Page 16 of Just a Number

“I heard Mum say you can stay here. Why don’t you do that tonight and then speak to your sister in the morning?”

“You sure that’s okay?” There’s a hint of relief in his question.

“She wouldn’t have offered if it wasn’t.”

“Okay, that sounds good. Can we game? I need a distraction.” Their voices quieten as they move into the lounge.

I load up a tray with drinks and snacks and bring it in for them.

“I bought you guys some refreshments,” I tell them as I lay it on the coffee table. “I’ll head upstairs and leave you to it.”

“Thanks, Mum. Alex is gonna stay here tonight and call his sister in the morning,” Zack tells me, obviously not realising I heard their conversation.

“No worries. Make yourself comfortable in the guest room. Zack can show you where it is. And maybe lend you some fresh clothes if you need them in the morning?” I look across to Zack with a raised brow, and he nods in agreement.

“No problems, man.”

“Thank you,” comes Alex’s soft reply. He has a hint of devastation about him, but at least he has a warm bed for thenight. There’s not much else I can do to help. I quietly leave and grab my own drink and snack before heading upstairs.

The next morning, I wake earlier than usual. I spent a lot of time fidgeting around in bed last night, trying to find a comfortable spot to sleep. I thought briefly about trying out the toy that Cassidy had given me to see if an orgasm would help me chill out and get some rest, but I’d felt self conscious with Alex staying here. I slept eventually, but I spent far too long thinking about a certain tattooed, motorbike riding, and now potentially homeless guy.

I have an in-person meeting today with some clients. It’s currently the lull before the festive season and I’ve been trying to make the most of it before my evenings and weekends are filled with managing events.

I use the shower in my ensuite before I dress in a dove-grey trouser suit with a blue silk blouse. I spend time drying and styling my hair and then add some light makeup. I tend to keep my make-up light during the day and save the heavy smoky eyes and bright lips for the evening events I attend. The last thing I do to get ready is add a necklace with a charm that hangs down in the V of my buttoned shirt.

I head downstairs to the kitchen and get a surprise when I see Alex already sitting at the breakfast bar, one hand curled around a mug and his phone in the other. He’s wearing joggers and a t-shirt that I recognise as Zack’s. I must make a sound to alert him to my presence, because he looks up.

“Morning. How did you sleep?” I ask him.

He clears his throat. “Err, not great. The bed was comfortable, but there’s a lot on my mind.”

“Is that coffee? Do you want a fresh one?” I make my way over to the machine to make my first caffeinated drink of the day.

“That would be awesome, thanks.”

I’m aware of him getting up and moving towards me. He places his now empty mug down on the counter. He stands right behind me and I swear there’s heat emanating from him, which has my temperature rising.

“Thanks for letting me stay last night, Mel. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no bother. Do you think you’ll be able to stay with your sister?” I abandon my coffee making to turn round and face him. He makes no move to step back, crowding my space, causing a flutter of nerves low in my belly. His gaze tracks over my face.

“I’m not sure. Hopefully. She’s in a small flat. Guess it depends if she has any other guests staying.” He shrugs.

“Well, the spare room is free if you need it.” I can’t quite believe what I’m saying. “You know, just until you get something else sorted.”

“Thanks, but hopefully I’ll be out of your hair today.”

I turn back to the coffee machine and crank it up to make us both a drink. He doesn’t move from his position close by and I find guilty pleasure in his proximity. Our fingers brush as I pass him the first cup and as he takes it from my grasp, I have to hold back my shiver. His fingers are rough, probably from the pottery, but his touch is gentle.

I don’t want to move my hand away. I want to savour this physical connection. I want those roughened fingertips stroking all the way up my arm, to my neck, across my lips. I take an abrupt step back, trying to disconnect from the thoughts I know I shouldn’t be having. His eyebrows raise and what might be disappointment is painted across his face.

“I better take my coffee to go. I’ve got an early meeting.” I’m lying. It’s not that early, but I need to establish some boundarieshere. I need to clear my head and hopefully, when I get back later today, Alex won’t be here, tempting me.

He gives me a nod, watching me through his ridiculously-long-lashes-for-a-guy.

“I mean it, if you don’t have anywhere to stay right away, you can have the guest room for a day or two.” I continue to add the temporary time frame, as much for my own sanity as well as to let him know it can’t be permanent.

“I hope it won’t come to that, but thank you.”

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