Page 62 of The Love Letter

‘The sex?’

‘No, the ciggie.’ Joanna stubbed hers out in an ashtray.

‘You old romantic, you. Come here.’ Marcus reached for her again and kissed her. ‘You know, ever since that first lunch I’ve thought about you constantly. I mean, could we put this on a more permanent basis?’

‘Are you asking me out?’ she teased him.

‘I suppose I am, though after the past hour, I’m quite happy to stay in as much as possible.’

‘Oh Marcus, I don’t know,’ Joanna sighed. ‘I told you before I had a long-term relationship with an awful ending. I’m still very vulnerable. Besides, your reputation goes before you, and—’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Come off it. Everyone I know in London has told me what a player you’ve been.’

‘Okay, okay, I admit I’ve been out with a few women, but I swear I’ve never felt like this before.’ Marcus stroked her hair. ‘I promise I’d never do anything to hurt you. Please give me a chance, Jo. We can take it as slowly as you like.’

‘Marcus, that was not very slow.’

‘Why are you so flippant every time I try and talk to you seriously?’

‘Because –’ Joanna rubbed her eyes, weary now – ‘I’m really scared.’

‘All I want is to be a part of your life. Give me a chance and I swear I won’t let you down.’

‘Okay, I’ll think about it.’ Joanna yawned. ‘I’m exhausted.’

‘You can stay tonight, seeing as you haven’t a bed of your own to go to.’ He smiled at her.

‘I’ve been perfectly okay on the floor for the past few days.’

‘Joanna, don’t be so defensive. I was joking. There is nothing I would like more than to wake up next to you in the morning.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes, really.’

‘Okay. Thanks.’

He stood and offered her his hand to pull her to standing. He led her out of the sitting room and into the bedroom, then threw back the duvet.

‘Ahh, a bed. Heaven.’ Joanna climbed in and snuggled down contentedly as Marcus slid in beside her and turned off the light.

‘Jo?’

‘Yes?’

‘Do we really have to go to sleep straight away?’

The following morning, Joanna was awoken by Marcus nuzzling her neck. Still half asleep, she came to as Marcus gently caressed her, then slowly made love to her again.

‘Oh my God! Look at the time. It’s twenty past nine! I’m going to be horrifically late!’ Joanna sprang from the bed, and ran into the sitting room to search for her clothes. Marcus followed her.

‘Don’t go, Jo. Stay here with me. We could spend the day in bed.’

‘I wish. I’m holding on to my job by a whisker as it is,’ she said as she hopped around the room trying to put her tights on.

‘Come back tonight, then?’