#disbounded

“Please leave.” She said gently, reaching again for her book. Thomas took it from the table and held it up, far out of her reach. Jamie’s face scrunched up in frustration. She stood, attempting to jump for it, only for Thomas to wrap an arm around her waist and pull her tightly against him.

“But it looks like a good read.” He said tauntingly, “Can’t I keep it?”

Jamie’s whole body became hot. Being so close to him both intimidated and excited her. But more than that, she just wanted her book back!

“Something wrong little lady?” Thomas’ teasing snapped her out of her stupor. [i]He’s not cute or scary.[/i] She thought to herself, [i]just annoying[/i].

“Fine.” She said, her frustration becoming confidence, and produced his wallet from behind her back. “How about a trade?”

Thomas stepped back abruptly, patting himself down and rummaging through his pockets. He looked back at her with a pained expression, then smiled, handing the book back to her. “I’m impressed. How did you manage to get that off of me?”

“You made it much to easy.” She chided, returning to him his wallet. His hands were rough but warm, and his smile was intoxicating. She could feel his charm start to melt her. [i]Pull it together Jamie.[/i]

“Did I now?” He laughed. “Tell you what, why don’t we have a little contest?”

“Contest?”

“Right, a pick pocketing contest.” Thomas gestured around them to the other members of the tavern, “Whoever collects the most by the end of the hour wins.”

“Alright,” Jamie confidently, “You’re on.”

Thomas moved around the room, carefully choosing his targets. He chatted up the girls, snatching their earrings and bracelets while they giggled. He bought the men drinks and took their wallets and watches while they chugged down a beer. While picking out his next victim, Jamie ran smack into him, sending them both to the ground.

“Ah! Oh, sorry!” Jamie quickly climbed to her feet, her hands twisting nervously behind her back. Thomas laughed, causing her to flush.

“That’s alright darling, it’s at the hour anyway. Time to show me what you’ve got?”

She nodded, smiling, “You first.”

“Well alright, but I think you’ll be-“ Thomas stopped, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, panic in his eyes. He turned them out, took off his vest and shook it, patted himself down, but came away with nothing. “What? Where is everything? I just had-“

Jamie giggled, and Thomas turned to see her placing all of his stolen loot on the table. Her fingers flicked up to his face and she closed his open mouth. “Don’t tell me you didn’t see this coming?”

Thomas stood shocked, her sudden confidence and fire making his heart flutter. He took her hand from his cheek and pulled her in close, a smile widening his face.

“You little vixen.” They laughed, their chests bouncing off of each other and their hands intertwined. “Well, you won fair and square. What would you like as a prize?”

Jamie shyly looked away, the fire in her eyes dissipating across her cheeks. “Dinner…would be nice.”