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Lisa looked out of the window of Carla’s flat. The freezing rain was coming down sideways, splashing across the empty cobbled street. She turned her head when she heard Carla return from the bathroom.
“I should go.” Lisa said, more out of obligation than desire.
“Now? In that weather? Oh, Lisa, come on. It’s freezing out there.” Carla said, temptingly wrapped in her fluffy dressing gown.
“I’ve got to get home.” Lisa sighed, crossing over to pick up her coat from the chair by the kitchen counter. “But tonight has been really lovely, Carla.” She said warmly, approaching her slowly.
Lisa looked back longingly at the sofa, at the evidence of their blissful festive evening. A fluffy blanket was strewn across it and the DVD menu of Love Actually played on a loop on the television. An open box of celebrations, which mostly contained empty sweet wrappers by this point in the evening, sat on the coffee table.
Carla desperately wanted this night to go on. They hadn’t planned to see each other tonight, but they struggled to be apart these days, through the excitement of a new relationship. Carla was going to watch a Christmas film alone, curled up on the sofa. Lisa had been in the area and decided to drop by, and Carla had tempted her with mulled wine and chocolates.
Carla walked over to Lisa, taking her hands. “But you’re cold.” She said, rubbing Lisa’s knuckles.
Lisa rolled her eyes. She knew exactly what Carla was doing. “What’s Betsy going to say if I don’t come home?”
“Book her a taxi. She can stay too.” Carla said as she tucked a piece of Lisa’s hair behind her ear. “There’s half a bottle of mulled wine left.” She mused.
“Maybe another glass wouldn’t hurt…” Lisa murmured, watching Carla’s face light up.
Carla’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she grinned, letting go of Lisa and decanting the rest of the mulled wine into a pan. She put it on a low heat and cut into an orange. “Put the fire on, would you?”
Lisa laughed. Carla knew how to tempt her with comfort and warmth. She lit the electric fireplace. “What’s Ryan going to say when he gets home?”
Carla scoffed. “He’ll just tell me off for eating his celebrations. If he comes home.” She said, stirring the wine and adding a cinnamon stick.
Lisa was intoxicated by the warming, festive smells. She settled into the sofa and wrapped the blanket around herself again. She was sure she wouldn’t be able to pull herself from this comfortable position.
Carla placed the two warm mugs of wine on the table. “I’ll hang up your coat.” She said, taking Lisa’s coat into the bedroom. If Lisa had really wanted to leave, she would have. They both knew this game by now.
The storm worsened outside, rain smacking against the glass. “At least I can say I tried.” Lisa chuckled, leaning against Carla as they curled up together, mugs in their laps. “I should have known I was staying. I always have such a warm welcome from you.” She pressed her lips against Carla’s temple.
“You’re lucky you dropped by. Look at that weather.” Carla said, gesturing to the window and moving in closer.
Lisa’s phone buzzed. She reached over and checked it. “Text from Bets. She’s suspicious.” She said, sending a quick one back to say she would see her in the morning.
Carla laughed, sipping her wine. She leaned in and kissed Lisa’s lips gently, slowly, warmly. “You’d freeze out there. And you’re so comfortable here with me.” She said suggestively.
“Yeah, I am comfortable.” She said. In that moment, Lisa couldn’t imagine anywhere better than lying on her girlfriend’s sofa, sipping mulled wine, and watching a DVD menu on repeat. “Go on, which terrible Christmas film are you going to subject me to next?”
“How do you feel about Die Hard?” Carla asked.
“It’s not a Christmas film.” Lisa responded, leaning over and placing her mug on the coffee table.
“If you don’t like it, you know where the door is.” Carla teased, getting up and skimming through her DVD shelf.
Lisa smirked, watching Carla for a moment. “Nah, I’ll stay. Bit nippy out there, isn’t it?” Lisa said.