She appears in the bedroom. “I’m sorry, I ruined your sheets. I was going to sort the bedding out when I’d soaked my shorts.”
“It’s no bother.”
Her cheeks flush red, almost matching the colour of her hair. She twists her hands together as she shuffles on her feet. “I need to go to the store.”
“Tell me what you need. I’ll get it for you.” I bundle the sheets in my arms, ready to wash.
“I just need a ride.”
“It’s not safe for you to be out. I can get you whatever it is you want.”
“You’ll buy me tampons?”
“Sure, what brand do you use?”
“Have you bought tampons before?”
I open the door and walk into the utility where the washing machine is. “I have had girlfriends before, Red.” Though I haven’t actually bought tampons before. I’ve never lived with a woman until now.
“Just take me to the bloody store. Or let me out so I can nip myself. There must be one nearby. I can walk.”
“Not a chance in hell are you leaving this building until I find the guy that broke into your place.” After loading the machine, I walk back into the bedroom with her hot on my heels.
“Well, take me then. I just want to get out of these four walls.” She yanks a pair of leggings from the drawer and shoves a leg inside, stretching the material to the point it could tear. She’s so mad. Her little button nose flares and her round cheeks flush like a ripe red apple.
I step close to her and peck her little nose. “Want anything else while I’m at the store? Some Prozac to calm you down, maybe?”
“I hate you.”
“There’s a fine line between love and hate.” I dig the keys from my pocket and unlock the door. She throws the nearest thing to hand, which is a peach from the fruit bowl. I shut the door behind me before it lands on my head, then hear a splat on the other side and a grunt. “Text me if you think of anything else you might need.”
With a chuckle, I jog down the concrete steps into the garage below and jump in the Range Rover.
By the time I arrive at the store, my phone has several text messages.
Super plus. The green ones.
Please
Arsehole
I read them with a smile on my face as I make my way to the middle aisle, looking for some glue to fix her jewellery box.
My phone buzzes in my hand. The name that flashes on the screen reminds me I have a job to do. With a grimace, I crack my neck, then swipe right. “Billy.”
14
POPPY
Dom returns with several packs of tampons.
“Jeez. I only needed one pack. How long do you think I’m staying?” He may not realise, but there’s six months supply here.
“I didn’t want you to get caught short again.”
“You took long enough.” I snatch a pack from the bag filled with other groceries and stomp to the bathroom to plug myself before I ruin another pair of knickers.
Stepping from the bathroom, he hovers outside the door, making me jump. “Don’t worry, I haven’t jumped from the bathroom window.”
