There's no confusing his rumbling voice, which has shadowed my dreams ever since Friday night. It was Jay. Jay's coming here.

After pinching myself, I ascertain that I'm most definitely awake. Even still, it feels like I'm in some kind of fantasy world. I may be awake but perhaps he's just a figment of my imagination. Since no one that amazing could really be interested in me? Right? Though I take strength from the fact I look like Elsie, so at least physical attraction isn't an issue.

My wits are slow to return as I ponder what on earth I could offer him. Eventually, it dawns on me as the second's slowly trickle passed, that not only is the apartment in disarray (thanks to the ever so tidy Shayne), but more importantly, I'm wearing nothing but my fluffy bathrobe. Shit, you need to get dressed, Kyra!

Scrambling to my room, I shed my robe and look despairing at my dresser. It's moments like this that I wish Elsie's wardrobe was at my disposal. A little lacy corset or slinky dress would definitely come in handy right about now. But then again, I don't want Jay to get the wrong idea; we need to talk. There's quite a bit to discuss...before any of that.

The best I can manage is to throw on my only matching set of bra and panties along with my favourite band shirt and leggings. I look grungy, comfortable and more importantly, completely myself. If Jay's question to date was meant for me, well, he ought to start getting to know who I am.

Wiping some of the steam off the foggy mirror, I stare at my reflection; bright hazel eyes peer back amidst a makeup-free face. I look pale and wild-haired. My fingers gravitate to Shayne's make-up bag. Surely, she won't miss a little foundation and mascara. After applying a light dusting of powder over the foundation, I hastily let my hair down to brush out the kinks.

Even though I've been expecting it, the knock on the door startles me. My feet scamper out of the bathroom to the front door. My breathing is heavy as if I've run a mile. Leaning up, I spy through the peephole. Jay's handsome face stares back, and I wrench the door open with eager fingers.

"Hey," My words tumble out in a breathless whisper. He looks like he just stepped out of the office in his black slacks and white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The top three buttons of his crisp white shirt are undone, exposing a hint of chest hair. I eye the extremely sexy vision of him up and down. Damn, how did I get this lucky?

All thoughts of our very important talk float off into the ether as I try to suppress the crazy urge to touch him.

"You gonna let me in Kyra?" Jay smiles cheekily as if he can sense my dirty thoughts. I blush beet red but manage a nod. Opening the door wider, I step aside, but Jay's large frame still manages to brush past me. His familiar cologne lights up my senses. Damn, he smells so good.

The entryway of my apartment opens up to the pokey lounge room, which I never got a chance to straighten up. Jay glances around the mess before his eyes land back on me. Travelling up and down exactly the way I was ogling him in the doorway just now. "So, this is your place."

"Yeah, well, half of it. I have a flatmate Shayne, who's at work still." I confess while shutting the front door and locking it out of habit.

"A male flatmate?" Jay asks curiously causing my head to shake immediately.

"I originally thought that too. But Shayne's a girl. She's the only female Shayne I've ever met." Gah, stop being awkward and talking about your housemate's name.

"Well, I'm glad you're home alone." The question of why lingers on the tip of my tongue. But my wrecked nerves render me mute as Jay continues to brazenly eye fuck me.

Suddenly remembering my manners, I snap out of the stupor. "Um, would you like a drink? All I have is Coffee or Beer."

"Beer, please." Jay takes a seat on the couch and I dart off to the kitchen to retrieve him one. Upon my return, I see he's busied himself with my bottle from earlier. "Revenge for last night... come join me," he grins and pats the cushion next to him. Strange I've never been invited to sit on my own couch before.

Even though his words are an ice breaker, I can't help but frown while taking a seat next to him. The heavy feelings of shame for being so easily discovered still plague me. I was meant to pretend but I failed.

I can't entirely blame Elsie for not disclosing her allergy, even without the giant Oyster fiasco something tells me Jay still would have known. He's paid more attention to me than any man ever has and we've only met twice. Maybe he's some kind of sleuth? He could be, as I don't even know what he does for a living.

I nervously tuck my hair behind my ears. "I really am sorry... It was a shitty thing that Elsie asked me to do, but I still went along with it." Finding the strength I raise my eyes from the floor and meet his penetrating gaze. His look is dark and unreadable, yet his handsomeness takes my breath away. He's here, and oh so close instinctively, I wet my lips.

"Well, you tried playing the part..." he murmurs before bringing my beer bottle up to his lips once more. I'm completely mesmerised and watch as his Adam's apple bobs while he takes a swig.

"Lucky for me, you're not a very good actress," he grins, and I realise not only am I staring but hanging on his every word. "But in all seriousness, no more pretending with me Kyra ever. I know this is fresh but I feel there's something here between us, and I don't want to share you." So he can feel the nagging chemistry reeling us closer too. It's not all in my head. Surely, he'll kiss me any moment now.

"I promise no more fake believe... We know so little about each other, but I definitely would like to get to know you better. The first thing you should know about me is I'm not the kind of person to see multiple people."

"So dating exclusively is something you'd consider?"

My head nods wildly in agreement. "Yes, but I have many questions, of course."

His face lights up as the most wonderful smile spreads across his lips. "Well, thank fuck. A million questions I can deal with but I was going out of my mind all day wondering if and when you'd call. Hoping you'd say yes. I've wanted to call you since the weekend."

"You had my number since the weekend?" I'm surprised but more saddened at his words than anything. He could have called anytime and put me out of my misery earlier. But then I remember Elsie and feel guilty for even thinking that.

"Yeah, Aiden gave it to me."

"I don't know if you know, but I ought to tell you. Aiden took me out for coffee on Sunday."

"Well, about that... it was kind of my idea." Wait! What?

Pulling back slightly in surprise, I eye Jay inquisitively but before I can bombard him with questions, he begins.

"I couldn't get you out of my head ever since Friday night... But I didn't want to make any moves while I was seeing Elsie, of course. So I kind of asked Aiden to take you out for a coffee and get the down low." What a sly dog. I'm almost speechless at his audacity.

"Well aren't you...cunning."

"I've been called many things starting with cun but never cunning..." Jay chuckles easily and I can't help but giggle back. Who would have thought after a stressful day I'd feel so light. "So what are your questions?"

I catch myself leaning into him and pull myself back against the couch cushions. All my curiosity bubbles to the surface and pours straight out of my mouth.

"How old are you? Where were you born? Do you have any siblings? What do you do for a living?"

"I'm 28. Yes, I was born here and I've lived in W.A. my whole life. I'm an only child. I work in the mines as a Geologist, so I'm FIFO. Before you ask my roster is one week on, one week off." His words roll off his tongue so easily that I'm almost sad when he stops talking.

"A Geologist you say. That's a pretty... rocking job." Thankfully Jay finds my horrible pun funny and begins laughing so hard it's infectious.

"Wow, a Geologist pun. That was awful."

"Awful but I made you laugh." I find myself leaning into him again. His body heat emanates across our short distance. Already I feel so comfortable with him. I have many questions still to ask but suddenly they don't seem so important. Feeling his mouth on mine again triumphs everything and brazenly I close the distance.

My lips brush against his ever so slightly and then it's like a match has been struck. Every cell comes alive as my hand's thread through his hair pulling him closer. Our mouths entwine together and before I know it a moan escapes me as our kiss deepens.

"Oh Jay, please," I shiver with need, not really knowing exactly what I'm pleading for. A part of me wishes his hands would trail down lower, that the fabric between us would disappear. Jay pulls back slightly to murmur against my lips.

"I hate to ruin the moment but Jay was Elsie's nickname for me. Call me Jethro." I freeze as a feeling of shame seeps through me effectively extinguishing the moment. I don't even know the full name of the man I'm kissing. Before I can begin spluttering out a response, the sound of keys jingling in the front door jam echo through the lounge room. Ugh, Shayne's home.

Strong arms deposit me back on the couch and I sink back wishing the cushions would swallow me down. My face feels beet red as the front door swings open. It takes Shayne a nanosecond of looking between us to ascertain what was happening moments before and she smirks knowingly.

"Hey Kyra, so who's your friend?"

"This is... Jethro. Jethro this is Shayne." The new name feels strange on my tongue, but I murmur out the basic introductions. Names I can barely manage and titles I'm scared to go there just yet. Jethro clasps my hand and squeezes it gently. Somehow I know what that squeeze means.

"It's lovely to meet you, Shayne. As Kyra's boyfriend I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of each other." My heart skitters to an actual stop at his words. Even the typically outspoken Shayne blinks in surprise at the absurdly handsome man casually sitting on the dingy couch.

~

Authors note: Hiya, Hope you all have a lovely weekend and take care, K xo