“You haven’t seen Heidi on a windy day. That’s another force of nature.” There was mirth in her tone.
“I’m fully aware of the effect of the wind on kids. And full moons. We should head to the restaurant so we’re not late.” I didn’t let go of her, my head still frazzled about what I was feeling and why so soon.
“Okay. Sooner we eat, sooner we can go back home.”
We didn’t stay the night at her house, mainly at Roe’s request as he wanted to put someone in there for the night, so we returned to Beryl’s instead, which was a bit like bringing a girl back to your mum’s house.
The awkwardness meant we ended up in bed sooner, or maybe it would’ve been just as quick whatever house we’d been in. This time it was slower than before; there was no restaurant reservation to be ready for, or the fear of having to abruptly stop because Heidi or Mia was awake. There wasn’t a need for a pause button or for a line to be drawn because we had the night, hopefully more.
Was I in love with her already? I knew the answer to that. Did I think it was possible? No.
We poured a glass of wine in Beryl’s kitchen, splattering merlot beads over a formica worktop, maybe staining it.
“Shall we take these upstairs? I’m not sure I can live with the décor.” Romy regarded the wallpaper in the kitchen, and odd, brash pattern that actually looked newly done.
“I’m good with anything in bed.” I pushed a grin, but it was forced. Joviality was an excellent mask, only one I rarely needed.
She shook her head, laughing at me.
“It’s a good thing you’re cute.”
“Cute?” I took hold of her wrists. “I’d prefer handsome, or gorgeous.”
“Cute,” she said, switching the grip so she had hold of my forearms. “Fairly intelligent and sometimes quick.”
“Brutal. Sounds like a review on judge your headteacher dot com.” It probably wasn’t that far off.
Her smirk was irritating. I really liked it.
“I wouldn’t read your reviews. Far too smiley, one said when I checked.”
“Really?” I teased her lips with mine. “How did they say I kissed?”
“No comments on that so far. Have you been kissing many parents recently? Maybe they’re waiting for an average score.” She twisted, out of my grasp which wasn’t hard and picked up her wine.
“What would your score be?” Because that was all that mattered.
“I’m waiting for more performances so I can work out an average score.” Her eyes glinted.
I leaned back against the formica. “How many more performances?”
“I’ll let you know when I’ve decided.” She twirled around and headed out of the kitchen.
I paused there, listening as she walked upstairs towards the main bedroom where I was camped out. The layout was the same as her cottage next door, and I figured she’d have been in Beryl’s house before. I sipped my wine, wrapped in the space where I was right now, with her, with the whole Cara situation, with all the changes that had created a tornado that’d landed me here.
In love?
Was that what this was? Or was it lust? How separate did the two have to be?
I followed her upstairs five minutes later, finding her wrapped in the duvet with a newly bought cover over it, looking like she was asleep.
I hadn’t slept with another woman since Bryony, as in shared sleep. I had slept with other women since I’d found Bryony with Jason, a couple of one-night stands that had proven something for my ego. They hadn’t been the same as this.
My cock was already hard, anticipation buzzing. The smile on Romy’s face told me she wasn’t asleep.
I pulled off the shirt I’d been wearing, undoing my belt. Then I sat on the bed, my back to her and waited.
It took less time than it did Heidi to move when she thought there was extra dessert at lunch for Romy to stir. I stayed still, the air around us frozen.
