Page 66 of Love ad Lib
‘Because Finn’s entirely predictable,’ Henry replied. ‘That’s why I’m still friends with him. I know what I’m getting.’
‘Mister Grumpypants,’ said Summer.
‘A bear with a sore head,’ he added, sneaking a look at Libby in the half light. ‘But his insides are honey.’
‘Eh?’ said Finn. ‘Fuck off.’
Libby giggled. ‘I may have suggested to Henry that whatever gruff exterior you possess, you must be sweet inside.’
‘Bollocks,’ Finn muttered as the door opened.
‘This early in the evening?’ asked Leo as he crammed in. ‘Testicles away please, gentlemen. I’m not interested.’
With each new person entering the broom cupboard, Henry found himself getting physically closer to Libby. He’d promised he wouldn’t put himself within eight inches of her, and now he was pressed against her soft form, trying not to breathe in the scent from her hair. The only thing stopping his body from betraying him was the extremely close proximity of his siblings and best friend.
‘Bloody hell, Henry, are you grinding your teeth?’ Leo asked.
His jaw was so tight it took a moment to loosen it enough to speak. ‘No,’ he lied.
‘It’s just the sound of the stick he’s got clenched up his butt,’ said Estelle, closest to the door. ‘My backside, on the other hand, is so relaxed, that—’
‘Get out!’ Leo yelled as Finn laughed. ‘Before it’s too late!’
Everyone spilled into the hall.
‘But we don’t have everyone here yet,’ Estelle complained.
‘Doesn’t matter,’ Summer replied. ‘Let’s go again. This time Henry can go first.’
He glanced at Libby. ‘You okay to go on your own?’
She nodded.
‘Right, Henry, go!’ Summer yelled.
Henry exitedinto the main body of the Manor and tried to think of a place to hide. He considered behind the curtains in the middle corridor, but after a couple of minutes his feet brought him to his childhood room. He pushed open the door and entered.
It was so different now, sensuous and decadent, two words he never thought he’d associate with himself. He moved to the large wardrobe where Libby had hung her dresses, opened it and climbed in.
The darkness enveloped him. Over the familiar and comforting smell of old wood was the unfamiliar and intoxicating scent ofher. He pinched the bridge of his nose.
Everything about this was wrong. Libby was the perfect fake girlfriend because she was a brilliant actress. But earlier, when he’d lifted her into his arms and carried her across the threshold of his bedroom, he’d had the sudden, mad urge to kiss her. And now, all he could think of was the feeling of her body against his.
She has a boyfriend!
Yes, but he’s a twat.
Her twat, not yours.
She didn’t exactly seem thrilled about his vulva paintings?
That doesn’t mean you can try anything on.
She deserves better.
And that’s you, is it?
Shut-up.
