I set my pint glass down on the table, and by some silent agreement, Jerry does the same.
“One!”
Shouts of “Happy New Year!” ring out around the bar and I turn to Jerry to wish him the same, but he’s closer than I’m expecting. His eyes meet mine, gaze dark and oh so inviting. I inhale sharply, my pulse taking off like it’s doing a hundred metre sprint.
“Happy New Year,” he whispers, his breath ghosting over my lips, and the urge to kiss him sweeps through me like a giant wave, casting all other thoughts aside.
He must read it on my face because he raises an eyebrow and murmurs, “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” It comes out rough and breathy, but there’s no time to be embarrassed because the second Jerry’s lips touch mine, I don’t care.
I don’t care about the shouts around us, or the way the edge of the bar digs into my side, or the fact that we’re doing this in the middle of a packed pub when PDA isn’t usually my thing.
The soft scrape of his stubble takes me by surprise. I’m used to clean-shaven, not that Jerry has a huge beard or anything, but it’s definitely more than a day or two’s growth.
I like it.
Like that it’s different to what I’m used to.
The kiss morphs into something smooth, easy, like we’ve been doing it for ages instead of this being our first time.
It’s the effect Jerry’s had on me for the past few hours. It’s hard to believe I’ve only just met him when I feel this comfortable in his presence. His lips are warm and soft against mine, making it so easy to lose myself to the moment.
Even though I’ve spent all night convincing Jerry that I’m not interested in a hook-up, I’m not worried that I’m sending him mixed messages because this isn’t about that. We both know this won’t go any further than a kiss.
Even one as hot as this one.
It’s in the way he cups my jaw in both hands but doesn’t move to press our bodies together. The way I grip his hips tight but don’t let my hands stray any further even though his arse isright thereat the tips of my fingers.
No, this kiss is more about comfort, for me, anyway. But I think maybe for Jerry too. The culmination of a lovely evening that’s turned out far, far better than I imagined.
The barest of moans escapes him as his tongue brushes against mine. My heart rate kicks up in response, but I stamp down that tiny part of me that thinkswhat if...
I’m not in a good place right now, and if I started anything tonight, it wouldn’t end well. And I like Jerry. I don’t want to ruin something that I think has the potential to be a great friendship. And I need that. Need more people in my life that aren’t connected to my ex.
Myrecentex, because I don’t count Sean in that category.
The kiss ends, and the sounds of the pub register around us. Cheering and laughter fills the room, but it feels like we’re in our own little bubble still.
I have my eyes closed, reluctant to open them and face the real world again, but I can’t stay in this moment forever. For one thing, I don’t want it to get awkward between us.
I straighten, opening my eyes and pulling away from him enough to put a little distance between us. “Happy New Year,” I whisper. My voice still has that rough edge to it, but I ignore it and smile, relieved when Jerry immediately smiles back.
“Happy New Year.”
There’s no trace of awkwardness to be found, and I could kiss him again just for that.
But the moment’s passed, and we both reach for our drinks. He clinks his glass softly against mine. “I hope this year brings you everything you want.”
“You too.”
His eyes flash withsomething, but it’s gone again before I can work out what. Amusement and mischief take its place, and he nudges me playfully. “Come on, let’s see if you’re any better at pool than you are at darts.”
I’m not, but neither of us care as we laugh and tease each other into the early hours of what’s turned out to be one of the best nights I’ve had in ages.
It’s a shame it has to come to an end, but I’m way too old to pull an all-nighter, and so is Jerry. And besides, the pub had a late licence, but it’s closing now and Hailey has no issue kicking us out.
We stumble out into the chilly Dec—Januarynight with Lucky at just gone two o’clock, Char’s sister generously offering to give us all a lift home.
