Page 99 of Tears of Glass

“I had words coming out of my mouth. Your name, over and over again.” His voice is low, enchanting, and my body reacts with a wave of desire.

“True. But you know what I mean.”

“You want to know what deal I brokered?”

“Well, yes.” Damn he’s so direct.

“I didn’t. I turned up, told them that nothing was going to change my mind, and either they let it go and welcomed you at my side, or they wouldn’t be seeing me that much anymore.”

“I thought they weren’t anyway.”

“It’s the Faircloughs. I tend to find it’s sporadic.”

I hate the fact he has to talk with so much bitterness about his family, but then don’t I? I can’t even be in the same room as my dad and I don’t plan for that to ever change. I shrug to myself and let the worry evaporate.

“I went to see Tabs yesterday. She’s still at the flat.”

“I know. Thank you. How was she? I still can’t believe it’s all over. It was so sudden, one minute there and then the next gone.”

I pause for a breath. “I guess, but she’s young, Eli, so young. Abi and Adam had Charlotte young, but they were solid, they could carry each other through. I don’t know if Lewis is there yet. I don’t know if Tabitha is, I mean she’s hardly had the most stable of upbringings.” It’s ironic how messed up their upbringing has been. Behind closed doors it’s left a lot to be desired.

“Anyway, she’s thinking of getting a job. Something non-Fairclough like.”

“Like?” There’s a smile in his voice.

“Topshop, New Look, something young and stress free.”

“Young and stress free? Maybe you should teach her how to ink?”

“Well that would please your mother. Anyway, it’s not that simple; it’s something that is just inside you.”

“Have you seen her doodles?”

“No. Talking about painting, I haven’t seen you start anything new.”

“Well, I didn’t realise just how time consuming having a girlfriend and keeping a girlfriend would be.”

I snort a little, stretching my toes. I wish he was here. I wish it was the weekend and we had every moment together.

“How’s Melanie Duncan’s case coming along?” I know he’s balancing his corporate law with his pro-bono case for Lewis’ mum, plus... keeping me, usually on the edge of a screaming orgasm, and that doesn’t include dealing with his mother and his witch of a grandmother.

“Not great, we’ve lost a witness.”

“How come? Actually, wait. How about you tell me tonight over dinner?”

“Dinner?” He’s smiling, his words liquefying and running with honey. “As in a dinner date, out in the open, with people seeing us?”

My stomach tightens. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like with all eyes on us, now we are tabloid fodder. “Yes. Can you be home for eight?”

“Eight... do you want me to be sacked for leaving early?”

I chuckle. “Eight thirty, no later.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Bye, Eli.” I go to hang up, a stupid grin smeared across my face.

“Love you, Faith.” He says it louder, clearer.