"this was fun," james grins. his arms are around you, the two of you walking through a park and back to your house. you'd known james for a while— having met while he was married. after his wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed away, he'd found comfort in your presence.

a couple years after his late wife, mary, passed james had gotten the courage to ask you on a date. dinner and drinks; simple, casual, and fun. he tried not to overthink it; his palms clammy when he knocked on your door, and a nervous stutter when he had first greeted you.

things had gone well, though. you two maybe had a few too many to drink— but neither of you minded. you two had stopped in the park, when james had slid his arms around your middle.

you expected him to kiss you, or maybe even make a move, but neither of those things happened. he pressed a kiss to your brow, lips lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "we'll do this again?" he asked softly, tilting his head down to see your reaction.

he had wanted to kiss you. he'd been eyeing glances at your lips ever since he felt the buzz of alcohol in his system. you were so pretty, so funny, so sweet— how could he not want to kiss you?