Page 43 of Only When We Fall

She leans into me, her forehead resting against my chest. I wrap my arms around her, letting the silence stretch out. There’s something different about this kind of quiet. It’s not awkward. It’s not empty. But it feels safe. After a minute, I pull back just enough to look at her. “You eaten?” She shakes her head. “Toast? Tea?”

She shrugs, then murmurs, “Tea?”

“Easy,” I say with a soft smile, and kiss the top of her head. “I’ve got you.”

I walk her to the bed and sit her down, then head into the little kitchenette space I’ve made in one corner of my room, to boilthe kettle. It’s ridiculous how proud I feel getting it all ready, two mugs, tea bags, the smallest splash of milk, exactly how she takes it. I carry it back like it’s something fragile and hand her the warm mug. She wraps her fingers around it.

Her eyes flick up to mine, tired but a little clearer now. “You’re being really nice.”

“Yeah, well . . .” I sit down beside her. “You’ve always been the strong one. Let me be that for you today.”

She leans her head against my shoulder, and I swear I feel her exhale for the first time. It’s almost like she’s allowing herself a moment to take my advice. I remain silent, not wanting to rush her or bombard her with questions. I just sit and wait, because it’s what she needs from me.

She takes a breath then sits straighter before sipping her tea. She looks around the room, a faint smile pulling at her lips. “I like your room.”

I grin, “It’ll do. I was supposed to be going furniture shopping next weekend with Seb.”

She laughs. “You, furniture shopping?”

“Hey, I love to shop. Besides, my dad offered to pay so –”

“You should start with curtains,” she replies, and my eyes scan the sheet I’ve pinned up to block out the sun. “Anyway, how are you finding university?” she asks, “Is it all you imagined?”

I nod. “Sort of. It’s nice being away from my dad and everyone back home. And I have better friends here.”

“And your love life?” she asks, immediately blushing like the words tumbled out before she could stop them.

I give a small smile. “I’m not seeing anyone, Emmie.”

She keeps her eyes fixed to her cup of tea. “Me either. And the first guy I’m in to, turns out to be a bigger prick than the last.” She presses her lips into a fine line and winces before raising her eyes to mine. “Sorry.”

I shrug it off. “You have every right to feel like that.”

“I don’t,” she argues, placing the cup on the side. “You’ve been really nice to me, and I’m here being a bitch.”

“You’ve been through a lot in the last few hours.”

She heads over to the window and peels back the sheet to look outside. “Do you think he drugged me?”

“Yes,” I say clearly, and she spins to look at me. “Emmie, you’re already thinking it, don’t look shocked.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Sex?”

She shakes her head. “I told you he didn’t do that. Although, apparently, I was being sick so maybe he didn’t get a chance.”

“Maybe he felt bad when you were sick and changed his mind? The truth is, we could spend all day guessing why, but only he knows that. The main thing is you’re safe now.”

She wraps her arms around herself, nodding. “Thank you.”

“Why don’t we watch a film?” She nods and I slide further up the bed, patting the space beside me. She smiles, joining me. “You pick,” I add, handing her the remote.

I wake with a start, relaxing when I feel Emmie’s warm body pressed against my own. I glance down to where her bare leg is laid over my thighs and the t-shirt she’s wearing has ridden up. I groan, glaring up at the ceiling and willing myself to think pure thoughts. Emmie’s been through enough without having me getting hard over her.

She stirs, running her hand over my chest and then immediately gasps and pushes herself away from me. She spins, losing her balance and almost falling off the bed. I grab her just in time, and we lock eyes. “It’s just me,” I say, reassuringly. “You’re safe.”

Her eyes dart around, and I hate how Landon’s made her nervous. She finally relaxes but pushes to sit, crossing her legsand pulling the t-shirt over her knees. “Sorry,” she whispers. “I must have fallen asleep.”

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