Harry.

Hmm?

Harry, we're being kicked out.

Mmm.

Finally she had to physically but reluctantly pull herself away from his embrace.

We have to go…they're closing.

Oh, right. Yes. Sorry.

I'm not.

Me neither.

Ruth looked down, suddenly bashful. The landlord of the pub Arthur was passively aggressively cleaning pint glasses behind the bar and trying to get the regulars to leave.

Harry ran one hand over his head.

You're all flustered.

Can you blame me? Years of...and then tonight….

Come on, let's go before we get barred.

Harry grudgingly rose from the bench and held out a hand to help her extricate herself from the booth, which she tried to do in as ladylike a fashion as possible.

He held out her coat and she shrugged into it. Keeping his hands on her shoulders he turned her slowly and leaned into another kiss, his hands slowly sliding up towards her neck again.

Alright lovebirds, off you go, we're closing ! Shouted Arthur

Harry swivelled immediately to glare at him, but couldn't muster the ill will. Instead he just winked at him and went to hold open the door for Ruth.

'Night Ruth, called Arthur, See you next week.

'Night Arthur.

0o0

Arms linked once more, they ambled back along the pavement towards Ruth's house. Both somewhat aware that a decision would need to be made soon about what happens next. Harry breaks the silence first.

He's sweet on you, that landlord.

Arthur? No, he's married with two kids. We've just had the odd chat that's all.

Regular are you?

Well, I might pop in once a week or so...

Ruth-

Would you like to come back to mine? For a nightcap?

Are you sure?

Yes why? Do you not want to?

I'd love to. I'm just slightly taken aback by the...progress...we've made this evening and I don't want to jinx it.

We won't jinx it.

What happened tonight Ruth?

I can't say really. I suddenly felt this regret about what happened between us. I let my insecurities get in the way. I'm sorry Harry.

They had drawn near to her house and Harry pulled his elbow containing her arm close against him, drawing to a stop. Ruth stopped and turned to face him.

No regrets Ruth. No more regrets. We're here now.

So. What next?

She smiled shyly at him.

At that moment Ruth's neighbours came up behind them with several more boxes of beer and a two bottles of tequila from the off-licence.

Ruth ! Are you coming in? Come on !

No, no, no thanks guys.

Come on, it'll be fun ! You'll be able to hear it from yours anyway, might as well eh?

Struggling under the weight of the beer they headed down the front path to cheers from the smokers outside the front door.

What do you think Harry? House party? Could be fun?

His eyebrows rise at her.

I think my house party days are over Ruth.

See I don't think that's true at all…

She's warming to the idea now. There's something suddenly heady and enticing about having him with her at the party, leaning over her in a corner with a plastic cup of wine. Having to speak right into her ear over the music.

You don't like the idea of snogging on the roof terrace then?

Harry's eyes widen and darken at the same time. He takes a big breath in and rocks back onto his heels smiling.

You'll have to lose this tie though.

She leans in and starts to slowly remove his tie, keeping her eyes lowered but feeling the heat rising from the intimacy of the action. She can feel his eyes burning into her.

When it's untied she slides it off his neck and tucks it into his jacket pocket.

There. House party ready.

His hands move to her forearms. He's smiling at her indulgently.

Do you actually know there's a roof terrace or are you making that up?

You'll have to wait and see won't you?

0o0