Michael went to her, putting his arms around her. Paula let him, resting her head on his shoulder.
“You don’t need to apologise for anything. I was happy to let you stay. I wouldn’t change my answer even if I knew you had someone following you.”
“You’re very sweet for lying.”
“I’m not lying. I mean it.” Michael put his fingers under her chin and urged her to look up at him. “I’d do it again.”
He kissed her softly, feeling Paula kiss him back. She pulled back first, leaning back on her shoulder again.
“I should be going home. I can’t hide away like a coward, and Sam has been dealt with.”
“You’re not a coward. You’re doing self-preservation. Besides,” Michael smiled. “I’m not about to object to you staying.”
“Are you sure?”
“My home is open to you for however long you need it. Also, with Natalie gone, we’ll have the place to ourselves.”
Paula straightened up.
“You…you still want me?”
Michael cupped her cheek in his hand.
“Paula, this isn’t a one-off thing. When I said I had something for you, I meant it. It’s not going to go away now I’ve had you in my bed.”
“I thought…”
“You thought I wouldn’t want you after that?” Michael shook his head and laughed. “You’ve really been out of the dating game if you think that.”
Paula blushed. She licked her lips, and Michael had to fight back the urge to follow the line of her tongue with his own. This shyness was endearing. He liked it.
“So, what does that make us?” Paula asked. “Are we lovers? Friends with benefits? What?”
“Well, I was hoping it would be something a bit more official than that. But I’ll go at whatever pace you want.” Michael shrugged. “After all, you and I ended up in bed before we went on a date. We did things a bit backwards.”
“I suppose.”
“You don’t sound so sure.”
“I’m just wondering when I’m going to wake up and find out this is a dream.”
Michael kissed her.
“Trust me, this isn’t a dream.”
He felt Paula smile against his lips as he kept kissing her, pulling her against his chest. Then he heard Natalie groan.
“Oh, God, get a room, Dad!”
Paula pulled away and kept her face averted, but Michael could see the glimpse of a smile. He looked up at his daughter, who was standing at the top of the stairs.
“Your mum’s on the way to get you, Nat. Do you want to get your things ready?”
“I thought I was staying until seven.” Natalie gave him a knowing look. “Or do you want me to scram so you can have the place to yourselves?”
“Natalie…”
“Okay, fine. But you owe me takeout next time I come over.”