after Mila tonight for me, I've been out much later than I thought I would be. But I'm so glad I have been. Mila will be in bed so it'll be a nice surprise for her to wake up to that we'll be going to the funfair as planned with Princess Jo coming along too. It's tradition we do something. Who knows, that might extend to Jo...

I pull the handbrake up and quickly hop out of the car. Walking around, I hear Jo open the door on her side. As she swings her boot-clad legs out, I hold my hands out to her as I did last time I brought her home and smile down at her as she hops out of the car to the pavement below. Keeping hold of her hand, not wanting to let go, I lead her to the entrance, stopping in front of the door.