Page 176 of When The Night Falls

‘I really think you should eat something. I can cook for you if you like, or would you rather we order something?’

I hugged him tightly, utterly charmed by how attentive he was being. ‘I don’t want you leaving the bed. I’m dependent on your cuddles right now.’

He smiled winsomely. ‘We can order something, then. What would you like?’

I frowned, thinking. ‘Indian. It’s my comfort food.’

‘Good to know. Indian it is.’ He dipped into his pocket and withdrew his phone.

Just then, the front door opened and closed.

‘Oh my God,’ Jason said. ‘You again!’

Had he seen William’s shoes in the hall?

‘You know, Will,’ Jason went on, ‘if you wanted to move in with me, you could’ve just asked. You didn’t need to seduce my flatmate to make it happen.’

William grinned from ear to ear. ‘Plan is to slowly force you out of your own home.’

‘You cunning bastard.’

‘Anyway, we’re about to order some food. Are you hungry?’

‘Yeah, I could eat.’

‘Cara wants Indian.’

‘Chicken biryani specifically,’ I said.

‘Oh, I’d like some dal makhani, then,’ Jason said, ‘and perhaps some king prawn dish.’

‘How spicy do you want it?’ William asked as he opened an app on his phone.

‘Medium plus would be good,’ Jason replied.

William smirked suddenly, looking highly suspect.

‘What are you smiling at?’ I asked, squinting my eyes.

He shook his head, his smirk stretching into a grin. ‘Nothing.’

‘Is it safe to come in?’ Jason asked then, and it sounded like he was standing near the door to my room.

William looked at me, making it clear that he thought I should be the judge of that.

‘Yeah, you can come in,’ I said and wiped my cheeks in a last effort to look somewhat presentable.

But it didn’t help. As soon as Jason entered the doorway, his eyes popped.

‘What’s the matter?’ he asked. ‘Have you been crying?’

I took a deep breath, my shoulders sinking. ‘Yeah. I went to see Aaron after work, and it didn’t end well.’

Jason walked in and sat down on the bed, his light-blue eyes oozing concern. ‘What happened?’

Sighing, I started recounting my conversation with Aaron, but this time, I didn’t cry; the sheer comfort of having William near kept them at bay.

‘I’m so sorry, Cara,’ Jason said and reached for my hand. ‘I’m sure he’ll move on soon enough, though. Just give him some time.’

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