Just Business

Chapter Twenty-Four: David

David woke with the rising sun, doing his best to not move. Neither of them had remembered to shut their curtains, but this was likely for the best as they had also neglected to set an alarm.

He woke up first, and was happy to lie there and watch her in the soft light. She lay draped across his chest, their legs tangled together. He matched his breathing to hers, the rise and fall of his chest trying to lull her into deeper sleep. Considering how pretty she was when she slept, David decided he could get used to waking up next to her.

Unfortunately they could not stay like that forever. When she finally woke up, she did so slowly, stretching out like a cat and not opening her eyes until her whole body had been warmed. David made a mental note of this and every other minor detail he could. He wanted to know everything, and had taken to hoarding the essence of Marica like a dragon does treasure. Every small, shimmering golden nugget of information was a gift.

"Good morning," he said. She smiled shyly, pulling the duvet up where it had fallen down. David pulled her into him, letting her snuggle back into his chest. She was warm and soft, and he realised how empty his bed was going to feel now without her. Giggling, Marcia looked up at him.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"Don't know, don't care," David said. "I don't want to get up."

"Neither do I," Marcia said, drumming her fingers on his chest.

"Great, we're agreed."

He pulled her into a tight hug, until her whole body was on top of his.

"But the photo shoot!" she yelped as her body was manoeuvred. "The breakfast!"

"I do like food," David admitted. He kissed the top of her head. "But I like you more."

"High praise," she said, her words muffled by his chest. She lifted her head, turning to smile up at him. Her eyes shone in the morning light, and he couldn't resist the urge to kiss her.

"I have morning breath," she complained, rolling away. "And I'm sweaty."

David sat up, admitting defeat. His movement jostled the covers, pulling them down to expose her chest. He tried to not stare, but they were truly a thing of beauty. When he looked at her eyes, there was a hint of sadness that made his heart skip a beat.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently. The question hung heavily between them, but he knew he had to ask. Her eyes found his, and he held his breath.

"I'm okay," she said. "I just know we need to talk, and I don't really want to do that now. Everything feels so delicate, and knowing me I'll ruin it if I talk. Even saying that could ruin it."

"You've not ruined anything. And we don't need to talk straight away. . . But I do want you to know that I don't regret last night, and I don't want it to be just one night. I . . . I care a lot about you, Marcia, and if you'll let me, I'd like to take you on a proper date."

Her mouth opened slightly in surprise, and she blinked as if seeing him for the first time.

"A date?" she asked, somewhat stupefied.

"Dinner or a movie. I can even drive us into the city if you want," he rambled, vulnerability replacing his blood with ice. "That is, if you want to go out. I hope you do, but I don't want to pressure you-"

"David," Marcia said, sitting up. "I would love to go on a date with you." Her voice was deep with genuine emotion. It cracked and stuttered, overflowing with truth. His heart did a dance for joy, that was quickly halted by one word: "But. . ."