Page 259 of Well Played

Alice didn’t have a chance to give him the hug she wanted. They’d all spotted Tom walking towards them. Alice couldn’t speak, but she couldn’t hold back the sigh that left her lungs.

“I’ll speak to him,” Jake stepped forward as Grace reached for his arm.

“No! I think I should.” Ryan shook his shoulders as Alice’s hands formed fists.I can’t keep letting everyone else speak for me.

“Actually, he needs to hear this from me.” Alice walked towards him and away from her friends. She held up her hand to Tom.

“Stop right there. You left, and you stopped paying your share of the rent.”

“But … Alice … I don’t have anywhere…”

“That’s hardly my fault.” She shook her head.

“Alice, this isn’t like you.”

“Isn’t it? My life has changed, Tom,” she lifted her chin. “I’m happy to say it’s changed for the better.” Tom’s stunned face astounded her. “If you want to move back in, that’s fine. I’ll leave. Only not today, Tom.”

“Come on, Tom.” Jake ushered him towards his van.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, Alice.” Tom's steely eyes fixed on Ryan.

“No. I’ll call you … in a couple of days.”

Grace leaned over and whispered to Ryan. He nodded his head as her friends left.

“Call me if you need me,” Grace shouted as she climbed back into Jake’s camper. Alice turned to take in Ryan.

“How did you get here?”

He passed her the cat presents and picked up her bags. All the worry and tension left her body as she unlocked the door.

“I persuaded Victoria to give me a lift.”

“I thought you hated her?”

“It was worth it. I got here. You know, I think she has a softer side.”

“I’m so glad you are here.”

“I hoped you might say that.” Ryan spread his hands across her waist and pulled her in close. “Sorry, I haven’t had a shower.”

“Hmm, I’ll forgive that.” She kissed him. Comfortable with him now, the kiss letting go of all the passion she’d been holding on the way home.

“I’ve missed you,” she hummed.

Ryan’s kiss returned the same passion as his arms held her closer.

“I can’t believe I finally have you all to myself.”

“I can promise you my bed is way comfier than the one we shared last night.”

“Really? And would you like to prove that?”

“Step this way.” Alice took his hand and guided him to her favourite room at the back of the flat.

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