Page 34 of Paper Roses

“What a relief. That sounds like something that might benefit Rafferty, though.”

I chuckle. “You like him, really.”

His revolted expression makes me smile wider. I can’t believe he’s made me smile even though we’re standing in the ruins of my home.

“Well,” I say, “we need to get that cleaned up.”

“Oh no. It’s fine?—”

“Jed,” I interrupt the predictable statement. “You’re getting that cleaned up.”

He nods obediently, which is a very novel concept. Before we leave, he grabs the lamp. I give him a doubtful look.

“It’s a miracle they didn’t smash or sell it,” he says. “Do you want to push your luck any further and leave it here?”

“Good point.”

Once outside on the steps, we gulp in the fresh air. It’s so sweet after the stench of inside.

I walk to the car with him at my heels. After we get in, I grab the first aid kit from the glovebox. I cover my hands in sanitiser and sort through the box, laying out what I need on my knees. “Hand, please,” I say.

He rolls his eyes but proffers the injured hand. In the daylight it looks even worse, and the edges of the cut are already puffy. “Maybe you need to go to the hospital,” I say worriedly. “You might need stitches in this.”

“I don’t.” I look up at him and his mouth quirks. “Trust me, I don’t.”

I bite my lip, considering whether I should believe him. His gaze drops to my lips and my chest flutters with heat as his eyes darken.

“Well,” I say. “I’m no Florence Nightingale, but I’ll do my best if you trust me.”

“I do.” His tone is surprisingly heavy, and when I gaze at him his eyes are a clear, serious green. “Idotrust you, Artie.” There’s a short silence and then his mouth quirks. “That was probably a little too intense.”

“Not at all,” I say lightly. “My first aid brings all the boys to my yard.”

He snorts, and I open a packet of sterilised wipes and start to clean the wound. His wedding ring shines golden in the light, and I can’t help thinking,I put that on his finger. I take a breath and carry on with my task.

I’m nearly done when he says, “What did you think?”

I look up, surprised to find his face so close to mine. I drop my eyes to where his lips are ensconced by his beard. Thewhiskers had felt soft on my face when he’d kissed me at the registry office. He raises one eyebrow, and I realise I’ve been quiet for too long.

“Of the house?” I ask.

He nods.

“It looks pretty bad in there.”

“It’s going to take a lot of money to fix.”

“I have some savings.”

“I can help.”

“You already are.” My gratitude is strong, but I need to close this avenue of conversation.

Ever perceptive, he changes the topic. “Well, luckily Mr Davies said we have two weeks before we have to move in. It’s not much time, but… Are you sure you don’t want to contest the stipulations?”

“Yes,” I say. “And I told you why I wouldn’t.” I look at my watch. “I’ve arranged to meet two builders here to get a couple of quotes.”

“I told you I could help with that.”

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