Chapter 11

“I want this to happen, Patrick. Us, together. It’s so good. I want it for the long term.”

“Nicky, don’t rush me.” I tried not to show anything in my face, but I could see disappointment flicker in his eyes.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing.” I wriggled up to sitting. “It’s marvellous. I’d really like it. I said so, right?”

He bit his lip. His face looked flushed and not just from us fucking. “I never met anyone I wanted to have around all the time. Not until you. That day I met you, I knew….” He flushed again, the colour even deeper.

My throat felt suddenly dry. “Look, we’ll talk about it later. I have to go now. Mum’s having the neighbours to supper, and I said I’d be there.”

“Sure. Which neighbour is that?” He was watching me closely, his expression twisting as if his feelings jarred with his calm words.

I shrugged. I started looking for my clothes to get dressed again. “Oh, the old crowd. Lissa’s family. Friends since I was a kid, you know.”