Chapter Text
On a particularly snowy December night, Bridget and Mark had headed to Magda and Jeremy’s for a Christmas party. Being up the street from Mark’s Holland Park home, they decided to enjoy the winter wonderland and walk to the party instead of drive. After a few hours of small talk, appetizers and two or three (or four or five) cocktails, they decided to call it a night and head back to Mark’s for the evening.
They hadn’t noticed how late it was when they walked through the door, and they also hadn’t drank enough to ignore the frigid temperatures outside. “Bugger, it’s cold out,” Bridget said, blowing into her gloved hands and stamping her feet in Mark’s foyer. Mark unraveled his scarf from his neck and took his own jacket off before helping Bridget out of hers. Emboldened by the red wine that he had drank at the party, he took the liberty of pulling the neckline of her shirt aside to place a few tantalizing kisses along her shoulder.
Bridget turned around with mock indignation. “Now, now, Mark Darcy. You don’t get to open presents before Christmas. You know that,” she said with a narrow-eyed smile. Mark gave her one of his infamous smirks, the dimple in his cheek deepening. “Besides,” Bridget continued with a yawn, “I’m absolutely knackered. The holidays just completely take it out of me.”
Mark gave her a kiss on the forehead and said, “Why don’t you head upstairs and get ready for bed? I’ll make us some hot chocolate to warm up, and then we can call it a night.”
Bridget smiled up at him, wrapping her arms around herself as she leaned up on her tiptoes to kiss him on the lips. “You’re a wonderful man, Mark Darcy. Don’t forget my extra marshmallows.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Now get going,” Mark replied, giving her a playful pinch on her bottom. She let out a squeal, looking over her shoulder at him as she climbed the stairs. He afforded himself the luxury of watching the sway of her hips as she ascended the staircase before heading into the kitchen to make their hot chocolate.
With the two mugs on a tray (and a bowl of extra marshmallows specifically for Bridget), Mark made his way up to the master bedroom. He pushed the door open with his hip, not wanting to spill the drinks, and backed his way into the bedroom. Bridget was already lying in his king-sized bed, right smack in the middle of it with the heavy duvet pulled all the way up to her chin.
“Hurry up and get in here. It’s freezing in this gigantic bed, all by myself,” she said, a shiver running through her body.
“Give me a second to get out of these clothes,” Mark said, gesturing to the grey slacks, button-down, and jumper he was wearing. “In the meantime, here’s your hot chocolate.”
Once Mark had changed into a pair of plaid pajama bottoms and a t-shirt, he grabbed his own mug of hot chocolate, placed it on the nightstand, and slid in between the blankets. He caught a glimpse of Bridget’s creamy thigh against the burgundy of his sheets, and a much different shiver ran through him. “Are you naked?” he asked, tilting his chin down to look at her through his eyelashes.
“Only from the waist down,” Bridget responded, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. “You know I hate pajamas, but it’s too bloody cold to wear nothing. I hope you don’t mind that I stole one of your Cambridge sweatshirts. It was the only one I could find.”
Mark didn’t comment on how attractive he found it that she had chosen that particular sweatshirt, so he busied himself with his hot chocolate as he settled amongst the pillows. Bridget had gulped hers down and placed the empty mug on the nightstand. She was now enjoying the extra marshmallows that Mark had brought up with gusto. “Mmm, can’t thank you enough for these. You know I’m a sucker for them,” she said, popping one in her mouth.
Unable to help himself, Mark smiled and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. “You’re welcome, darling,” he said huskily. “Why don’t we turn in for the night? All of that small talk and those mini quiches really did me in.”
Bridget nodded, her eyes drowsy. “Brilliant idea,” she said, snuggling down under the covers. “Big or little spoon?” she asked, glancing at him.
Mark weighed his options and considered the attraction that was pulling him towards snogging Bridget senseless. Mustn’t give in to temptation. He cleared his throat as he placed his own mug on his nightstand. “Why don’t you be big spoon tonight?” he said. It wasn’t worth risking having his member pressed up against the smooth backside of Bridget if he wasn’t going to act on it.
Bridget smiled and said, “Big spoon it is.” Mark clicked the bedside lamp off and settled himself under the covers. He felt Bridget press up against his back, her body significantly smaller than his, but somehow managing to make him feel incredibly safe. Her arm snaked around his waist and pulled him in closer to her. The leg of his pajamas pants had crept up towards his knees, and he could feel Bridget’s cold feet against the back of his calves. He felt her breath between his shoulder blades, where she placed a gentle kiss.
Mark slid his hand down Bridget’s arm, and settled it on top of her hand that rested on his stomach. He let out a contented sigh and smiled. “Good night, my darling Bridget,” he whispered.
Bridget snuggled her face into his back, cuddling up against him like a housecat. “Good night, perfect boyfriend,” she responded drowsily.
She placed on more kiss between his shoulder blades before they both fell soundly asleep.