Page 85 of Love Is: Two Bodies One Soul

‘Owen, have you fallen asleep?’

‘No, I’m still awake.’

‘Are you being eaten alive by insects out there?’

‘No.’

‘Good.’ She closed her eyes again and folded her arms around her chest, pretending it was Owen hugging her. Something on the sleeping bag moved – a wriggling sensation tickled her arm. She sat up, screaming.

Owen arrived inside the tent.

‘What is it? Lex, what’s wrong?’

‘There’s something in here.’

Owen fumbled in his pocket. Seconds later, a small pencil torch shone a puny beam around the floor, and something with a tail skittered into the shadows.

‘It’s all right, Lex.’ Owen pocketed the torch and put his arms around her. She relaxed as he drew her close to his chest. She could feel as well as hear his voice as he said, ‘It was just a gecko. Good to have inside the tent. They eat insects.’

‘Like my own miniature bodyguard?’

‘You could say that.’ Owen squeezed her so tight it hurt, but she didn’t want him to stop.

‘Thank you.’

‘What for?’

‘For coming to my rescue, for not laughing at me. I’m sorry for being such a wuss.’

‘You’re not a wuss, Lex. Far from it.’

‘Will you stay now?’

‘You don’t need me when you’ve got George the gecko standing guard.’

‘But I’d rather have you.’

Owen sighed. ‘All right, I’ll stay, but no funny business.’

‘Spoilsport.’

They settled side by side.

‘Will you hold me, please, Owen?’

Owen wrapped his arms around Lexie again.

‘That’s better than a gecko,’ she said, smiling into the darkness.

‘Behave yourself, woman,’ Owen muttered.

But she thought, from his tone, that he was also smiling.

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