Chapter Text
She stood there half-hidden at the end of the empty hallway going over what she wanted to say. Hearing the echo of the familiar footsteps coming down the stairs she willed herself to take a deep breath. A last ditch attempt at settling those blasted butterflies in her stomach. To her right the Emergency Exit door would be an easy out only for another couple seconds.
Dwalin's face broke into a small smile when he spotted her. Meeting his blue gray gaze made her stop her fidgeting. She mouthed an awkward 'hi' along with a short wave as he moved towards her. With his long strides he was standing in front of her in no time. He stood surprisingly closer than was strictly necessary for what she'd pictured to be a casual conversaton.
"Hey you," he said in that hauntingly smooth baritone voice of his and most of the air left her lungs in something between a schoolgirl sigh and a giggle.
Damn.
Thoughts about that night after the corporate party came rushing back. Those few weeks seemed like such a long time ago. She'd decided it was for the best after certain things from her past came to a head. He'd agreed, reluctantly. Yet, here they were. She looked up at him over the the rim of her glasses with a small smile. He licked his lips and, when her eyes followed the movement he smirked.
"Hmmm, interesting place for a chat Miss Smart."
"Ah well- I didn't, you know... I just wanted to thank--"
In one swift movement his warm hand brushed aside her curls, settling behind her neck and he swooped down to meet her lips with his. He wasted no time, that night always on his mind. She gave no resistance parting her lips eagerly. They kissed until it was clear they needed to come up for air or else.
"Yes..." she said breathlessly eyes still closed.
"What?" He managed looking at her curiously.
She hummed dreamily until her mind caught up, eyes wide.
"What--?" She echoed trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her cheeks.
"It's settled," he answered with a cheeky grin. "We'll figure something out," he reassured her before pulling her into another heated kiss.