Page 36 of When The Night Falls

She groaned again, and I knew that if she had been here, I would have seen her eyes roll.

To change the subject, I asked, ‘Anyway, how was your night?’

‘I had such a blast.’ I could hear the smile in her voice. ‘We left the bar after a couple of hours and went to play table tennis. Some random lads joined us, as well as a couple of girls, and it just turned out to be a really fun night. I made so many friends I’ll probably never see again.’

Her last statement made me laugh. ‘I’m glad.’

‘Yeah. But you know, Andy did tell me something after you left last night, about Will.’

Dread made my chest contract. ‘What did he say?’

‘It’s nothing bad, but I just think you should know.’

‘Know what?’

‘Apparently, Will’s not one to have one-night stands. Andy was quite shocked about it after you left. Mentioned it had been years since it last happened.’

I had already inferred as much, but that didn’t prevent my heart from clenching in that same unfamiliar manner. All I could think was that it was the last thing I needed to hear.

‘Are you saying this to make me feel special? Because I don’t require an ego-boost.’

‘Oh, Cara. I think you know why I’m saying it. Just something to consider.’

I pressed my lips together. ‘I’d rather not talk about him. I need to think. I’m extremely confused.’ And conflicted.

She was quiet for a beat. ‘You need to think?’ she echoed, and her shock was audible. ‘Meaning you might actually give him a chance?’

‘Don’t get your hopes up.’

‘Too late.’

I groaned. ‘Anyway, I’m nearly home now. Speak later, yeah?’

‘Yeah. Tell Jason I said hello when you see him.’

‘Will do. Love you.’

‘Love you too. But you are an idiot.’

§ § §

When I opened the front door, Jason was exiting the bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel around his hips. With his dirty-blond hair and light-blue eyes, he resembled Apollo himself, especially with that towel that could have doubled as a fustanella. Any other woman would have grabbed the opportunity to ogle his impressive physique, but since I had already seen it countless times, I hardly noticed.

‘There she is.’ He smiled. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Tired.’

‘I bet.’

‘Livy says hello.’

He frowned, looking as if he had suddenly recollected something. ‘What happened to her last night?’

‘Well, the guy I slept with was there with a friend, so she spent the rest of the night with him. Went to play table tennis apparently.’

‘Sounds like fun. They end up in bed?’

I shook my head. ‘No, she wasn’t feeling it, and neither was he. Like her, he was fresh out of a relationship.’

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