Chapter Thirty-Nine
Fallon
The sun shining through the crack in the curtains wakes me naturally. There is no better feeling than waking the moment the world does, early enough that no noises are coming from the outside. It’s bliss. Stretching an arm out behind me, I find the space in the bed next to me empty. Where could Luke have escaped to at this time? The only thing missing from my perfect wake-up is having my man here with me.
The second I hear the coffee machine turn on, I drag my arse out of bed. After what I confessed to him last night, I know there is going to be a lot more to talk about, especially with Layla before she leaves. I wonder where she will go now? Does she live with him? God, I’d rather have her move into my apartment than go back there if she does.
Once I'm dressed in more suitable pyjamas, I go in search of my caffeine fix, and whatI find is even better. Luke is leaning against the kitchen unit, wearing a tight grey T-shirt, baggy shorts, and holding his own coffee to his lips. I’m lost for words as I take him in. I could drink him up like a fine wine. I have to shut my mouth forcibly in case I start to drool.
When I'm a little closer, he turns to me, his full face transforming into a glorious smile.
“Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?” He asks, his eyes searching mine.
“Better than I expected,” I say, walking straight up to him and wrapping my arms around his middle.
I drop my head back, closing my eyes, waiting for his lips to find mine. He doesn’t disappoint. The sound of his cup touching the side hits my ears before his own arms are wrapped tightly around me. I melt into him. The kiss isn't rushed or heated; it's just perfect. Once he's had his fill, he leaves me with one last kiss before resting his forehead against mine.
“I could stay in this moment forever,” I whisper.
“Me too, baby.”
An awkward cough comes from the other side of the room, causing us to headbutt each other before pulling apart. With a soft giggle, I turn in the direction of the sound, finding Layla standing there, twiddling her thumbs and looking down at the floor.
“Morning, Layla,” I say brightly. “Do youdrink coffee?”
“Erm, yes, with one sugar please,” she replies meekly.
“Why don’t you ladies go into the living room? I’ll bring in the drinks in a minute,” Luke adds, giving my fingers a quick squeeze.
He always knows the right thing to do and say. He knows we need a few minutes alone to talk about last night. Not that there is much else to tell, more that we need to make a plan going forward. I don’t want to push her, as that is something I hate too, but I want her to know that I will back her no matter what.
We sit down on opposite ends of Luke's sofa. I am curled up like a puppy, while she is sitting as stiff as a board with her hands on her knees.
“Thank you for everything. I… I don’t know what would have happened without you last night,” she admits, dropping her head and chewing the inside of her cheek.
“It's what we girls are for. If we don’t have each other's back, who else will have them for us?”
“You’re so kind. You give me hope that one day I will get over this as well as you have.”
If only she knew how much of a fuck up I have been. It’s only because of Luke that I am now seeing the lighter side of life. But I won't tell her that.
“Of course you will. You are stronger thanyou think. Not many people could have reached out for help the way you did. That in itself is one of the bravest things you can do.”
“You think so?” She asks, her hope-filled eyes turning to me.
“I know so,” I smile. “But tell me, what do you want to do from here?”
“Honestly? I have no idea. Thank God I never moved in with him when he asked. I always knew it would be the final nail in my coffin if I did. I… I can't go back to him,” she stammers, her voice taking a higher pitch.
“You don’t have to. Have you thought about going to the police?”
“I have. I was just never brave enough to actually do it. Did you ever tell the police?” She asks.
My face falls at the question. I should have, and I really, really wish I did. But I was so young and naive, I didn’t think anyone would believe me.
“No,” I whisper.
“How old were you when he…”
