Do You Wanna? (Ghost & Friends)

[Caresse]

Her first day at Cullens' Institute for the Gifted was spent unpacking. Esme Fenmore had basically transplanted her own room into the private living quarters she'd been assigned (for her own well-being and that of the other students...in other words, so she wouldn't involuntarily expose anyone to her "gift"). Her queen sized bed took up much of the room, along with a matching dresser and night-stand. A large entertainment stand and love seat took up most of the remaining space; if she had to call it anything, "cosy" sounded better than "cramped". At least she had her own washroom...

Dressed in a snug fitting black sweater, designer jeans and Ugg boots, Esme straightened the strap on her Louis Vuitton bag, a list of her classes in hand. Her second day would be spent exploring the campus...

[Ghost]

Chris had been sat with Carlos having lunch when he first spied the new arrival. Carlos claimed to have spotted her first and, as had become tradition between the pair of unorthodox ornithologists, they settled their dispute with a innocent game of paper, scissors, rock. Chris resented this because Carlos usually won but as the fates would have it, this time he was the victor. He gave Carlos his last sandwich and rushed inside.

In the foyer, Professor Rhee was talking to a boy called Stanley Church. Chris swung round them, his head bobbed frantically as he tried to catch a glimpse of the girl. He heard Professor Rhee clear his voice.

"Chris, what are you doing?" he asked.

"The new girl," he answered, still looking, "I was going to show her around."

"I'm afraid you've been beaten to the punch. Stanley here has already expressed an interest in escorting Miss Fenmore around the grounds."

"What?" Chris yelped, whipping around to face them. Professor Rhee was silent. "Sorry... what, sir?"

"Stanley will be giving her the tour tomorrow. Anything else?"

"But sir, he's..."

He was about to protest that Stan's interest in girls was unlike his and it wasn't fair that she'd spend the day talking to him about boys and fancy clothes rather than enjoying Chris's company. He stopped himself because he realised how infantile it would've sounded. He concluded weakly:

"He's a year younger than me."

"That's hardly a valid argument, Chris. On your way."

He skulked outside, scowling at Stan over the professor's shoulder as he did, and bitterly joined Carlos on the bench. After a talk with Coyote, Chris concluded all hope was not lost and the following morning, fortune shined upon him. He bumped into Professor Rhee in the hallway, the professor looked concerned and checked his watch. He grinned.

"Everything alright, professor?"

Sadly, it turned out Stanley Church hadn't turned up to give the new girl a guided tour of the institute. By freak incident, the batteries in his alarm clock had gone missing in the night and he was presently still curled up in bed. Being the good samaritan that he was, Chris kindly offered his services and moments later, there was a knock on her door.

[Caresse]

"Come in, I'll just be a second."

He entered, and was left to linger for a few moments in her darkened room. Esme stepped out of the washroom, after taking a few seconds to check that everything was in order. A slight frown passed over her glossed lips, green eyes blinking in confusion.

"Oh, you're not Stanley." She quickly replaced her frown with a coy smile, looking Chris over as he did the same. She held a hand out. "I'm Esme."

[Ghost]

"Hi. Chris," he said, his voice a little deeper than usual.

They shook hands. Her skin felt soft and warm, Chris returned her smile, fighting the urge to glance down. Play it cool, he told himself, Daddy Cool. He folded his arms and immediately wished he hadn't; it felt weird and uncomfortable, and he wondered if Esme thought it looked odd or if she thought it made him look like he had manboobs.

"No, Stan's a little indispersed so I'll be your tour guide," he said confidently, "Sorry I don't have a little hat..."

Inwardly, he cringed. His hands fell to his sides, he tucked them into his pockets then pulled them out; perhaps folded behind the back like Morpheus, he thought. No, that's ridiculous. He scratched his beard and caught the sweet scent of her moisturiser on his fingers.

"So, what part would you like to see first, Esme?"

He flinched, and quickly added, "Of the school."

[Caresse]

She giggled as he fidgeted, trying to find a place for his hands. She hadn't even thought of using her powers, but maybe it would make him a little less nervous. Or make things worse...She chewed on her lower lip, thinking. She had no idea of where they should go first.

"Um, well, what part do you want to show me?"

[Ghost]

"We-hell!" he said with a snicker that could only be described as promiscuous.

When he saw Esme shoot him a puzzled look he realised that his impromptu attempt at humour had fallen flat. His face sprung back into a perfectly serious expression with such sudden force that it might have been made of rubber. He cleared his throat and glanced casually around the room as he spoke, scratching the back of his ear with a finger much like a flea-ridden dog would with its foot.

"Well, there's the kitchen, the lunch hall, there's academic stuff, sporty stuff..." he trailed off and glanced at her, "What do you like?"

[Caresse]

She smiled, taking his hand in hers as he lead her out of her room. They started down the hall, hand in hand, the heads of every student, teacher, who-ever, turning as they passed. Esme gave him an embarassed look - so much for a tour of the campus; they'd been stopped for an introduction at least 10 times since they'd started walking.

"Sorry. I guess my powers are acting up again...Is there some place we can be alone? Maybe you could tell me a little bit about the school before we take the grand tour?"

[Ghost]

"Sorry. I guess my powers are acting up again...Is there some place we can be alone?

"Hoh yes!"

The breathless exclamation escaped his lips before he had time to think. All the way down the corridor, he felt his heart race and the air was suddenly so warm. He couldn't explain it but he liked it enough not to think to hard about it. His slip of the tongue was embarrassing enough to bring him to his senses and fortunately, Esme hadn't seemed to notice it.

"My room's free?" he suggested, wanting to be away from the leering stares as quickly as possible.

[Caresse]

"Okay." Her smile brightened even more, her arm wrapping loosely around his waist. The walk to his room was a quick one, Chris skillfully helping her to avoid anymore ogling from anyone except him...Luckily, she was more than used it.

Esme Fenmores' powers had developed at age 14. Releasing pheromones that altered the mood of those around her quickly became a way for her to entertain herself, and get whatever she wanted in the process. Of course, in the beginning, it had been weird. And naturally, none of the people at Cullens' had to know about her, more illegal hobbies. Not yet, anyway.

She rested her head on Chris' shoulder as they kept walking. "So, Chris...what's your power? I'm guessing it's being charming and adorable, am I right?"

[Ghost]

"Well... obviously!"

His confidence was overflowing, the natural side-effect of having an attractive girl drape herself over him for everyone to see. There was a slight swagger to his walk but he kept it in check so as not to bounce her head off his shoulder. Even her question failed to knock his cool, usually he was uncomfortable explaining the nature of his gift to people, but this was different. They stopped outside his room and he turned to face her with his back to the door.

"Now you see me..."

He faded from sight and moments later the door opened with him standing on the inside wearing a cocky grin.

"And now you see me again!"

[Caresse]

<i>"Hmmm, that might come in handy..."</i>

She kept that thought to herself, outwardly grinning back at him. Honestly? That was pretty interesting; she wondered what else he could do. Esme ran a finger down his chest, laughing.

"That's pretty cool. I bet you could have lots of fun with powers like that."

[Ghost]

"Well, I try."

When she touched his chest, Chris felt like he'd had an electric shock and wouldn't have been surprised if all his hair wasn't standing on end. He stepped aside, allowing her to enter, then closed the door. His roommate, an obsessive clean freak, often took the liberty of tidying the room, Chris's belongings included. He was suddenly grateful to be returning to an organised room with folded sheets and a fresh smell. Despite the condition of the room, he wasn't entirely sure how they had arrived there and he looked around, somewhat lost.

"Erm... so what's your mutation?"

[Caresse]

She looked around his room, which was surprizingly neat. Too neat - he must have a room-mate with OCD. Esme took a seat on the edge of his bed, looking up at him.

"Pheromones. Ones that can control peoples' moods. Well, alter more than control. It's not as neat as walking through walls and becoming invisible, but it works for me."

[Ghost]

"Niiice."

He followed her to the beds and sat on his roommate's bed across from her. They had been close before, touching, and now he found himself disturbed by the idea that he could allow himself to take advantage of a lonely new member of the student body. Nevertheless, his eyes still roamed over her but when he spoke, he made sure their eyes met. His expression was mischievious.

"So... can you change my mood? Nothing weepy, though!"

[Caresse]

She gave him a shy little smile. "I promise I won't make you cry."

When she used her powers, she could never really be sure if they were actually working...If it wasn't for the reactions of others, that is. She could tell it was working by the faint blush that was working it's way up Chris' neck. She'd tried to think of the nicest feeling she could send his way; or at least, the one she felt he would like the most...

[Ghost]

It started as a warmth at first. He squirmed uncomfortably then leaned forward so that his elbows rested on his knees. His hands rubbed his face, which looked flush and hot, he felt sweat on his brow. Behind his hands, he was smiling.

"Are you doing this?" he asked, his voice muffled.

[Caresse]

She couldn't help but giggle, her own cheeks flushing a light pink. Esme also couldn't help but lean over and plant a tiny kiss on his now sweaty brow.

"See? I told you, it's a silly power. But you look so adorable, all hot and bothered like that."

[Ghost]

"I do?"

He looked up from behind his hands with surprise. She smiled sweetly at him. He decided to stop acting like a dork and sat up, affording himself a brief glance down before clasping his hands on his lap.

"Well," he squeaked, and cleared his throat, "that's quite a talent. That you have, of course. Heh."

[Caresse]

"I suppose so, it's caused me a lil trouble with the boys every now and then." Her smile turned into a pout, just for a second. "Sometimes it just gets annoying, you know? Having all these guys fawning on me. I guess being single doesn't help any."

She shrugged, then patted the bed next to her. "What I really need is a big strong man, someone who really cares about me. Like that's ever going to happen, right? All the good guys are either taken or gay. I'm going to assume you've got a girlfriend here, right? Although...your room IS awfully clean...."

[Ghost]

When she patted the bed, he moved instinctively to occupy the spot where her hand had just been. He felt like he was floating. His eyes were fixed on her lips but despite their movement, he didn't quite hear what she had to say. The only thing he could mutter in response was:

"I'm not gay."

[Caresse]

"Then you have a girlfriend? Maybe we shouldn't be in here alone if you do, I wouldn't want you to get in trouble."

She smiled at him, cocking her head to the side. "Hello, Chris? Are you even listening?"

[Ghost]

"Listening? Yeah! No girlfriend."

His voice was soft and he sounded a little intoxicated. He looked up and tilted his head to the same angle as hers.

"I'm a good guy, you know."

He met her eyes and found himself leaning closer.

"Do you like good guys?"

[Caresse]

"Mmmhmm."

The thought that good guys' were almost too easy to manipulate came to mind; she was glad he didn't have psychic abilities on top of being "ghostly". She leaned even closer, putting a hand on his and letting her lips brush softly against his own.

"But, sometimes it's fun to be a little bad, don't you think?"

[Ghost]

It took all the self-control he could muster to utter a grunt of affirmation and then he fell victim to the taste of her velvet lips. His hand fell against her waist, his touch was tender but firm. Their lips pressed forcefully together and he gently bared down upon her until she was lying back on the bed. His hand ventured down to her hip then her thigh and he propped up her leg a little, allowing him to roll onto her without causing any discomfort. Chris was taken by a rabid lustful hunger and lost all sense of where he was, the only thing he was certain of was that he wanted to get her out of those clothes.

[Caresse]

Esme broke the kiss, placing a hand firmly on his wandering one. She wasn't sure if it was her powers, her looks, or that Chris was just the horniest guy in the entire world...He gave her a look, and she kissed him again.

"I'm sorry...I just can't do this. Being here, the whole mutant school thing. Now this; it's just really overwhelming. I'm sorry."

[Ghost]

"Oh."

There was plain confusion etched painfully into his face and he awkwardly backed off, slumping back onto his roommate's bed. For a moment he stared down at his feet, his hands clasped, and then as if snapping out of a moment of deep reflection, he stood.

"Nevermind. Listen... Esme... I'm sorry to have bothered you. I'll go... and get what's-his-name. See you."

As he spoke, he retreated to the door of his room and the moment he finished speaking the door was open and closed and he was gone.

[Caresse]

She was right behind him, and got the door slammed in her face as he left the room. An audible growl grew in her throat as she slammed the door behind her, jogging to catch up with him. When she finally did, she grabbed his shoulder, turning him to face her.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?" She pushed his back up against the wall, leaning her body against his. Esme smirked, kissing him softly, nibbling on his lower lip as she pulled away. "I didn't tell you to leave; I just think we should wait untill we know each other a little better before we...you know. I don't want you to think badly of me..."

[Ghost]

Chris wore the expression of a man who'd just been slapped across the face, he stared at Esme stunned and a little nervous. His cheeks flushed pink at having been man-handled by a girl in the middle of a busy corridor and for a moment he was lost for words.

"Well- you- the thing- what I mean is-"

All the while, he kept his hands firmly at his sides, afraid to touch her. He couldn't remember all of what she'd just said except that he found himself agreeing with her and he felt rather sheepish.

"I like you. I didn't mean to offend you."

[Caresse]

"You didn't."

One more sweet smile, another quick kiss on the lips. She slipped her arms around his neck, leaning up to purr into his ear.

"I like you too."

[Jacinda Blake]

All Jacinda knew was that she'd come out of her class only to have her gaze drawn to her friend Chris, practically running away from someone, and then he was suddenly slammed up against the wall by a girl she'd never seen before. She feared for his safety for a moment, and then she didn't know what to think as the new girl apparently had decided that ectoplasm must have the same leftover taste as mint-chocolate chip ice cream.

She was hardly one to berate the guy for a little smooch, but she couldn't help give him some grief as she walked by..

"Jeeez, Chris.. get a room."

[Ghost]

Never before had he known a girl like this and he found himself simultaneously intimidated and excited by the girl in his arms. He was still tense despite her reassurance that she liked him and Jacinda's sudden arrival was a welcome distraction. While Esme was draped over him, he smiled nervously at his friend.

"Jacinda! Hi! There's someone I'd like you to meet. This is Esme."

[Caresse]

Esme kept her arms loosely wrapped around Chris' neck, turning around to smile at his friend. She rested her head on his chest, giving Jacinda a little wave hello. "Nice to meet you, Jacinda."

[Jacinda Blake]

Arching a brow at Chris, as if to inquire about his 'spooky sex magnet' charm kicking in, Jacinda smiled at the girl as warmly as she could, consdiering the introduction. The girl, Esme, was draped across her buddy like icing on a cake..

"Likewise. Nice to meet you, Esme. Welcome to Cullen's." That was her cue to make a quick exit and go rat him out to Carlos and Tess.

"Have fun, Chris. See ya later.." She started walking away.

[Ghost]

"Wait!" he called out, "You have a free period now, right?"

Jacinda looked puzzled but while he was pinned against the wall, there was desperation in his eyes. He would've approached his friend but he feared incurring the wrath of Esme again.

"I have to go, you see," he said with uncertainty. Esme looked up and he met her gaze, he spoke softyly.

"I'm really sorry but I've got a lesson in five minutes and Professor Bertrand is coming down hard on me this semester, if I don't show up on time, he'll have my guts for garters!"

He cringed inwardly, not believing what he'd just said. He glanced up at Jacinda.

"Would you be able to continue Esme's tour of the grounds?"

[Jacinda Blake]

She got the impression that Chris had just lied through his teeth, and she had never seen him quite so eager to be gone, especially from a girl, a pretty girl at that.

Weird.. Fine, but he was going to owe her, big time.

"Sure, Chris.. We'll talk later, yeah...?"

Jacinda eyed up Esme again. "So, what have you seen so far?"

[Caresse]

"Hrmph."

She slinked off of him, turning her attention to Jacinda. "The only places I've seen have been my own room, and Chris'. But," she looked down at her watch. Getting shown around by Ms Goodie-goodie was not her idea of fun, so her own excuses had to be made. "I'm expecting an important phone call in my room. Maybe some other time, Jacinda?"

[Jacinda Blake]

Jacinda smiled so hard she thought she might shatter her teeth, all in an effort to keep her mouth shut and be polite to the new student.

"Sure. Sounds great. See you later, Esme."

What the hell was going on...?

Yeah sure, as one of the teachers aids, she should have tried a bit harder to show her around, but she got the feeling her company wasn't wanted, nearly as much as she didn't relish the thought of walking around with Esme.

She just.. ooozed snottiness.

Oh, of course..!

Chris oozed snot too, as he was so fond of telling her that's what his residual ectoplasm was. It must be a match made in heaven.

With a genuine smile, Jacinda walked off..

[Caresse]

Another hrmph, and with a flick of her long hair over her shoulder, Esme left Chris standing alone in the hall, walking in the opposite direction of Jacinda.

[Ghost]

Chris was suddenly alone and confused. The two girls parted ways and his head swung from left to right to watch each leave respectively. He bit into his lower lip and thought hard. Reaching a decision, he gave one of the girls a last fleeting glance then took off after the other at a sprint. He fell into step alongside her and dug his hands into his pockets. He grinned sheepishly.

"Hey you. So what did you think of her?"

"Who?"

"Esme."

[Jacinda Blake]

She stopped in the hall, turned to look back at the retreating girl in question and shrugged. "She's pretty..?"

Jacinda kept walking, but looked over at Chris concerned, and feeling stupid for it. "So umm, how long was it before she was in your room?"

Laughing she held up a hand..

"I know, I know... you have warned me that you are a sex magnet extraordinaire... I forgot.. I'm not saying she shouldn't like you, you are a cutie-pie, but.. first day?"

She furrowed her brow, clearly having her own thoughts on the matter..

[Ghost]

"I don't know how it happened to tell you the truth. One moment we were introducing ourselves then the next minute..."

He gave Esme one last look over his shoulder before she turned out of sight. His attention was fixed on the varnished floor as they walked and his hands were buried in his pockets. Guilt wormed into his consience. He had a lot to feel bad about; failing to give a new student a tour of the grounds, taking advantage of her when she felt vulnerable and alone, then abandoning her when things got difficult. A selfish waste-of-space, he thought, and glanced up at Jacinda.

"So... you think I'm a cutie-pie, eh?"

[Jacinda Blake]

Jacinda hid a grin. "Well.. duh. Who wouldn't?"

They walked on in silence for a while before she blurted out what was on her mind.

"The bigger question is.. What do you think of her? Enough to snog her in the hall, but not enough to commit to the tour of campus? And don't give me the Professor Bertrand story. He doesn't have class right now."

[Ghost]

"She's nice... I like her..." he said with uncertainty, then shrugged, "She is fit."

The truth was he didn't have a clue how he felt towards her apart from the fact that he'd definately give her one. He couldn't remember her second name, if she'd told him it, and knew next to nothing about her other than the fact she could alter people's moods. He cringed.

"Ah, I think I know what happened. I'm a stupid turd."

He leaned in closer to Jacinda and spoke before she had a chance to respond to his last statement. His voice was hushed.

"It's her mutation. Pheromones. She effects the moods of those around her. It was all a misunderstanding!" he concluded with relief.

[Jacinda Blake]

"Pheremones?!", she whispered, so that their conversation wouldn't be repeated throughout the campus in five minutes.

"Yeah.. well I can see that, but was she using them on herself too? Because it looked a good deal like you were trying to run away and she was trying to suck your lips off..."

Fit or not. Esme had known Chris five minutes, and whatever pheremones she'd accosted him with his greater reaction had been to bolt.. That seemed to say something, considering how pretty the girl had been, for a guy to want to run from, rather than toward her.

"You're sure she's nice?"

[Ghost]

"Yes, she's nice," he shot back indignantly, "I'm a pretty good judge of character, you know!"

They got a curious glance from Professor Beaumont as she passed and Jacinda nudged him with her elbow for raising his voice. The corridors were beginning to clear as the next lesson period was about to begin. He opened a door for her and they spilled out into the crisp morning air.

"I was only trying to get away because I did something stupid," he said reluctantly, then in response to her inquisitive stare, added, "And I'm not saying what. I was just mixed up in the head. She didn't mean to give me mixed signals..."

Across the quad was an outstretching portion of the building which housed the common room for older students. The warm sun threw sharp shadows about their feet. They reached another set of doors, again Chris held one open for Jacinda, and said:

"I'm going to make it up to her."

[Jacinda Blake]

Jacinda shot Chris a 'look' as she stepped through the door. "Yeah ok.. you do that.."

She crossed the room and plopped down on the couch, kicking off her shoes and pulling her feet up to sit cross-legged. Almost in something like a huff, she leaned back against the cushion and grumbled..

"Look, I'm sorry. I'm sure she's great, Chris. It's just....", she started ticking off reasons for her agitation.

"..I dunno, you aren't acting like yourself now. You were running from her, not the other way around so, it sure didn't seem like you were the problem. I just don't want some pheremone wielding... girl, messin' with your head."

[Ghost]

"She doesn't mess with people's heads!" he retorted.

Chris chose to stand, his hands retreated deep into his pockets and his face turned sour with indignation. He hunched like a berated teenager.

"And what's all this about me not acting like myself and running away? Are you trying to say I turn into a spineless twit everytime I see a bit of-" he checked himself, "-girl?"

Jacinda had started to protest but the expression on Chris's face changed, realisation dawned, he stood upright and folded his arms. The tone of his voice was coolly knowing.

"You think I'm stupid, don't you?"

[Jacinda Blake]

"No, Chris.." Jacinda gave a long sigh and flopped back against the couch closing her eyes. "I don't think you're stupid."

Chris in a...whatever state he was presently in, was just too much on her already frayed nerves. She just wanted to help him, but it seemed like she was just making it worse.

"All I'm saying is...." She was going to add 'how can you know that? You don't know her! You just met her! She could be having a grand giggle at your expense right now..' But the words never came. She didn't want to alienate her friend. If he had to figure this one out on his own so be it. She'd be there in the end, and not with an 'I told you so.' either. She wasn't like that.

"Never mind.. forget I said anything."

Figuring the conversation was over and not really wanting to fight with Chris, she opened her bag and took out an very thick text book and a stack of notebooks and started her nights assignments..

[Ghost]

For a moment he stood there, staring while she flicked through her notes, and fully expected her to say something; a sly dig, a witty last word, or perhaps even make some effort to win him over. Nothing came. His jaw clenched.

"Fine."

He turned and walked away, booting a chair so hard it was lifted into the air and bowled over a couple others with it. The crash attracted the attention of the rest of the common room but he didn't care. It wasn't that she disliked Esme or that she thought he was stupid; his friend had turned her back on him. Just like that, she'd given up without even a raised voice. Clearly, he wasn't worth fighting for but Carlos, he thought, he would've had Jacinda racing after him right now. Chris didn't. He left the common room without looking back and later that evening he knocked on Esme's door for the second time that day.

[Jacinda Blake]

Jacinda visibly flinched at the crash, horrified. Clearly she was not capable of winning this situation either way. She waited until Chris was gone and then shoved her books off her lap into a heap on the floor, and hung her head. Covering her face with her hands she just felt totally miserable..

[Caresse]

He left the common room without looking back and later that evening he knocked on Esme's door for the second time that day.

The door cracked open, just enough for him to see half her face. Esme frowned as she opened the door all the way - she had changed out of her clothes, wearing a light grey silk robe that left little to his imagination.

"Hi. Umm, what's up?"

[Ghost]

"Hi, Esme," he said quietly, the corridor was empty and raised voices carried easily, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry."

In the soft light of her room she looked more beautiful than he remembered. His eyes were fixed on her face and that frown. There was a silence between them, during which he looked rather sheepish, until his eyebrows raised and he opened his mouth:

"Oh, and that I'm a turd."

[Caresse]

"Oh."

She moved out of the doorway, gesturing for him to come inside. She smiled a bit - this was a surprize, him being here. The "turd" comment made her laugh a little.

"Why do you think you're a "turd"?"

[Ghost]

Chris entered the room and took in his surroundings with vague curiosity. His attention returned to Esme, she had closed the door and he suddenly felt nervous.

"Because I acted like one... you're new to the school, I promised you a tour, and I left you in the lurch."

He was scratching the back of his neck worse than a dog with fleas.

[Caresse]

"Things happen. It's fine. I'm the one who came on too strongly, I guess, well, I guess I'm used to dealing with a different kind of man. It won't happen again."

She sat down on the love-seat, putting her legs up beside her. "Umm, did you want to stay and watch some tv, or dvds? Or do you have somewhere else to be?"

[Ghost]

He wanted to stay, but:

"A different kind of man?"

[Caresse]

Esme smiled, stretching. "I mean, a man who isn't going to run away when things get a little...hot. Someone who'll take control when he wants something, instead of running off to his little wannabe-girlfriend for love advice."

[Ghost]

"When I last checked," he began coldly, "There was nothing hot about it. In fact, I'd say it turned rather frigid."

[Caresse]

"OH really?" Her expression turned sour as she got to her feet, standing toe to toe with him.

"So, I guess everything that happened in your room, that was an act? You and," she looked down, grinning. "Him deserve an Oscar. I don't believe for a second that you didn't enjoy it. I did, untill you ran off to Blondie. I'm allowed to be a little insulted, Chris. I thought you liked me, and then you tried to pawn me off...Most men don't do that, especially with me."

She traced a finger down the front of his shirt, stopping at his waist. "I'm sorry for being so nasty, is there any way I can make it up to you?"

[Ghost]

"I can think of a few things," he said, straight-faced, and after a quick glance to the side, added: "Lots of things."

A hand closed softly around her finger, it hung tentatively against his belt, and slowly he lowered it, running the tip over the fabric of his jeans. He stopped and suddenly lifted it away, holding it suspended in the air between them.

"But you want to wait until we know each other a little better. Right?"

[Caresse]

Esme let him hold her finger in the air, moving closer to him. "Would you think any less of me if I'd rather take you to bed instead?"

[Ghost]

He shrugged and said, "There's nothing wrong with having good taste."

[Caresse]

Her body pressed against his as she leaned up and kissed him, walking him backwards towards the bed. She broke the kiss, pushing him into a sitting position on the edge of the bed, straddling his hips. Her robe quickly found it's way to the floor, followed by every stitch of clothing he'd been wearing...