Chapter 81: Defining the Terms

"Oh no, no. Fannie's place is a wonderland for Thomas. He has a playroom there and Fannie keeps him well entertained. He prefers to stay with her than being here at home. I'll go get him when he's all worn out."

"That's sweet of Fannie."

"She doesn't have any children. She regards Thomas as her grandson and all the love goes to him," she said. "Oh, so much love," she said in a deep voice, raising her head up.

He laughed.

She relished his company and had no desire to part ways yet.

"Would you like to join me for a nightcap?" she inquired.

He gazed at her, a question in his eyes.

"What? Friends can share a nightcap," she quipped, quoting his earlier words as she opened the door.

He snickered and followed her inside.

Entering her living room, he found it to be tidy and well-kept. Everything was neatly in place, not a single item out of order.

He settled in comfortably, taking in his surroundings. He was pleased to have been invited inside. That crack in the wall he had noticed earlier seemed to be expanding.

She returned a short while later with two mugs of hot beverages.

They engaged in conversation, and Adrian made an effort to maintain his composure. He found himself alone with her once more, and the temptation to touch, kiss, and hold her close was almost overwhelming.

But he hesitated, fearing that such actions might push her away.

He wrapped up their conversation and rose to his feet, noticing a trace of disappointment in her expression as she placed her mug down.

Her movements slowed, a tinge of sadness evident as he prepared to leave. She longed for him to stay, but she couldn't bring herself to ask; she felt it wasn't her place.

"Tonight was fun," she remarked.

"I told you it would be. I'm glad you changed your mind," he replied.

"Yeah…me too."

"We should plan another outing soon," he suggested.

"Definitely. Another restaurant?" she proposed.

"How about a helicopter ride above the city?"

Her eyes opened wide in amazement, like a child being promised all the candy in the world.

"A helicopter ride?"

"Indeed, just you and me…and the pilot, of course," he added.

"Yes, oh yes, please. I would absolutely love that. It's the kind of thing friends do, right?" she asked.

"Absolutely. Friends do it all the time," he assured her with a smile.

"I'll get in touch with you with all the details. I could even arrange for a car to pick you up, if you don't mind."

"That would be nice," she agreed.

"Okay, I'll call you as soon as I get home, and tomorrow, and the day after that," he pledged.

His words elicited a giggle from her.

"I'd like that."

"Great."

They both took measured steps toward the door, the mounting tension and palpable chemistry between them difficult to ignore.

Remaining acutely aware of each other was not part of the rules they had established for their friendship.

When she reached the door and placed her hand on the knob, she felt his breath against her skin, and she froze. He was standing remarkably close behind her, his fingers clenched into a fist to prevent himself from embracing her from behind.

"Adrian…" she said, turning back to look at him.

He looked at her eyes, they were half closed with desire bursting out of them. Her lips were parted from calling his name and he couldn't resist her.

His mouth crushed on hers, and he grabbed her and pinned her against the door. He groaned out his relief as he kissed her. He had wanted to feel her gasping breath and the sweet taste of her mouth all evening.

The kiss was deep and intimate, their tongues fusing, eager for a taste of each other. Like it was a first kiss. Her arms on his shoulders, around his neck and his arms around her waist pulling her closer to himself; almost lifting her off the floor.

She clung on to him like he was the essential air she needed to breathe.

They kissed the tension of the night away, giving in to how they truly felt.

He broke the kiss when his thoughts shifted, and he realized what he had done. He hoped he had not driven her further away. But she had kissed him back.

He placed his forehead on hers and their breaths mingled, their chests rising and falling.

"What?" he said. "Friends kiss each other."

"They sure do," she said, agreeing with him and trying to calm herself down.

"I'm glad you feel that way," he said against her mouth, kissing her again.

"I do," she said in between kisses.

"We can be together like the other night," he said, optimistic about her understanding. He needed her too much.

She pushed him slightly away to look at him. He panicked, hoping he hadn't taken it too far.

"Friends do that, friends with benefits," he explained.

"But without feelings?" she asked, requiring confirmation.

He swallowed and looked away from her.

"Without feelings," he affirmed, denying the inevitable.

"Can I think about it?" she asked.

"Sure."

"What was it you wanted to say when you called me?" he inquired.

"I wanted to express my gratitude for your friendship," she replied in a hushed tone.

His response was a smile, followed by a gentle kiss on her forehead. He leaned on her for a moment and reached for the doorknob behind her.

"Goodnight, friend," he said as he made his way out.

"Goodnight, friend," she echoed after him.