The New Year brought a fresh fall of snow. Mike returned to work and attempted to restore a degree of normality to his life. His desires had been realised rather more quickly than he had imagined and now he had the prospect of further escapades. To say he was consumed with guilt would be an exaggeration, but he certainly did feel a certain amount of self reproach for leading his niece in the way he had. He hadn't exactly seduced her, but somehow taken advantage of her good will and her naivety. He stopped short of guilt, simply because she was his step niece and was at least gaining experience with someone who loved her rather than a stranger who might hurt her. It was with such crumbs of comfort that he was able to sleep, since he knew how much he was betraying his sister.
He arranged his next meeting by email and Nathalie agreed to come round to see him after college on the Wednesday. Another visit to Uncle Mike's would not have raised suspicion, but might seem odd, so she told her Mum she was going to a friend's house. She arrived around five thirty, so Mike left work earlier, so he could be in when she arrived. It was still well below zero and she turned up in her grey, fur-hooded coat, which Mike loved to see her in.
'Hi cutie!'
'Hi Mike, it's freezing!'
'I know, it's going to be frosty. Do you want a coffee to warm you up?'
'Yes please.'
Nathalie unfastened the toggles on her coat and put her arms out inviting an embrace. Mike put his arms round her and squeezed her tightly. He looked at her sparkly eyes and kissed her cute nose. She wrinkled her nose and smiled broadly. Mike thought how beautifully cute she looked and without thinking gave her a kiss full on the lips.
'Ah why did you do that?'
'You're just so kissable Nat. Is it OK?'
'Yes, I guess. Just seems odd kissing you.'
'I didn't think about it. Can I do it again?'
'In a bit, when I've settled in. I want my coffee!'
'OK babe, go and sit down, I'll sort it.'
Mike joined her in his sitting room. It was warm and cosy and Nathalie had made herself comfortable among the cushions. She took a few sips of her coffee and warmed her hands round the mug.
'A good day at college?'
'Average.'
'How is Hayley?'
'Yes, good thanks.'
'Good. Have you been OK with everything Nat, no regrets?'
'Yes, it's fine Mike. I enjoyed it last time. What would you like to do today?'
'Well, I thought maybe we could shower together and then go in my bedroom.'
'Shower, wow! OK, it sounds like fun.'