One Deep Breath

Chapter Twelve

As they made their way around the gala Jesse had politely introduced her whenever someone stopped him to say hello, but they kept mainly to themselves, perusing the venue for passed hors d'oeuvres, skimming over the silent auction tables and getting their fill of people watching.

He stood by her protectively, never leaving her on her own, always finding a way to be lightly touching her, offering his arm, or placing his hand on her back. He even draped his arm around her waist a few times, keeping her tucked in to his side. She loved having him near her; his presence made her feel excited and alive, but safe and secure as well. She tried remembering if she had ever felt that way before.

After an hour or so they headed back towards their table.

The live auction was starting, so bidder paddles were distributed and plated dinners were served to keep everyone in their seats while the emcee began the program for the evening.

Jolie looked down at the plate in front of her, a greyish flank steak accompanied by a sorry sized serving of assorted veggies. Jolie reached for the breadbasket, knowing that she'd need something in her stomach along with her champagne or she'd be getting carried right out of the place, humiliated.

"Not impressed with your dinner?" Jesse leaned over and whispered in her ear, sending a chill down her spine.

"No, it's fine!" she insisted.

"Wanna get out of here?"

She looked at him, surprised.

"Excuse yourself, go to the ladies room. I'll be outside waiting when you're done," he spoke softly so only she could hear, then leaned back into his chair with a mischievous grin, followed quickly by his poker face, turning his attention to his meal.

Jolie pushed back from the table, excitement pulsing through her veins.

"Excuse me for a minute, I'll be right back," she announced to the table grabbing her clutch and heading in the direction of the ladies room, right outside of the ballroom.

No one seemed to pay her any mind as she slipped out the door, heading into the restroom. Adjusting herself in the mirror, she smoothed her dress and tucked a few fly-aways back into her bun.

In the corner was a basket of miscellaneous toiletries, and Jolie spotted a small bottle of mouthwash. It occurred to how many times in the past hour she had hoped Jesse would press his perfect lips onto hers, and now they were going to be alone together potentially.

She grabbed a small cup and rinsed, just in case. Then she reapplied some gloss.

Taking in her appearance, she decided she felt good about how she looked. Her skin was glowing and she had a slight flush, though she was guessing she looked like that anytime Jesse was near her. He had a way of making the air feel thicker and hotter anytime he touched her.

Hoping enough time had passed, she peered out of the ladies room. Jesse was walking towards her, grinning, their coats in his hand.

"Want to go get some real food?" he asked.

"Yes please! I'm starved."

"Me, too," he laughed, "come on."

He grabbed her hand and led her over towards to elevators, opposite of the staircase they had come in on.

He hit the up button.

"Where are we going?"

"Upstairs."

The doors popped open and she followed him inside, wondering if there was a bar or restaurant somewhere on one of the top floors. She watched Jesse hit a button labeled P, and then swipe his room key. Then she felt the elevator whiz up towards the top of the building.

When the doors opened, they stepped out and Jolie realized there were two sets of double doors, one the right and one to the left.

Jesse walked to the left side, and swiped his key. He pushed the doors open, then stepped back so she could walk in first.

Jolie walked into one of the prettiest hotel rooms she had ever seen. In the main room was a huge living area, with a big television over the fireplace, and a full bar off to the side. Walking in further, she realized there was a decent size kitchen off to the left, and a huge dining room table set up in an adjoined open room that also opened up into the living room. Next to that was what looked liked a big master suite, with really pretty french doors.

As she walked across the room taking it all in she saw a hallway with two more doors leading to what she assumed might be more bedrooms, maybe a bathroom.

She spun around, bewildered and amazed.

"Is this your room?" she asked him incredulously.

Jesse put their coats over one of the sitting chairs and nodded.

"Yeah. This is where I'm staying while we're in town. Charlie is in the other one. I thought maybe you would like the view."

Jolie turned back to huge windows, showcasing the city lights. This had to be one of the highest buildings, so the view really was amazing. She walked to the sliding door that opened up to the outside, pushing it open. Then she glanced back at him with a smile and a small nod towards the balcony, silently suggesting he follow her outside.

Without her coat on she was freezing, but it was a stunning view. Within a few seconds Jesse was up behind her, wrapping his arms around her to keep her warm. She pressed herself back into him, heating up immediately.

"You know, it was awfully forward of you to bring me up here without asking me first," she said playfully, looking back at him up over her shoulder.

His face dropped, and his hold on her loosened.

"I didn't... I'm sorry," he fumbled, "that's not, I wasn't trying to imply..."

Jolie spun around in his arms, slipping her arms around his waist inside his tux jacket.

"I'm just messing with you," she said with a giggle, leaning back so she could look up at his face. His cheeks were tinted pink, and it was clear to Jolie by the look on his face that he hadn't invited her upstairs to throw her into his bed. Though she wouldn't have minded if he had. She giggled again at his reaction.

"That giggle,' he said, pulling her back into him. "I love it."

It was her turn to blush, so she dipped her head, hiding her face. She loved how attached they had been to each other all night, including in this moment. They stood together so easily, fitting together in just the right way.

Feeling brave, she looked back up, locking into his gaze. When she saw his eyes glance down towards her mouth, she didn't hesitate before rising on her tippy toes and pressing her lips against his.

She pulled back pretty quickly, questioning herself immediately, wondering if he had wanted her to do that or not.

He answered her unspoken question by reaching for her face with one hand and pulling her back into him with the other, kissing her this time, but with more passion and more fervently than her chaste kiss.

As their mouths molded together Jolie's insides erupted. He tightened his grip on her right when she wondered if her knees would give out. Then he slowed their pace down, before breaking away, both of their breathing ragged.

"You really were the prettiest girl in the room tonight, Jolie Snow. Did I tell you that yet?" he asked as he tucked a blonde curl behind her ear, dragging his finger around under her chin, tipping it up so she was looking back into his dark blue eyes.

Reaching her small arms way up, clasping her hands behind his neck she pulled herself even closer to him.

"Thank you," she whispered, before pressing one more soft kiss onto his bottom lip.

Pulling her back to the door, Jesse led them both back inside and over to the couch.