Page 86 of When The Night Falls

‘Liverpool’s in the lead,’ Aaron said as he turned the corner. ‘Er, where’s he gone?’

I drew in a breath to compose myself. ‘He felt too awkward to stay.’ I faced him.

Aaron grimaced. ‘Shit. Really?’

‘Really.’

He walked over and tilted my head back. ‘Are you okay?’ he asked worriedly and kissed my forehead.

I swallowed. ‘I’m actually feeling a bit weird. That was very uncomfortable.’

He wrapped his arms around me, trying to comfort me. ‘I’m sure he just needs a minute. I hardly think this will pose a problem once you start work.’

‘I’m not really in the mood for sex anymore,’ I said and pulled away. ‘I’m sorry.’

He chuckled. ‘I’d be surprised if you were. Don’t worry about that. Let’s watch the match instead.’

He knew full well that I wasn’t one to watch football, but, right then, it was better than the alternative of hanging out in my room with nothing to do but talk.

‘Sure. I’d like to shower first, though.’

‘I’ll just wait in the living room, then.’

§ § §

Half-time was just over when Jason stormed through the front door and into the living room.

‘Fuck,’ he grumbled when he saw the score. ‘Not again. We can’t afford this! What the hell are they doing?’ He gestured to the screen, clearly vexed.

‘I’m having a great time,’ Aaron said amusedly, lying spread across the sofa.

‘Yeah, fuck you,’ Jason said with a laugh and folded his arms. ‘By the way, heard you’ve had an awkward afternoon.’

I stiffened. ‘Will told you?’

‘Yeah.’

Aaron sighed and reached over to squeeze my thigh. ‘Yeah, it was quite awkward. We tried to pretend like it was nothing, but he left anyway.’

‘Can’t say I blame him,’ Jason said and walked over to claim the spot beside me, which forced Aaron to move his arm. ‘You’ve had her all day,’ he joked. ‘My turn.’

I hadn’t thought anyone could manage it, but Jason’s comment actually made me grin.

‘Sharing is caring, I suppose,’ Aaron replied.

I glanced at him, and I could tell he was equally amused. That was something I had always been grateful for: Aaron had never felt threatened by my friendship with Jason. In fact the two of them had become good friends and sometimes hung out without me.

‘Honestly, women smell so good.’ Jason wrapped his arm around my neck and pulled my damp hair under his nose. ‘So sweet, like dessert.’

Aaron burst out laughing, and the sound caught me.

‘How long has it been since you got laid, Jase?’ he asked.

‘A millennium.’

‘Your right hand must be growing sore by now.’

‘You’ve no idea. So I’ve switched to my left.’

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