Through the Glass by Lisa J. Hobman Page A

fingers through his hair, she shook her head. “No, Jim, please don’t be sorry…I-I think I had to just check…”
    “Check what?” He looked confused.
    “That I wasn’t dreaming.” She smiled and tiptoed to meet his lips with hers once again. She felt him smile against her and she parted her lips to invite him in. His tongue danced with hers, and he scooped her up into his arms so that her feet were dangling just over his shoes. She gave a little squeal of delight as he spun her around. Wow…literally swept off my feet, she thought gleefully as he swayed her to the music.
    At the end of the night, Felicity was aglow with the events of the evening. Jim had been by her side all night and they had kissed several more times. Jim offered to walk her back to her room and she accepted. They chatted comfortably as they walked.
    Jim tentatively took her hand and laced his fingers with hers as they made their way across campus. “So did you enjoy the craic then, Flick?” He smiled remembering her reaction to this phrase when they had first met.
    “Yes, the craic’s been great.” She smiled up at him, mimicking his accent and blushing as she did. He laughed at her attempts and squeezed her hand. They walked in silence for a few moments.
    He suddenly stopped and pulled her to him. “Can I ask you something?”
    “Yes, Jim, you can.” She felt shy again and her gaze darted around, anywhere but to meet his. He held her chin gently between his thumb and finger and smiled down at her.
    “Do I make you nervous?” he asked, frowning a little but still holding a half smile.
    “Is that the question you wanted to ask? I…thought it would be something different.” She tilted her face to one side, finally meeting his inquisitive gaze.
    He laughed. “Oh…no…no. Sorry, that wasn’t the question. That was a pre-amble.”
    Felicity liked his laugh. It seemed to come from somewhere in his boots and vibrated through his body. She pursed her lips before answering, “Well, I am a little nervous but not because of anything bad. I’m just…a little bit shy.” She dared to hold his gaze and her breath caught. Even under the street lighting she could see he had the most amazing brown eyes, like melted caramel.
    “Don’t be nervous. I don’t bite… Well, not on weekdays.” He winked.
    “So what did you actually want to ask?” she whispered, hoping she knew the answer.
    “I wanted to ask if I could see you again?” He lowered his face until their noses were touching, and her heart relentlessly pounded at her ribcage.
    “I was hoping that’s what you were going to ask.” She breathed. Her mouth met his for another mind-blowing kiss. When they broke apart, he held out his hand and she weaved her fingers in his once again.
    “Shall I take that as a yes then?” He grinned.
    “You shall.” She hoped her smile said it all.
    Just like a perfect gentleman he walked her right to her door and made sure she got inside. She hesitated and took a deep breath. “Do you want to come and look my latest sketch?” The words rushed out of her body as if desperate to escape.
    “Hmmm, so you’re inviting me in to see your etchings, eh?” He sounded like Sean Connery and it made her giggle.
    “Hardly. It’s just the one sketch and it’s a bit rubbish really. I just—”
    He placed his fingers on her lips. “I was teasing, Flick. And yes, please, I would love to. Just to see the sketch and then I’ll go.” He stepped inside and walked over to her easel. “Oh yes, I see what you mean. It’s totally rubbish.” He teased again.
    She hit him playfully on the arm. “Thank you but you could have been nicer.”
    “Flick, this is beautiful. The attention to detail is…amazing. I can’t believe you did it from memory.”
     “Thank you. Like I said, it’s just what I see through the glass…nothing fancy.” She smiled, pleased with his compliment. “I’m glad you like it though.”
    He walked back to the door, pulled her