The Deal

22- Ready

After everyone had left, Neil left JJ in the sitting room whilst he cleaned the kitchen. He called out to her several times to ask if she wanted anything to eat when she finally answered with dessert. Once the final dish was washed, he dried his hands and took the food off the table.

"Hey cara?" Neil called when he walked into the room. He found her on the floor, wrapped in a blanket. With a smile, he put the tray of tiramisu beside her. She sat up, leaning against the sofa. "I'll be back with the drinks. And two spoons. Do you want anything else?"

"No it's okay. Get whatever you want to eat."

"Not even garlic bread?" She looked up with a smile. "Maybe just one I'm guessing? I'll put it in the toaster for a few minutes."

She gave him another smile before he walked away. A few minutes later, Neil came back, setting everything on the table beside them. JJ pulled the blanket aside and he set himself down on the cushions. Once the blanket was over their lap, Neil picked up the tray and placed it between them.

"I'm sorry," he heard her whisper before she put a spoonful in her mouth.

"Don't even think about apologising for being on your period."

"I'm still sorry. And plus I really wanted to have sex with you tonight. I meant it when I said I missed you." Neil laughed softly as he looked down at her. "And you're gonna say everything is okay and you don't mind."

"More or less. Listen to me, I don't think I've made this clear enough but I will tell you once again to get it through that thick skull of yours. I'm not in this relationship because of the sex. I mean don't get me wrong it's pretty darn good but I'll live for a week without it." He kissed her softly. "You however, you're gonna struggle."

"No fair." Gently, she placed her head on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead taking a hold of her hand. "Thank you for not being a guy about it."

"Am I meant to get offended? And plus, I grew up around three women and a bunch of my cousins are women. I know what to do and what not to do. And freak out and be grossed out is something not to do." He kissed the top of her head, wrinkling his nose at the feel of her baby hair at the entrance of his nose.

"I'm sorry. I told you, you should treasure this night."

He gently pulled on her hair to tilt her head up. When he was able to look into her tired eyes, he smiled. "I mean right now I've got the most beautiful woman in my arms, we've got some great ass dessert and we're going to watch some classics. Why shouldn't I treasure this night?"

JJ opened her mouth to say something but then shook her head. With a smile she tilt her head up to reach his lips. "You're the best."

"I am, aren't I? Now eat your garlic bread before it gets cold again."

"I mean it, Neil. You have treated me the best anyone has in a month of knowing you."

"Well you're the best..." He smiled down at her. His free hand softly rested on her cheek. "And you deserve the best."

"You're gonna make me cry, stop it."

"If it's happy tears then I don't mind." Neil dropped his hand before pulling her in for the kiss. "But seriously, don't cry." He watched her nod her head. Without looking away, he picked up the garlic bread and raised it to her lips. "I know you just like all carbs in general but would you say garlic bread is your favourite?"

"No I don't have a favourite. I mean it's in the top three." Her fingers grazed his as she took the bread off him.

"Okay. Are you going into work tomorrow?"