Page 26 of Always Beth
‘No, you’ve done nothing. You’re perfect. Sorry… Come on, Dick, we’ve got to go.’
The feeling is bittersweet as Poppy and Beth follow us to the door. For a moment I didn’t have a care in the world and it was everything I needed.
Taking her phone from her hand, I key in my number. ‘I’ll be in touch about your case.’
‘Thank you so much.’ She rests her head against the door frame, and I know that even though I’m leaving, whatever this is between us is far from over and it’s come at the worst possible time. As I reach the gate, I turn and hoist Dick underneath my arm.
‘Beth…’
‘Yes?’
‘I love custard creams.’
ChapterEight
Beth
I’ve rolled from my back to my front and back again so many times I’ve lost count. There was no way I was going to get to sleep easily after today’s events. I trace my fingers across my lips and close my eyes to savour the memory. My frustration melted the moment we connected, not just from today, but from every second we’ve spent in each other’s company since we met. My phone illuminates the room as I flip it over on the nightstand. Ten-thirty. This is gloriously depressing. Pulling myself up in bed, I rotate my phone over and over in my hands.I’ll be in touch about your case.So formal. How? He only gave me his number. Does he want me to text him? As I type out a message, I begin to wonder if it’s too late, then remember that I’m most probably in the minority, tucked up in bed at this time.
Beth: Hey, only me. This is my number. Beth.
Panic grips me the instant I press send. That was way too formal after today. I should have led with something flirtier. I groan into the pillow, rolling onto my side. As I clutch the phone to my chest, the vibration travels through my body.
James: What are you still doing awake? Are you working on your next erotic wax masterpiece? No kiss? x
Perhaps ten-thirty isn’t so late after all. I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face at his sign off.
Beth: Sorry if I woke you. I’m in bed actually, I can’t sleep x
Shuffling myself down into the covers, I hold my phone in front of me and wait.
James: I’ll be going to bed soon. I had a very stimulating day x
I giggle like a schoolgirl as I read his response. I can’t remember the last time I engaged in text flirting with anyone.
Beth: How stimulating? x
The seconds drag into minutes as I await his reply. My nerves begin to kick in as I over analyse my last message.
Finally.
James: So…stimulating, I think I might need to explore it further. I’m going to bed now myself, I’ll speak to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams x
I stare at the screen as our conversation comes to an abrupt halt. He wants to explore it further, but he’s going to bed. He’s more than annoying, he’s downright unreadable. Rolling over, I place my phone back on the side. Closing my eyes against the softness of the pillow, I exhale heavily before a grin spreads across my face. After today and after this conversation, I think I can manage sweet dreams.
James
I watched over Lauren all night, whilst consumed with thoughts of Beth. I wish I didn’t have to leave so abruptly, but after the state I found Lauren in when I returned, I know I made the right decision. As I glance down, her eyes flutter open and my chest tightens. The thought of never seeing her staring back at me again is overwhelming.
‘Have you been watching me all night?’ She sighs groggily.
‘Pretty much.’
‘You’re a creep.’
‘Charming.’ I chuckle.
I slide myself from the bed and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Still in the clothes I wore at Beth’s, I’m an absolute mess. This country life is becoming far too comfortable.
