Page 52 of Love ad Lib
He closed his eyes briefly and exhaled, then lifted her into his arms. She reflexively held around the back of his neck.
Their eyes met.
Libby was suddenly aware of just how close they were. How much of him was currently touching her. Henry’s eyes were dark and she couldn’t see anything but them. He blinked and the sweep of his long lashes sent a tremor through her.
Loud clapping from Arthur and Dervla broke the moment.
Henry blinked again and readjusted his features to those of a man one step away from disowning his parents.
He carried her into the room then stopped, his mouth hanging open.
In the centre of the room was an enormous four poster bed. It was modern, created from strips of pale, cream-coloured wood that had been steamed and shaped into sinuous, sensuous curves. The four posts were interwoven spirals, reaching up like spires to touch the ceiling. Each point supported a gauzy white canopy that draped over the bed. Each side was separated in half, the sections tied to the posts with white silk ribbons. A white coverlet embroidered with cream thread lay on top. It was strewn with hundreds of rose petals.
Libby gasped. ‘That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.’
‘That’s not my bed,’ said Henry.
Dervla stepped forward and untied a thick ribbon from one of the posts. She wrapped it around both of her hands and tugged, demonstrating how strong it was.
‘Dual purpose,’ she said with a wink.
Henry ignored her and gently let Libby to the floor. Her legs wobbled and her hand shot out to steady herself.
‘Thank you,’ he said stiffly. ‘It is very lovely. And I look forward to, er, sleeping in it.’
Dervla retied the ribbon. ‘Or not...’
Henry took one of his bags from his father and placed it on a wooden dresser, then cleared his throat. ‘Okay. Thank you both very much. We’re going to unpack now.’ He unzipped his bag with a flourish.
‘But you haven’t seen the bathroom!’ said Dervla.
‘What bathroom?’
‘This bathroom!’ said his father, triumphantly, pushing open a door. ‘We’ve re-modelled that ghastly old playroom of yours and turned it into a place to bathe, pamper and play. Come take a look!’
Libby’s feet were lead as she followed Henry into the adjoining room.
‘His and hers sinks,’ said Dervla. ‘A party-sized rainforest shower with extra detachable heads—’
‘Very powerful,’ said Arthur. ‘Got your mom off within five minutes.’
‘And a two-person jacuzzi with ten speeds,’ Dervla continued.
‘Got your mammy off within—’
‘My old daybed? Where is it?’ Henry asked, as if refusing to believe what was in front of his eyes.
‘Eh? Whatcha worried about that old thing for?’ replied his father. ‘We chucked it. Sodding squirrel got in the window anyway and tore it to bloody pieces over the winter.’
Henry bent over one of the sinks, his hands gripping the edge of the basin.
‘Come on, Arthur. Let’s leave these two to enjoy themselves.’ Dervla took his hand and led him out of the room.
‘Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do,’ his father called out before Libby heard the bedroom door close.
11
Henry sat on the edge of the jacuzzi, his head in his hands.
