There’s just that, just two little lines, but I don’t think I will sleep tonight. I hit reply but sit there, my brain completely mushed out.
“Bas, I think it’s terrible that you can’t tell. I need to try harder. Heading off to bed now, but, uh, sleep well.”
I stare at what I just sent to him.
“What the hell was that, Cordie? Sleep well? He’s not your boyfriend. Argh!” I close the laptop and go to the bathroom. I have a quick shower and get ready for bed by getting into my white lace negligee.
I knee-walk across my bed, peering out the window, knowing that I shouldn’t. His light is on. I watch as I see his shape walk past the window. Whilst there might be a bit of yearning, it’s just nice to know he’s just an email away. That he’s happy and healthy.
“Darling?”
I shriek and flatten myself against the wall, whirling to glare at my mother.
“Don’t do that!”
“What were you distracted by?”
She sways closer and peers out the window. I peek out and see Sebastian at the window, looking back. I hit the wall hard, my heart beating fast.
“Mum! Stop it.”
She yanks open the window, making it screech. “Goodnight, Seb!”
“Goodnight, Ms Lake!”
I break out in an icy chill. “Mum, close my window and stop it, right now.”
“We’ll see you for breakfast tomorrow.”
“We’ll what?” I hiss.
The email is burning a hole in my mind. What if he knows just by looking at me?Calm down, Cordelia, there’s no way he can know. Lynn Marino is a ghost. No one is looking for her.
“I would love that, Ms Lake.”
I whip my head towards Mum, then peek out so I can see him. Oh, my, he’s wet and shirtless, and the light is making him twinkle. I am so dazzled I lean into view, unable to look away.
I can’t decide if this is a punishment or a curse.
“Have a good sleep, Ms Lake, and give Cordie a kiss for me.”
My scowl snaps into place, and I shove up and glance at him. “You can take your kiss and shove it up your-”
“Cordelia,” my mum whispers with a laugh.
I close my eyes.
“Nice pajamas.”
To my credit, I don’t run and hide; I just open my eyes, refusing to let the majesty of this moment affect me, and cock my hip to the side, planting my hand on it, like it’s all intentional.
“Thank you, Sebastian. I’ll get you a set next time I go out of town. You’ll look so cute in frilly-”
“See through-”
“Lace.”
My brain registers his words. “WHAT?” I shriek and dive for the wall again.
