Page 60 of Love Is: Two Bodies One Soul

‘I don’t know, but I wouldn’t be surprised.’ She cast an inquisitive look at Owen and asked, ‘Do you?’

‘Weight lifting? Good God, no. You won’t find me in a gym. Far too boring. This body results from dedicated neglect.’

‘You must have good genes, then.’

‘Not sure about that either,’ Owen sipped the Champagne and looked for somewhere to sit. The bed, a satin covered stool by the dressing table, or a fancy chaise longue, which did not give off too many comfort vibes.

‘Bed?’ Lexie said.

Surprised, Owen swung round.

‘It looks more comfortable than that.’ She pointed at the chaise.

Owen opened his mouth to argue, but Lexie stopped him. ‘You said you wouldn’t try to jump me.’ She moved to the bed, kicking off her shoes as she went. ‘And you said you wouldn’t seduce me. I trust you.’

‘Me and my big mouth,’ Owen muttered and followed her to the bed, grateful she’d not heard him.

* * *

Lexie rolled over,the linen rustling around her, less fresh than it had been on the previous night. She stretched out contentedly, expecting to find Owen, but her hand landed on a cool sheet, and her eyes shot open. He wasn’t there. Had she dreamed it? Kate had threatened the other night that Lexie’s sleep would be full of erotic dreams of Owen. Is that what had happened?

‘Morning, Lex,’

She turned to the sound of his voice. There he was, standing by the open window, wearing nothing but a bath towel wrapped around his hips. He must be freezing.

‘What are you doing over there?’ she asked, easing herself into a sitting position, dragging the sheet up with her to cover herself. Getting upright made her head hurt. She remembered saying never again to Kate after their boozy night less than a week ago. How easily promises could be broken. Then she remembered Owen’s promise to her the night before.

After he’d promised not to jump her, they’d spent an hour drinking the Champagne. Him on one side of the bed, she on the other. They’d giggled over Roger’s note, discovered by Owen under the ice bucket when fetching the bottle to refill their glasses.

‘Hey, listen to this,’ Owen began to read.

My darling Lexie.

Owen flicked a glance at her, and, clearing his throat, he went on. I am so pleased you have found a lovely man at last. And he truly is gorgeous. Owen tutted, frowning before he continued. I am positively jealous, my dear. I don’t suppose he has a gay brother. Only joking – you know I am ever faithful to our local vet, the dear boy.

Here’s a little bedtime drink.

Enjoy.

And I hope I am not being too personal, but I sprung this surprise on you both, so you may not be prepared. So, you’ll find all the necessary in the left bedside table drawer.

Kisses to both of you.

Roger.

P.S. I’ve asked the kitchen to send you up breakfast in the morning around nine.

‘What do you think he means by the necessary?’ she’d asked, leaning over to the bedside table.

‘I dread to think.’ Then Owen’s tone had suddenly changed and he cried out. ‘No! Lex.’

Hearing the alarm in his voice, Lexie was relieved when all she found was a packet. She’d giggled. ‘Don’t worry, it’s only condoms.’

‘We won’t be using those out of deference to our host,’ Owen muttered and refilled their glasses before returning to his place on the far side of the bed. ‘We’ll need to tell George about Roger early on Monday,’ he added. ‘George won’t be happy if people poke about at WIV without prior warning.’

Agreeing, Lexie had slid from the pillow, the room and the painted-on ceiling stars spinning.

‘Time for sleep,’ Owen suggested. ‘I’ll have the chaise.’

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