The trouble with Debbie

chapter 10

That evening, keiron went back next door to collect his belongings and bring them to Debbie's house.

"So," he smiled, "I'm gonna cancel the rest of my air bnb. Are you sure you're ok with me being here? I've got property viewings lined up all this week and next so, I'll be out of your hair soon..."

Debbie put a hand gently on his arm, "It's perfectly fine. Stay here." there was a deafening silence filling the whole house and Debbie found it impossible to not look at him. He was looking at her too, right in her eyes. She eventually cleared her throat and moved her hand away, "I'm cooking lasagne," she smiled, "Are you hungry?"

"Of course," he grinned and licked his lips, "Can I help you with anything?"

"No, no," Debbie replied, "just make yourself comfortable. Actually, I'd love it if you could make me a drink. Something strong. Everything is over there." she pointed to a cute mini bar in the corner of the living room.

"Okay," Keiron rubbed his hands together, "You're about to be amazed." Debbie laughed and returned to the kitchen to finish the dinner.

15 minutes later, they sat down to eat. Keiron had spent ages shaking the cocktail shaker, pouring various liquids and adding several garnishes to glasses. The result was a very brightly coloured, tropical glass of sweet, strong alcohol. "Cheers." Debbie raised her glass to meet his.

They both took a sip and it was definitely as strong as it looked.

"So, you said you have viewings," Debbie began, "Any particular area?"

"Originally I planned for Streatham but, I like Dulwich. There's always been nice houses here but they rarely come on the market to buy. I found a few so, I'm definitely going to make an attempt."

"I do love living in Dulwich." Debbie nodded.

"How long have you lived here?" keiron asked.

"10 years this year." she replied as she took a forkful of lasagne.

"What?! Forgive me for asking, but, how could you afford to buy here so young? You're only, what? 30?"

"31," Debbie took another sip of drink, "Trust me, it wasn't me. This was my grandmother's house and she left it to me in her will. Mortgage paid. My mum said dad did ALOT to help me too. I Was just lucky. How about you? Being able to buy around here. You must be pretty lucky too."

"Yes, I guess I am a little bit lucky," he smiled, "Not quite mortgaged paid lucky but, I did quite well before and during texas. I sold a lot of the shares I had and it turned out to be quite generous. I've never bought a house before so, I'm looking forward to taking this step."

"I'm pleased for you Keiron," Debbie smiled kindly, "well done."

"Thanks." he looked down, a little shy.

"So, I'm guessing you're about 32" Debbie squinted.

Keiron laughed, "34." he replied, "35 in September. September 1st."

"Okay" Debbie grinned, "I'll remember that."

After dinner, keiron washed the pots and loaded the dishwasher. Then they both sat down to watch tv.

A few hours later, Debbie woke up to the tv shopping channel trying to sell her a steam mop. She turned it off and looked at keiron snoring with his head tilted back and his arms crossed. She laughed and nudged him until he jolted awake.

"Hi" she smiled as he opened his eyes, "wakey wakey."

"Hi." he smiled back, genuinely happy to see her.

"We should go upstairs, these sofas are a b***h to sleep on." she pulled his arm, encouraging him to get up.

He groaned wearily and they both trudged up the stairs. Once on the landing, Debbie turned to face him and say goodnight.

"Goodnight Debbie," Keiron looked at her like he wanted to say something else, "sweet dreams."

"Goodnight Keiron." Debbie smiled back. She reached out and touched his hand. They stood this way for several minutes until Debbie could stand it no longer. She took a step closer to keiron and looked up at his soft dark brown eyes.

"Deb..." he started. She stopped him with a soft kiss on his lips. The tiptoe to reach him was worth it. He hesitated at first but then she felt him kissing her back. He moved his hands to around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Eventually, coming up for air, Debbie broke it off.

"I'm sorry," Keiron apologised, "I didn't mean to..."

"Sleep in my room tonight." Debbie looked at him.

"Are you sure?" Keiron checked.

"I'm not asking for s*x," Debbie replied, "but, I definitely want to spend the night with you."

"Okay," Keiron smiled, "lead the way, Queen."