“I just want you to be honest.”
“About what?”
I gather my courage. “About us.”
His eyes widen, his hands moving onto my hips.
“Skylar is in the other room,” I remind him. “She might see us.”
“You’re lucky she’s here,” he teases, “or no one could save you from me.”
“I’m not scared of you.”
He grins smugly. “I like that you’re not scared of me. And I like that you used that word.”
“What word?”
“Us.”
“It’s actually more accurate to call it a personal pronoun.”
“Don’t make me close that mouth for you.”
My body shivers at the thought of his mouth on mine.
“Even though something tells me you’d like it.”
I part my lips instinctively, as he gazes at my mouth.
“I know you’d like it, Headmistress.”
“Oh, shut up,” I manage, miraculously.
“Or what?” he teases, pressing his chest against mine. “Will you put me in detention?”
“You two are so embarrassing.”
Skylar’s voice forces us to pull apart, putting an end to this particular exchange.
“Sorry,” I say, composing myself. I gather up the spoons I’d left on the counter. “We’ll be right in.”
Skylar rolls her eyes and turns back into the living room. Niall grabs my arm gently before I can follow her.
“Please tell me I don’t have to wait until the end of the tournament.”
“It’s not that simple. I have my job to think about. It’s unprofessional.”
“You’re right.” He lets go of my arm. “Sorry.” He steps back and I let out the breath I’d been holding.
“Just let me think about something, okay?”
He nods, smiling at me. “I trust you. Blindly.”
I never have guests – apart from Anya, and occasionally Iris. I usually go to their houses instead. It’s always just me – it’s been like that for a year, now. Actually, I was often in my own company even before that; especially once my husband had decided I wasn’t good enough for him.
My apartment really is tiny. It’s perfect for one; youmightbe able to squeeze in a young couple. So it was a little tight for all three of us on my sofa. Skylar decided to leave us old people the space and settle herself onto the carpet. We ate ice cream and watched the second half of that stupid film; only Niall laughed at the jokes.
It’s a strange sensation, having someone to share something with. It’s even more strange that that person ishim–them. They’ve dropped unexpectedly into my life. This is the first evening I can remember that I haven’t planned in advance. They just turned up, and that was that. I took it for what it was. I didn’t make a fuss, I didn’t try to organise everything. And maybe that’s exactly why I feel so comfortable having them here.
