The sudden spring rain poured down on the couple as they dashed down the sidewalk and up to the apartment building. Laura giggled as she took Adrian’s hand and led him up the front steps to the safety of the awning. After pressing in the keycode, the door unlocked for them and Laura hauled him inside after her. “Come upstairs to dry off and I’ll make us coffee.”

He happily obeyed. Inside of her apartment was cozy, the walls covered in calm scenic paintings and a number of house plants littered throughout the living room and kitchen. Laura left briefly while he looked around and reappeared with a towel for him before she moved into the kitchen to start the coffee she had promised. Adrian applied the towel to his hair as he watched Laura move about the kitchen, getting out coffee cups and creamer and sugar. He found himself drawn towards her and when she turned around to ask him how he liked his coffee, they were face to face with one another. 

Adrian reached out and brushed the stray hair out of Laura’s face. His palm rested on her cheek and she brought up her own hand to hold him there. Adrian put his arm around her waist and pulled Laura close to him as she closed her eyes and tilted her lips towards him. 

He hesitated. 

After a moment Laura opened her eyes. “Kiss me.” 

“I want to,” he replied fervently. “It’s just-you know…the reader.”

Laura smiled sweetly at him. “Is this your first time?” 

Adrian’s face burned with mild embarrassment. Laura took his hand and led him over to the couch where they sat and she held his hands in her own. 

“It’s not my first novel,” he tried to explain. “I’m just generally more of an action and adventure kind of character. This is my first -uh, well my first romance. I’m not quite used to having my feelings on display like this.” 

“That’s fine.” Laura’s eyes were kind as she gently squeezed his hands. “It’s a bit weird at first, but try not to think about the reader too much. It’s really not that much different from your action novels.” 

“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I’m probably ruining this whole scene right now aren’t I? I bet the author is contemplating writing me out of the story. Maybe it would be better to have a regular romance character here instead of me, some dashing corporate guy or something.”

Laura shook her head and put her arms around him. “I doubt the author would replace you this far into the story. Besides that, I like you, and not just as a co-character. I really do think you’re a nice guy.” 

Adrian blushed again. Laura leaned in for a kiss, but he held up a hand to stop her. 

“Could we go somewhere the reader can’t see?” 

With a devious smile, she stood up and held out her hand. They went to the bedroom where she shut the door behind them.