Page 147 of Easy
‘What are the chances,’ I ask carefully, ‘it translates toI used to be married to a cunt?’
His smile is almost sad. The reasons behind I don’t want to think about.
‘I had stuff added to the original one. It more or less now says;Look pretty and shut up.’
‘That’s... not great.’
‘It was either that or some trite comment about beauty. Written above my arse, I might add.’
His ass is worthy of the title, but I don’t tell him that. All this talk of his past? It seems a little too much. And why does it make me sad? Could it be because the woman looks like a china doll? Or that she bore him a son?
‘Why?’ I whisper, not quite daring to look him in the eye.
He tilts his chin to his chest and looks down at me in confusion. ‘The tattoo? Because laser surgery wasn’t appealing.’ When I don’t answer, he adds, ‘Why brunch? Sustenance—a social ritual?’
‘No, I...’Tell me why I’m like this. I can’t make sense of my thoughts, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. Instead, I hear myself asking, ‘What is it you like about me?’
‘You mean apart fromyourarse?’ He folds his body over mine, his hands sliding around my hips.
‘Be serious. What is it that—’
‘Drew me in? What’s not to like?’he asks, incredulously.
‘Past experiences tell me kind of a lot.’ I don’t do relationships and can’t remember the last time I felt invested or involved. As for the rest, I’m passably pretty, I think, plucking at the sheet by my hips. I have a pretty good track record at attracting the opposite sex.For a little time, at least.But I’m not beautiful, not like Belle.
Breathing out, long and hard, I can almost feel Dan’s displeasure. But I’m not trawling for compliments. I really just need to hear it from him.
‘Darling, you are beautiful, but in a very unapproachable way.’
‘That’s not right. I’m not—’
‘You’re prickly. And I like that.’
‘Like a hedgehog?’ My words are incredulous.
‘No,’ he scoffs, trying not to laugh. ‘Hedgehogs are cute.’
‘You’d better qualify that statement. I’m ready to push you off this bed.’
‘You’re cold—’
‘Not helping!’
‘On the outside, at least. But, by Christ, I’ve never known a woman burn so hot in my arms.’ Breath literally leaves my chest in a softwhoosh. ‘Most people probably don’t realise thatstay awayveneer you wear is because you’re not comfortable in your own skin. I think drunk Louise drowned all that out.’
‘Maybe drunk Louise was just out to get laid.’
‘Drunk Louise was unafraid and full of truth.’
‘Drunk Louise left your house with a smile on her face.’
We both try to bite back our smiles. We both lose.
‘This Louise in my bed is all new. Full of challenge and daring, she’s burrowed under my skin.’
‘So now I’m a parasite. Pricklyanda rash? I could be something you’re allergic to.’
‘I saidunder my skin,though I do like you naked andovermy skin.’ His words come out in a rush as Dan sits up, swinging his legs out of the bed. ‘Come on, lazy daisy. Stop fishing for compliments and get dressed.’
