He was dead-pan with his words, but there was enough there to make everyone else suspicious.
Keren spotted Jake’s eyes go dark as she scanned every face. He wasn’t smiling or even looking amused – or bemused.
“I’m going to head off.” Jake stood up. “I’m expecting a couple of lambs overnight so I’m not going to get much sleep as it is. Lock your doors, Keren. Make sure that dick keeps you safe and if he doesn’t, phone me.”
“You seriously think I’d let some moron in here?”
It was like someone had just announced all the drinks everyone had that night were poisoned.
“I’m going home.” Jake turned and walked out of the room and through the door to the narrow corridor. Keren heard the front door slam shut.
“Does someone want to fill me in on what’s just happened?” Patsy looked at Keren.
“Honestly? I have no idea.” And she didn’t. She really didn’t have a clue, and she didn’t think she wanted one either.
Keren woke about four am, not sure why as the pain relief she’d taken before bed seemed to have helped her sleep. Her bed was warmer than usual, and for a moment she was puzzled. Although it had been years since any man had shared her bed on a regular basis, she still slept on one side. The usually cold side was warm and she was lying more towards the middle.
And she didn’t have a pyjama top on, just knickers.
Scott.
She sat up, a little too suddenly. He’d stayed. They’d gone to bed and somehow she’d found the energy to sleep with him again, long luxurious sex with him spooning her in bed, playing with her breasts and then holding her when they’d both came. It wasn’t like before – although each time had been different so far anyway. They hadn’t talked much; he’d been quiet with his dirty words but there had been softness there.
He hadn’t said a word about Jake and she hadn’t asked, not sure if tonight was the right time to potentially open what could be a can of woodlice, centipedes and millipedes, never mind worms.
“Did I wake you?” His voice filled the room.
“I think I realised you weren’t there. Is everything okay?” she said, sounding sleepy, plus quite a lot satisfied.
He got back into bed and carefully moved her into him so she was snuggled into his chest. She could tell he was making sure not to brush or put pressure on the skin where she was sorest.
“I heard a noise.” He kissed her neck gently. “I went to see what it was and someone ran off. I didn’t have any shoes on so I didn’t follow, but I’ve phoned the station.”
“You think it was the person who did the graffiti?”
“Maybe. It’s an easy conclusion to jump to. Just be careful with your security. I know I don’t need to tell you how, but I do know that you might be overconfident when you’re coming and going when its dark. Especially in the back.”
She was half-irritated by his concern because she’d been looking after herself for long enough to know what to do, and half pleased by it.
“If I’m anxious, I’ll call you. And I’ll be vigilant. If it feels weird when I get home, I’ll call you then too.” She tucked herself around him. “I’m not sure how I’m going to get used to this.”
“Used to what?” He sounded concerned.
“Us not bickering.”
His hand managed to find her breast, cupping it. “We’ll still bicker. Just from now on we’ll have the making up to do.”
His breathing levelled and he fell asleep with her in his arms. She felt his heart rate steadily beating and heard the slight rasp of breath as his body relaxed into slumber. She wasn’t used to sleeping with someone. On Sunday night they hadn’t had much in the way of actual sleep: she’d been too heightened with the sex and the fact that she’d broken her non-enforced vow of chastity with the man who had been her frenemy for so long.
Today he’d reminded her of the person she’d seen with others, and the man she’d seen grow up from the strong, steadfast boy who had stopped a weasely-type boy in her class from pulling her hair when she was six.
“You’re thinking too much. I can hear you.” His eyes were still closed and his words were murmured.
“I was thinking about you.”
He chuckled. “I think I need to gather my strength before I can go again.”
“Not like that. Well, not for most of it. Just how you were today.”
