A Happy New Year (2)

Elle was stiff with surprise for a moment before loosing herself to Adam. His lips were warm against hers, and softer than she could have ever imagined.

Adam's kisses were gentle at first but quickly turned into hurried and intense kisses that made her cling to him; the only solid thing in a dizzying world. The moment was so sudden and overwhelming that Elle could barely keep her head straight but her fingers managed to grip Adam's shoulders, pulling him closer as she kissed him back.

She felt a rush of helplessness, and a surge of warmth. In the back of her mind Elle wondered if Adam's heart was beating as fast as hers.

Then suddenly it was over.

Adam pulled back first, Elle thanked the darkness for hiding the expression on her face. She didn't know what kind of face she was making but she could only assume it was an embarrassing one.

They both took a step away, and to Elle's relief no one noticed the intimate moment that had just taken place.

Elle and Adam rejoined their friends and stood side by side as they watched the rest of the fireworks show. The entire time Elle's hand was encased in Adam's. She didn't dare look up at him, but she could feel his tenderness even through that simple touch.

After a few minutes the show ended and everyone made their way back inside. They hung around for a little while longer but as it neared one in the morning the party began to disperse.

Anna and Milly left first followed by a few of the guys. Abby was about to call a taxi to take her home as well.

"Do you want to share a cab?" Abby asked Elle.

"That's okay, we live in opposite directions I'll get my own." Elle politely declined.

She was about to go out to the hallway to do just that, but Adam intercepted her before she could.

"I'll drop you at home." He said. Elle was docilely went along with him.

In the chaos of everyone leaving no one seemed to notice Adam and Elle leaving the party together. A few minutes later they were making their way outside the club where Adam's assistant, David, was waiting in a car to drive them home.

David couldn't say he wasn't surprised to see Adam escorting Elle, but this time he was neither shocked nor amazed. Instead he finally received the answer to his unasked question. David finally understood why his boss had been in such a good mood the past few weeks.

Adam opened the back door and helped Elle in before going around the back of the car and getting into the seat next to her. It was the first time they had been in such an intimate atmosphere; in the club and when they went out for dinner they were in the presence of dozens of people and when he would take her home Adam would be focused on driving. Now it was just the two of them, no distractions and no interruptions.

Elle could feel Adam's eyes on her before he shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over her lap so that it covered her exposed legs like a blanket.

"Thank you." Elle said softly.

She hadn't thought she was cold before but she must have been since she could feel the warmth that lingered in Adam's jacket slowly spreading through her.

David looked straight ahead as he drove, Elle shyly looked down at her lap, and Adam rested his head against his hand and looked out the window; evidently content to ride back in silence.

When they finally arrived at her home, before Elle could move, Adam swiftly got out of the vehicle and rounded the car to Elle's side. He opened her door and extended his hand to her. Elle took it and gracefully got out of the car.

She returned Adam's jacket to him. "Thank you." She said as she handed it back. "And thank you for the ride home."

"Your welcome." Adam's voice was deep and sweet. Perhaps it was just because of the alcohol, but in that moment Elle fell in love with the rich tone of Adam's voice.

The young couple lingered in the driveway. Elle had a lot of things she wanted to ask, but she glanced back at the car and saw David waiting in the driver's seat and knew it wasn't the right time. Even if it was, she didn't want to ruin the mood of such a wonderful night.

"I should get inside." She eventually said. "Happy new year Adam."

Adam smiled. This was the first time she had addressed him so casually. He couldn't help but enjoy the sound of his name on her lips.

"Happy new year."