“Do you want to? We could still do that. I’m sure we can find his hotel’s number pretty easily.”
I consider it. Do I want that? I’m sure the castle hotel is very nice. Far, far nicer than this quirky little place. But we’d have to face Michael, knowing what he’s done to us. I don’t think I can do that right now. Not feeling as depleted as I am.
Besides, I’ve had worse company. We’d have separate rooms if we went back tonight. Although it’s only been three nights, I’ve sort of grown used to James’ heat alongside me, the closeness of his face, his presence somehow keeping me grounded whilst I dream. And then I realise, to my horror, that there’s something worse lingering. Something I knew might happen, but I ignored. Something I’m going to kick myself for later.
I sort of like James.Reallylike him.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach as I peer up at his dark blue eyes. He’s worried about my answer. I can’t tell what he wants me to say. Maybe he does want to go back. Maybe he’s been waiting for me to ask exactly this. Or maybe he doesn’t? Does he feel the same as me?
I shrug, try to play my feelings down. “It’s ok. We’re alright here for tonight. We can call him in the morning.”
James nods, takes another chip, chewing slowly. I’m sure I see the whisper of a grin on his lips. “Alright then. It’s a plan.”
Just then, his phone vibrates. We both sit upright, staring in wonder as his screen lights up, slowly loading. James practically launches at it, clicking buttons on the side like he might be able to speed it up. Then he’s logging in and searching his contacts. Before I have a chance to move, he’s dialling a number.
“I can go,” I whisper, clambering off the bed.
“No, it’s ok. Stay,” he says. “If you want to, that is.”
Before I can answer, a woman’s voice bursts down the line. “Jamesy!”
“You ok?” he asks. He swallows, his face serious as he stares back at the screen. It takes me a moment to realise he’s on FaceTime. I climb back onto the bed, quietly picking at my chips whilst he talks to his sister.
“I’m fine. We’re all fine,” she sings.
James presses his lips together as if he’s almost afraid to ask but then he says, “Can I see him?”
“Who?” his sister teases.
“My bloody nephew.”
“Sure, but hang on,” she says. “Why’ve you not been answering your phone? We’ve been worried.”
James sighs but he’s grinning. “My phone broke. It’s a long story. I’m sorry I’ve been off grid. I’m alright. We’re in Scotland.”
“Who’s we?”
“Me and Fliss.”
Soph cackles down the line. “That irritating woman from marketing?”
James laughs giving me an unapologetic shrug. It says,you knew how I felt about you.
I stick my tongue out in response.
“Who you looking at? Is she there?Is she on your bed?Fuck’s sake, James.”
Unexpectedly, James turns the phone so his sister can see me. I try to duck out of the screen but it’s impossible, so instead I wave awkwardly.
“Hi,” I say, with my mouth full. James smirks at my panicked expression, spinning it back to face him. Soph says something about pretty and cute, but James is talking again.
“Show me my damn nephew,” he demands in a jokey manner.
There’s shuffling down the line, a soft squeak, the unmistakeable sound of a sleepy newborn. James watches, his eyes widening, his lips parting slightly. He tilts his head.
“Soph,” he whispers. “Look.”
“Isn’t he perfect?”
