“Come on Em” Jack awkwardly leant into the taxi, handing the driver a fifty and scooped her up from the back seat where she had been slipping in and out of consciousness. He held up his promise, she was very, very drunk.

“You’re Jack” She slurred, her arms weakly going around his neck as he cradled her against him to the front door.

“I am” He laughed, her eyes lazily opening but unable to focus on him she kept them closed as her head dropped back over his arm.

“I like Jack”

“I’m glad you do Em” He carefully set her down so she was half standing, half leaning against him between the corner of the wall and door as he found her keys in her purse and opened the front door. “Can you walk in or need some help?”

“I can walk just fine buddy” Well that’s what she thought she said but all he understood was walk. Emily stepped forward towards the door, her legs like jelly as her feet were aching in the high heels and seeing what was about to happen, Jack caught her before she fell and picked her up.

“Thank you” She hiccupped, running her hand along the corridor wall as he took her to her room. The wall was so smooth, it was amazing really and her random burst of laughter amused him immensely.

Jack sat her on the bed, ignoring the way she swayed as if she were on the high seas and pulled off her shoes before turning her to lay on the bed. “Stay here ok, I’m going to go get you some water”

The mumble that resulted made no sense and shaking his head amused, he disappeared into the kitchen. Finding a large plastic cup he quickly filled it and headed back to into her room, almost dropping the water as he took in the sight in front of him upon his return. Emily stood practically naked; the red dress was in a heap at her feet as she combed her fingers through her hair that had been pulled over one shoulder.  The dim lamp light had her skin looking like porcelain which contrasted with the black lace underwear that didn’t leave anything to his imagination. Swallowing hard he couldn’t bring himself to move and as she turned to look at him over her shoulder, her green eyes were bright with mischief. Neither moved, it was as if she was waiting for him but as much as he wanted nothing more than to become familiar with every inch of her he knew it couldn’t be like this.

“I got you some water” His voice was chesty, revealing the internal battle being logic and his hormones. As he coughed to try and clear his throat a tiny smile appeared on her lips, mocking him further. Things were a little hazy to Emily right now, but one thing she was certain of was she needed the confidence boost of alcohol to make her move. She could tell from his tense stance she was having the desired effect on him, his pupils were fully dilated and his breaths were a struggle.

Emily turned to face him and in doing so lost all inhibitions that would have previously held her back and coyly stepped forward, leaving the dress behind. Amazingly she didn’t stumble, trying to work out why the ground was so uneven in her room and reached forward to take the water and as she spoke her voice was like honey. She had managed to get some kind of clarity back, making talking a chore but possible and kept it simple.

“Thank you” Bringing the cup to her lips she looked up at him through velvety lashes, still heavily coated in a layer of mascara and as she drank the cold drink she saw Jack swallow hard.

He was in trouble; Jack knew it with every inch closer she came. “Let’s get you to bed”

Jack cringed at his choice of words, not meaning it in the context it came out. Spying her pajamas on the corner of the bed he moved past her, ignoring the confused look on her face as he held up the clothing. Rejection washed over Emily, crushing her hopes of how the night would be ending and feeling more embarrassed than anything else turned to snatch them from him. But the uneven ground won out with her shaky legs and again Jack caught her mid fall as he savored the feel of her bare skin against him, wishing he was as exposed as her.

It was the moment at the door being replayed, staring intently at each other with neither wanting to pull away. “Em….”

“Ssh” Her hand ran along his lips, hesitating at the prickly stubble of his beard before she leant up to meet him as months’ worth of tension erupted in a single kiss. Lust filled adrenaline urged Emily on as Jack couldn’t help himself any longer and he returned it with just as much need. Her hand greedily roamed through his hair as the other sought to free his own body from the unnecessary clothing before she felt herself being lifted; instinctively wrapping her legs around his waist, Jack cupped her ass to hold her against him.

A soft moan escaped her as they came apart for a moment; both breathless from the feverish need taking over and before she knew it the soft comfort of her bed was against her back as Jack gently laid her down. “Not like this Em”

Every part of his body was screaming at him to keep going, but she had a lot to drink and didn’t want the regret anything in the morning, not that he wasn’t already filled with it.

Emily didn’t hear what he said, the bed was too comfortable to focus on anything else as she sunk further into her blankets and her gentle snores alerted him to the fact she had passed out. Sighing he stood up, his lips still burning from her touch and not wanting to leave her so exposed, carefully put on her tank top and pants before tucking her in under the blanket. Jack gently smoothed her hair away from her face, kissing her forehead he went to leave the room after deciding to camp out on her sofa. He had done it before.

“Come back” Jack stopped turning to look at Emily who had rolled onto her side, her eyes were closed and he took a couple of steps back to her bedside.

“Did you say something Em?” He asked softly, not sure if imagined it but her hand reached out to find his and she pulled him closer.

“Stay with me tonight” She breathed out deeply, her eyes flickering open slightly a tiny smile appearing. “Please”

“Ok” He turned off the lamp on the table and kept on top of the blankets as he laid beside her, freezing as she wiggled over slightly to lay against him but as her breathing deepened back into the steady rhythm of sleep, he did too.

“I love you Anna but dam girl, shut up” Emily curled into a tighter ball on her sofa as Paul rocked Anna in his arms in a bid to silence the screaming baby.

“She’s starting to teeth” Carla moaned, her own hangover one of epic levels as she laid against Emily on the sofa. McDonalds rubbish littered the coffee table from a late lunch and Paul headed out the back hoping the change of scenery would help calm Anna. He took his time though, enjoying seeing the pair suffer due to their own doing. “Ok now the fun police have gone, spill the beans! What happened after I left?”

Emily couldn’t bear to open her eyes, her head was aching and the greasy food hadn’t helped. Her throat was burning as she struggled to keep the contents of her stomach in place. “I don’t know, it’s pretty fuzzy but…”

Carla shifted from where she was leaning against Emily, pausing to stop her own head spin both women had sworn off drinking for good. “But what?”

Her interest was obvious and Emily rolled over onto her back to look over at Carla, keeping a hand on her stomach. “We kissed. I know that for a fact”

Carla’s excited squeal had them both cringing, “Sorry but oh my god. Just a kiss or …” Carla wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Yeah just a kiss, he said he wasn’t going to take advantage of me in the state I was in last night and I’m kind of glad but now that’s he’s gone how do I see him again? Ah! I’ve ruined everything” Closing her eyes Emily found the damp cold cloth from the table and put it over her forehead praying for the head ache to go away.

“Ruined? How? Clearly you two have a thing going, everyone can see it Em. What a gentleman!” The way her friend was swooning over Jack had Emily wondering if she was the one crushing on him but all she did was groan in response.

“I can’t just jump straight into another relationship. What if just wants sex? I’m not that kind of person” Carla laughed, grabbing her water bottle and calming down took a big sip.

“If he didn’t do you last night, he doesn’t just want sex. And why not? It’s not like you’ve even been in one for the last few months” Before taking another sip she muttered under breath not intending for Emily to hear it, “or years”

“It’s not the point. Everyone is already saying I was cheating on Greg. I owe him more than that” Emily got up, taking Carla’s water and having some herself.

“Greg’s the one spreading those rumors Em. You owe him nothing” But Emily didn’t think it was that simple. She never had people annoyed with her and as far as she was aware she had never hurt anyone either. Just because they weren’t right for each other, doesn’t mean they can’t still care about each other.

“I need more sleep”

“With Jack?”

“Shut up. He slept on top of the covers” Emily bit her lip wishing she had more of a memory of their kiss to dream of but there was one part of the night she did remember and knew Carla would enjoy hearing about. “I did wake up in his arms though”

Carla didn’t miss the dreamy tone of her friend’s voice but said nothing as Paul reappeared with a now smiling Anna. “Ok, have you two gossiped enough? Remember we have dinner with my parents tonight Car”

“How could I forget?” Carla answered dryly; winking at Emily as she helped her stand up and both women held each other for balance as the world started to spin. “Never. Drinking. Again”

“Amen to that” Emily said goodbye and headed back to bed to try and sleep off her hangover after taking some more pain killers. What would change for her and Jack now, did anything have to? Did she want it to?

Jack sat at his desk Sunday night browsing his emails. He hadn’t heard from Emily since he left that morning but judging by her hung over state he wasn’t surprised. He had never slept so well as he did last night with her at his side, taking with her curled against his chest had been even better and not even then having to help her out of bed to run to the toilet to throw up dampened his memory of the night. Should he have done more? No. He had no regret, all that had been left the second she fell asleep in his arms.

Stephen82: Yo brother of mine where ya been?

Jack_D82: It’s been two days since I spoke to you.

Stephen82: Feel the love. Sup?

Jack rolled his eyes, despite the distance he still couldn’t get away from his siblings constant nagging and contemplated turning of the instant messaging program to avoid the inevitable.

Jack_D82: Not much. U?

Stephen82: Totally got back stage at the Vic Secret Show ;) Speaking of hotties whats the latest on Red? Ditched that wanker yet?

Jack_D82: Yeah actually she has. I spent the night with her

Stephen82: :O WHAT?!

Stephen82: Didn’t think my little brother had it in him! This is what it feels like to be proud!

Jack_D82: I was born first little brother.

Stephen82: What was she like? I heard aussie chicks are wild, down under ;)

Jack_D82: A gentlemen never tells

Stephen82: You didn’t have sex with her did you

Jack_D82: No. She is special Steve not a one hit wonder

Stephen82: You do know ur coming home in a few months. May as well get it over and done with before you go. Ive offered before to come over and get the job done

Stephen82: Oh and you’ll be home for Christmas. Mum will be calling you tomorrow so don’t answer any international numbers.

Stephen was gone before Jack could try and get more information but he was right about one thing, time was not on his side. He could extend the project, his father would be annoyed and he’d have to sort out his visa but really long term, what future could they have? He had too much at home to stay here permanently and if she wouldn’t go to Sydney with Greg, it was unlikely she would go to the UK. As always, talking with his brother didn’t help at all and going home for Christmas was not going to be happening as far as he was concerned.

Monday morning could only be described as hell for Emily. While the worst of her hangover had passed, she had decided to avoid Jack but come nine o’clock he was at the bakery ordering his morning coffee.

“Em, that cute English guy is out front, Jack hey?”

Emily cringed, quickly swallowing the pain killers she left the cooling trays of cupcakes to go and see him. Jodie spoke so loudly it wasn’t even as if she could pretend she wasn’t there.

“Hey Jack” Jacks face lit up seeing her and instantly Emily blushed. Everything seemed clearer now, every look he gave her, the little things he did. Sure he had been being a friend but no wonder everyone seemed to think the pair of them getting together was obvious. It was all exciting, new and realizing Jodie was staring at her as she zoned out, Emily’s cheeks only reddened. ‘It’s Jack, pull it together’ she scolded herself, instinctively pulling out the raspberry cupcake and boxing it up for him. Those were his favorite, unlike Greg who rarely even touched anything she made.

“Hey Em. How you feeling today?” He paid his money to Jodie and moved down the counter to where Emily took over the coffee machine. There was no judgment as she served him, something Greg had often been free to give if he came in and saw her working behind the counter. She didn’t know when he had decided all of their life was beneath him, back in the early days he had worked with her when he was home. The memory made her smile before her emotions betrayed her and she felt her eyes growing wet. Was this going to be life now, constantly comparing and reminiscing on everything about Greg? “Em?”

Jacks voice snapped her out of it and she turned on the steamer into the milk quickly wiping her eyes as if the machine had done it. “Better. Still headachy though. Keen for lunch?”

Emily sought to keep their normal routine and Jack frowned as he looked at his calendar. “Sorry, got a conference call at eleven and another at two. But we can go for a run tonight?”

“Sounds great” Her smile was genuine yet it felt forced. She loved their lunches together but he had some kind of important job and understood those kind of things happened.

“Em you got it bad, not that I don’t blame you” Jodie teased as soon as Jack left. “He’s so right for you babe. You have no idea how glad I was when I heard the news about you and Greg”

“Sorry Jo I don’t want to talk about it right now” Emily retreated back into her kitchen, focusing on the icing that needed to be done and before long it was nearly twelve. There was nothing to do now, the kitchen was cleaned, the stock ordered and Jodie had the counter covered. Lingering near the back door ready to empty the bin the steady shushing of a can spraying caught her attention and leaving the bin she carefully opened the door.

A man stood in the alley between the two buildings, his backpack open to reveal a few cans of paint and the black shape he had sprayed on the wall was almost breathtaking. Blacks and greys had been smeared together to form a dark rainbow and he swapped cans to find a white color. No matter how stunning it was, Emily remembered the bill from the cleaning the council had charged them last time someone started to decorate the alley walls. She had paid for the antique stores share of the bill to as the older owner would never have been able to afford it and the monthly rent.

“Hey!” She called out stopping the guy in his tracks. He wasn’t exactly a kid but he’d be lucky to be around eighteen if that. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Expressing myself”

“Well go do it somewhere that isn’t someone’s shop wall”

“Go fuck yourself. Call the cops, I’ll be gone before they turn up” Emily’s jaw dropped as he kept painting, the words that still flowed his mouth were new even to her.

“How old are you?”

“None of your business”

Emily looked at his disheveled appearance, the broken backpack and at his assortment of cans that probably cost more than anything else he owned. He should be in school and as her internal rant grew, he looked over his shoulder to find her still there. “Piss off and go call the cops or what ever you bitches do”

That was it. Emily charged over, he was about the same height as her and rather skinny which helped give her some kind of confidence and knocked the can out of his hand. “Tell me how old you are”

“Fine, seventeen” He snapped, glaring at her but the fact she had confronted him nervous. Usually talking back and a bad attitude made people leave him alone.

“Why aren’t you at school?” Emily demanded, crossing her arms angrily.

“I left. What do you care?”

“Do you work?”

“Does it look like I do?” Why this woman was talking to him, without stalling for the cops or having someone with her confused him.

“What does you mother think of this?” He was about to spit out some sarcastic reply but she was actually scaring him a little.

“She doesn’t. She kicked me out when I was fourteen. Look, I’ll leave ok?” Giving up he started to pack up his things when Emily remembered something Gemma was working on and she couldn’t stop her smile.

“I’m Emily, what’s your name?” Holding out her hand he looked at it as if it was poison and then back at her.

“Are you on drugs? One minute you’re all angry and shit and now you want to shake my hand?” Emily only nodded as hesitantly he took it. “Dan”

“Dan, despite this technically being graffiti, you clearly have a talent. If I could get you into a street art program would you do it?” Dan put the lid back onto the can, not entirely sure what to make of the whole situation. “It would be a great opportunity for you”

By the end of the afternoon Dan had a meeting with Gemma to learn more about it and she was hopeful it was enough to help him turn his life around. As she went for her run with Jack she told him all about, again unable to stop comparing his reactions to what Greg would have done. She bet he would have even acted a little more Princey like in the airport for the little girl.

“You always see the good in things Em. I don’t recommend approaching juvenile delinquents in secluded alleyways but you did good. I hope he does it” Jack had listened to her excited ramble about Dan’s interview for getting into the program and realized Carla’s comment about Emily finding lost people like she did stray animals was true. The pair kept running in a comfortable silence, soon going their separate ways home.

Jack had only just got in the door when his Aunt appeared with the phone, the sour look on her face telling him all he needed to know as he took it from her.

“Hello Mother”

___

There is a point to adding Dan, it's not a completely random inclusion.

What do you think of Jack? Gentleman or should he have 'gone for it' with Em?