Page 24 of The Plan
“Okay. Well if you’re ever not just friends, I think that might be okay too.”
“Good to know. Thanks, sweetheart.”
I have mixed feelings about Sinead’s approval of whatever relationship Blake and I have. On one hand, it’s nice to know she’s aware her dad might not want to be alone, but also makes me start to picture what it might be like being with him, and that’s dangerous ground to be on. I just about contain the smile that wants to spread across my face, but instead, I focus on the film and try to put images of Blake out of my mind.
Sinead ends up going to bed before the film finishes because she can barely keep her eyes open. I was having a similar problem, so went and made myself a strong cup of coffee, knowing I was going to have to drive home once Blake appeared.
A bang brings me to, but not enough to open my eyes. I’m just drifting back off again when I feel movement next to me. My eyes fly open and I put my arms up in defence. When I look to see who it is, my gaze lands on a shining dark blue pair.
I lower my arms and sit there while his eyes run all over my face and down to the blanket I’m covered by.
“Wha’re you doin’ ‘ere?” he slurs.
“Aunt Addy was ill so I’ve been looking after Sinead. She’s in bed.”
“I’d hope so.”
“I should go,” I say, trying to pull the blanket off, but Blake cages me in with hands both sides of my waist.
“You’re beautiful, Addison.”
“And you’re drunk. Let me up, please.”
“I’m not that drunk. I know what I’m seeing,” he says, bringing one giant hand up to hold my cheek. “And I know I want you.”
The gentle hum he ignited in my body when he first appeared jumps up a notch and a steady throb starts between my thighs.
“Blake,” I say, but I have no idea where I’m going with it.
“I’m serious. I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you.”
“Okaaay.” I manage to scramble out from under the blanket and off the sofa, only to have my wrist grabbed by his giant hand. A giant hand that feels so good against my skin.
Our eyes connect once again and hold. His telling me exactly what he wants to do without words, and mine pleading: although I want what he’s offering, I know it’s not a good idea. He’s too close to Aunt Addy. I’ve just formed some kind of bond with his daughter. I can’t do that to her when it doesn’t work out. Maybe if tonight hadn’t happened I could have. But it has, and I can’t.
“This is a bad idea, Blake,” I say, tugging my wrist away.
“It would be so good though.”
Suddenly, he’s on his feet and backing me up to the wall. I go to dart to the hallway, but he once again cages me in.
He leans forward and runs his nose down the length of my neck, breathing me in. All the air in my lungs comes rushing out as I hold on to my last threads of sanity.
“Blake, we can’t.”
“You need to leave right now then.”
“What?”
“Leave. Now.”
I don’t question him this time. I duck under his arm, and grab my boots and handbag from the hallway before running from the house.
The car unlocks as I get closer and I thank God for Aunt Addy having a new one with keyless entry. I jump in and throw my bag and boots on the passenger seat. Placing my hands on the wheel I rest my head back while trying to get my breathing under control.
I’ve no idea how long I sit there, but eventually the cold starts to get to me so I press the button down to start the car while somewhat awkwardly pulling my boots on so I can drive.
I just go to look in the mirror to back off the drive when I see movement in the window. He’s stood there staring at me. Has he been there the whole time?
