It all started with Freshers.....

Part Three - Night Two, The Pub

He murmured gently, "Close your eyes baby. Just relax."

I followed his advice and closed my eyes. I shook myself of the tension. With my eyes closed my sense of smell was heightened. His aftershave smelt amazing, a musky spicy scent I hadn't fully noticed or more likely appreciated until this moment.

Then his lips touched mine. It was gentle at first then suddenly it became urgent. His tongue ran over my bottom lip asking for entrance which I granted without hesitation. He tasted like vodka but I was sure I'd taste the same. His hands slid down to my ass as we kissed and he pulled me closer. I almost moaned. It was definitely the best kiss I'd ever had.

As suddenly as we'd begun it was over. We pulled apart for air then I opened my eyes a fraction. For a second I forgot I was still sat in the student bar. Then I remembered and I sighed. In a weird way I wanted to kiss him again. One look at him told me he felt the same way. I guessed it was because we were friends and I knew he was kind of off limits. It's always the things we can't have that seem most appealing.

"That was hot!" Rebecca slurred as she accepted another vodka cranberry from Dylan.

Dylan passed me another West Coast Cooler and Stephen another pint. Laura was still painfully sober. I hated that about her. Live a little and drink. She of all people needed to loosen up a little so the drink would have done her no harm.

Laura screwed up her nose and said nothing.

I had my drink in me quickly then hurried off to pee. I mean it once you broke the seal you were buggered. The toilet was literally your best friend after that.

When I came out of the ladies toilet, Stephen was coming out of the men's room.

"About that kiss..." He began.

"It was pretty good," I interrupted without thinking.

"I thought the same."

We were interrupted by Dylan. "Guys, fancy a smoke?"

"Naw I'm good," I said. Not drunk enough, I thought to myself.

I headed to the bar and ordered a shot and downed it. It gave me a nice buzz. So much so that I actually joined in the drinking game they were playing. I usually avoided then as I wasn't the greatest at holding my drink but tonight I felt invincible.

I was passed a pint glass of West Coast Cooler because it was my favourite. Basically the aim of the game whose name always escaped me was to have the drink downed by the time the song was finished.

Everyone started singing. "Oh, we like to drink with Ciara cause Ciara is our mate. When we drink with Ciara she down's it down in eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

I was almost there but a dribble remained in the bottom so I was forced into a dirty pint which needed to be downed quickly. Vicious cycle. I'd end up really, really drunk.

After that I went outside for a bit of air. I stood in the smoking area with Dylan whilst he had his next "social cigarette" as he called them. He pretended not to be a smoker despite being a pretty heavy smoker. He tried to pretend he only smoked when he went out. I was probably one of the few who knew the truth.

"Here, have one..." He said offering me the pack.

"Na," I slurred. "Just give us a puff of yours..."

I reached out for his cigarette and drew one long deep drag from it. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply before releasing slowly. That was something that came from practice even though I didn't really like smoking. Dylan had already lit another so instead of putting the half cigarette out I decided to enjoy what was left of the one he'd given me. Inhale, exhale. There was almost a relief about it as I held the cigarette between my fingers. Relax the wrist. Breathe. Inhale. A proper pattern. It definitely stopped me from being fidgety. I finished the cigarette and stubbed it out, flicking the butt into the ashtray. 

He finished his cigarette and went back inside out of the cold. I stood there for a long minute and with bleary, sleepy, heavy eyes watched as people smoked cigarettes and talked, laughed and made out with one another. I rested my head in my hand and leant heavily on the metal railing. Okay, maybe I was a little drunk.

"Alright?" Stephen asked placing his hand on my back.

I nodded. I looked up at him and thought you're actually really good looking. For a second I couldn't help but stare at his long eyelashes and kind brown eyes. He was even a little muscular around the arms. Not quite strong enough to lift me I'd reckon but I didn't doubt he wouldn't try. For a second I wanted him to try and pick me up. In that fleeting second I wanted to kiss him again. I wanted to feeling that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Maybe that was just the drink talking.... But it was so hard to resist. I can resist everything but temptation.

I pushed myself up off the railing and looked up into his eyes. He reached out to steady me. His hands were warm on my sides. He moved in closer and I leant a little on the railing unable to get my balance right in my stupid shoes. His eyes were narrow from drinking but his gaze was intense as he stared into my eyes.

Then he kissed me again, long and lingering. His hands tightened on my waist and he backed me up tight against the railing. He deepened the kiss. He tasted like vodka and beer but the taste of something sweet was just about detectable. One of his hands made its way up into my hair, tangling itself in the mass of curls. I tightened my hold around his neck, just enjoying being with him. I liked this more take charge side of Stephen. He was definitely a good kisser.

I broke the kiss for a second and his lips just made their way down my neck. I sighed into the night air and with sudden recollection he realised where we were. In the open air of the smoking area. He stepped back and I felt the cold, sharp night air biting at my bare legs and arms.

"Cmon, we'll go back to the hotel, get you warmed up." His drunken gaze fixed on me and he smiled at me, flashing me his player smile.

We made it back to the hotel giggling. I fell onto the bed. He kissed me again and I kissed him back, hard. Between kisses we whispered and talked in the dark. Then I felt the warmth of his hand through my dress as he started to cup my breast. With careless abandon I kissed him back hard. A shot of adrenaline coursed through me and I pulled him impossibly closer. A niggling feeling in the back of my mind told me to stop before we got too carried away but somehow I knew we were already too far gone for that.