Page 34 of Always Beth
‘Still struggling to get your words out, I see? What a difference one night makes,’ he says smugly.
Propping himself up on his elbow, he grins down at me, and not only am I now struggling to get my words out, I think I’ve become a mute. He twists loose strands of my hair around his fingers and traces his eyes back and forth over my face. ‘Listen, I’m going to have to go. I’m sorry.’
My stomach sinks. This is what the morning after the night before feels like. Before my brain plunges deeper into unwelcome thoughts, his lips connect with my own, stealing one last kiss. My eyes follow him around the room as he collects his discarded clothing. Watching him dress is as visually stimulating as watching him undress was.
‘I hope you don’t have any regrets?’ he asks whilst fumbling with his belt.
‘No. None. Last night was—’
‘Mind-blowing?’ He smiles cheekily.
A childish giggle escapes my lips, and I can only nod in agreement.
‘Good. No regrets from me either. I had the best time.’ He hesitates as he reaches the doorway, and turning to face me, his expression turns serious. ‘You’ll need a meeting with my colleague back in London about your divorce, I’ll get it arranged.’
Before I can summon a response, he’s halfway down the stairs. As the front door quietly clicks closed, I cover my face with my pillow to stifle my squeal of excitement. The bed dips lightly and I pull the pillow away to find Poppy snuggling into the warmth that James left behind. I’d forgotten what it was like to wake up with someone. Even if last night was a one-off, at least we had that. He said I would like him after last night, but if truth be known, I think my dislike for him had waned long before he charmed his way into my bed. That’s how he got up here in the first place. Does he like me though? His quick exit this morning doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence. No regrets means just that and nothing more. Now I’ve slept with my legal counsel, the stakes for my divorce are even higher.
James
The cottage is deathly quiet. As I softly push the front door closed, my attention’s immediately drawn to the top of stairs, where Dick sits, judging me. I hold his stare for a few moments, shaking my head in disbelief that I’m allowing him to guilt trip me. If anyone is going to guilt trip me it’s—
‘Where have you been?’
Fuck.
I wander into the living room to find Lauren sitting in her usual spot. I hesitate momentarily, wondering if she knows I’ve been out all night.
‘Er, how long have you been up?’ I ask cautiously.
‘Just got up.’
Phew.
‘I’ve just been out for a walk, that’s all.’
‘So that’s why Dick’s giving you daggers then?’
I glance down as his tiny body patters past me and he turns his nose once more with disgust. ‘Yeah, well, he gets so excitable when he goes out, I didn’t want to disturb you.’
Collapsing into the chair opposite, we find ourselves face to face and I realise there’s more on her mind than why I didn’t take Dick for a walk.
I lean forward and take her hand in mine. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘It’s Jacob.’
My body tenses and I swiftly drop her hand. I thought we were done with this conversation. I thought we were leaving him in the past, where he belongs.
‘What about him?’ My jaw tenses.
‘He’s coming here on Saturday.’
‘That’s two days away!’
She visibly flinches at my response and I’m hit with a twinge of sudden regret.
‘Don’t raise your voice with me, I know when it is, you arsehole, my brain’s still working, you know.’
I focus anywhere but her face. I can’t bring myself to relent and know that one look from her is all it will take. Standing, I swiftly leave the room as she closely trails behind me.
