The Draw

6

Stacey woke up slowly, aware of Dans arms wrapped loosely around her. Her head was on his chest and he was breathing slowly, still sleeping peacefully. She sat herself up slightly on her elbows and he stirred but didn't wake. She watched his face, framed by his tousled up hair. Did that really just happen? It all seemed so surreal. She just prayed that he didn't regret it, because she certainly didn't. It had been everything she'd imagined (and she had been doing for weeks) and more. She put her head back down onto his chest, her hand over his heart, beating softly. Now she was awake she couldn't get back to sleep but she didn't want to get up until he did. She didn't want any awkward breakfast bar moments.

He stroked her bare hip and squeezed her closer.

'Morning.' He croaked.

'Morning.' She replied.

'You ok?'

'Yep, you?'

'Fantastic.' He said before letting out a huge yawn. She sat back up on her elbows so she could see his face again. 'I had a great time.' He ran his hand all the way up her back and into her hair, playing with it absentmindedly.

'Me too.' She grinned at him. Much to her surprise, he pulled her in for a kiss. She felt relief. She'd been scared that he would either have forgotten what had happened or he'd be embarrassed or uncomfortable. She brought her leg over his and straddled him, never pulling away from his sweet mouth. He'd led the way last night, so this morning it seemed only fair for her to take charge.

They spent most of the morning in bed, only leaving the room for cups of tea. But with Dan leaving for America the next morning, there were some last jobs he had to get done at the office.

'I can't believe I have to go...' He sighed. She held their hands out in front of them, surveying how well they fit together. Her hand was dwarfed by his, but it felt nice.

'Get the boys to do it then, it's only itinerary and picking up instruments isn't it?' He kissed the back of her hand and squeezed it tightly.

'No...I mean, going to America. Worst timing ever, hey?'

'I'll be here when you get back.'

'Yeah?'

'Yes.'

'I'd very much like that. I would like to give this a go. I mean, if you want to, too..?'

'Sure. It makes sense. Were already friends. You know I think the world of you. Last night was pretty amazing-'

'And this morning.' He interrupted. She laughed.

'And this morning. Dan, I hope this works.'

'It will.' He kissed her, sealing the deal. He reluctantly pulled himself out of bed, putting his boxers and jeans back on, but keeping his shirt off so Stacey could admire his toned torso. He was gathering up his computer and various disks, notes, and she shamelessly stared at him, the quilt wrapped around her, propped up on the pillows.

He leant down over her, pinning her down.

'Don't you get out of bed. I want to come back later and find you right there, waiting for me.' He pecked her quickly. 'I'll pick up dinner.'

'Pizza?'

'Something special.'

'Pizza?' She laughed.

'Probably.' He kissed her quickly again. 'I'll see you later.'

'Bye.' Another quick kiss, he grabbed his shirt and belongings and left. She waited until the front door had shut before she let out a massive sigh. This was weird. Amazing. But weird. Wasn't this exactly what she'd been secretly hoping for? Then why didn't it feel real? Was it because she never got what she wished for and at any moment this would turn out to be either a dream or a very cruel trick.