“I wish I’d told you sooner.”
“About what? Matilda or that you find me irresistible?” He wiped the tears off her face, a gesture that made her want to cry some more.
“I never said I found you irresistible, Alex Maynard.”
He was smiling, the rough stubble longer now than in the morning, his eyes tired after an early start. But those eyes held something Abby wasn’t familiar with, something that made her heart pound a little more and made her pull herself closer to him.
“You’re sweaty.”
He laughed, the sound husky and deep. “That’s what happens when you start carving with a chain saw in this heat.”
“Who are you carving the owl for?”
“Jake. He wanted something going up in front of the help desk. He suggested a nude with big boobs but I persuaded him off that idea.”
“You mean you refused to do it.”
Alex nodded. “You want to help me get clean?”
“I’d rather help you get dirtier.” She raised her lips to his and started a kiss that made between her legs start to throb.
“Such a cliché, but such a good idea. Shower then?”
She let him lead the way.
Running wassomething Abby hadn’t ever given up. Climbing had felt too hard to do, apart from on certain days when she’d felt tougher, but running had given her some solace, made her feel a little more normal and cleared her head.
Tonight, while it was still light and Alex was helping Jake out with something at the farm that was actually to do with animals rather than the festival, Abby had felt the urge to pound the pavements, to give herself a chance to process what Alex had told her about Tilly.
She was oblivious as to where her feet were taking her until she realised she’d ran along the road towards Felley Manor, the scaffolding dominating the skyline where the manor would’ve once stood proud.
Her feet came to an abrupt stillness, her throat choking on her heart. She had no idea why she’d come up here, especially after promising Alex that she wouldn’t go looking for answers and wait for him to glean more information. This was what Rayah had done last year when she’d been worried about a little girl in her school who had made a disclosure.
That had nearly ended in disaster.
“Are you okay, miss? Can I help at all?” A man’s voice came from behind her.
She hadn’t even heard his footsteps. Bile crept up her throat, bitter and rancid.
“I’m Paul James, one of the ministers at the church. Are you looking for someone?” His voice was smooth, polished.
“No, just out for a run and I didn’t realise how far I’d come. I’m fine though, thank you. How are the repairs coming along?” Her voice sounded calm which surprised her, given that her heart was performing its own heavy metal drum solo.
“They’re on track to be completed early next year. Then we can continue with growing our church and looking after those who need us.”
“Can I ask a question that might be a little too curious?”
His smile was almost genuine. “Of course.”
“What’s paying for the restorations?”
“Insurance and contributions from our congregation.”
Abby gave a single nod. “Is the congregation just the people who live here and the surrounding areas? I know they like to keep to themselves.”
“We have several more members of the church who don’t live in the locality. They are some of our most ardent supporters.” He smiled. “Maybe what we offer could bring you a little peace and then you wouldn’t need to run as fast or as far.”
“Thank you. But I’m not one for organised religion or groups.”
