Over Night Invite

As dinner winds down, you notice how the conversation between David and Zara flows without effort. They've moved from financial regulations to childhood stories, their bodies gradually angling toward each other throughout the meal. David's hand has somehow migrated to rest just inches from Zara's on the table, and she hasn't seemed to mind when their fingers occasionally brush during animated discussions.

Clara catches your eye across the remnants of chocolate mousse, a conspiratorial smile playing at her lips. She tilts her head subtly toward the pair, raising an eyebrow in silent communication.

"Coffee, anyone?" you offer, standing to collect the dessert plates. "Or perhaps a digestif?"

"I'd love a coffee," Zara says, her voice warm with wine and good company. When David immediately volunteers to help, you catch his arm.

"I've got it, mate. You two keep talking."

In the kitchen, Clara joins you, sliding her arms around your waist as you measure coffee grounds. "They're hitting it off better than we expected," she murmurs, her breath warm against your neck.

"I was thinking," you say, turning to face her, "maybe you could stay over tonight? Give them some space to continue... whatever this is becoming."

Clara's eyes sparkle with mischief. "Why, Mr. Matthews, are you suggesting we abandon David to the clutches of my ambitious assistant?"

"For his own good," you confirm, pulling her closer. The emerald fabric of her dress feels cool beneath your palms as you rest them on her hips. "Besides, I've been wanting you all to myself since you walked through that door."

She leans in, her lips brushing against your ear. "I packed an overnight bag. It's in the car."

"Confident, weren't you?"

"Hopeful," she corrects, pressing a soft kiss to your jaw.

When you return with coffee, you find David showing Zara something on his phone, their heads bent close together, laughter flowing freely between them. They spring apart slightly as you set down the tray, but the electricity between them remains palpable.

"So," you announce casually, passing cups around, "Clara and I were thinking of heading out soon. She's staying over tonight."

David's eyebrows shoot up momentarily before he schools his expression. "Right. Of course."

"Unless you'd rather we stick around?" you add innocently.

"No, no," David says quickly—perhaps too quickly. "Don't let us keep you."

Zara takes a delicate sip of her coffee, her dark eyes watching the exchange with keen intelligence. "Clara mentioned you have quite the vinyl collection, David. I'd love to see it sometime."

"I... actually have it right here," David responds, gesturing toward his room. "If you're interested?"

"Very," Zara confirms, her smile slow and deliberate.

Ten minutes later, you and Clara are slipping out the door, overnight bag retrieved from her car. The last thing you see before closing the door is David carefully selecting a record while Zara examines the cover art, their shoulders touching as they lean in to read the liner notes.

"Mission accomplished," Clara murmurs as you guide her toward your bedroom, her fingers already working at your shirt buttons.

"The night's just beginning," you reply, closing your bedroom door behind you as Clara's emerald dress pools at her feet, revealing the matching lingerie beneath.

21:00 | Friday 15 August 2025 | Matt's Bedroom, Putney