Page 118 of Tears of Ink

We are walking away next weekend.

I can’t breathe when I think about it. My throat tightens.

His fingers slide to my neck, brushing along the back of it. “I’m pleased to see you.”

“And me.”

My heart pounds. It’s impossible to worry about the future when his lips are hovering above mine and his hands are sliding along my skin.

So I don’t.

I dive straight in and then I scream his name.

C H A P T E R T H I R T Y - F I V E

Isn’t it the truth that when things go right in one area of life it falls apart in another. Tabs looks at me as I wander into the dining room and give everyone a cheery wave. I can’t lie, I’ve already had five very strong coffees in the kitchen. Five, that’s right. Now I’m buzzing.

I grin at Elijah who’s sat staring at the newspaper across his empty plate. “Good morning, Mr Fairclough,” I sing-song.

“Good morning, Miss Hitchin.”

I take a seat and dig into the pastries piled in the middle of the table. I’m starving; all this driving long distances and shagging is tiring me out. Except last night Eli drove to the gate house and then we both walked hand-in-hand under the shadows until we separated, and I went to the outhouse and he went inside the mansion of terror.

“Are you ready to help me move furniture?” I ask around some buttery goodness.

Jennifer looks up over her coffee cup. “Moving furniture? Who is moving furniture?”

Elijah meets her scrutiny. “I am. I’ve taken time off from the office until the ball.”

“And pray what furniture are you moving?” Jennifer sounds almost exhausted.

Eli grins. “Everything.”

Connie sweeps into the room: immaculate, icy, and controlled. Even Jennifer flinches. “Try not to make too much mess with this rabble of youths you’ve allowed into the house.”

Eli straightens his shoulders. “And does the hallway look a mess? I can’t believe the amazing job Faith has done.”

“Hm.”

But Eli doesn’t let it go. “You should be thanking Faith and hoping that she lets the house keep the work she’s created.”

My cheeks flame pink although I can’t lie I’m basking under his compliments. Even I need my ego stroked every so often.

“Not quite the big statement pieces we were expecting, though,” Connie murmurs. “And for the trouble she’s caused, I’m not sure.”

Jennifer clatters her cup onto its saucer. “That’s enough,” she snaps.

We all stop and stare at her. Tabitha has her mouth hanging open.

“When the ball arrives, and we have the doors open and the press here, it will all be worth it.” Jennifer looks at me, her expression calm. “And I’m sure Faith has something spectacular planned as a centrepiece.”

I need to ask Jennings for some tips of the perfect poker face because I don’t have one and it shows.

“Of course,” I agree. “Spectacular.”

I wonder if I can put my Connie Fairclough Medusa head on display in the centre of the ballroom? Nah, it’s supposed to be about dreams not nightmares.

I grab some croissants and get back up from the table. Eli sends me a royal smirk but doesn’t say anything. “Got to go,” I announce. “Super busy.”