Page 79 of Paper Roses

“Then you don’t know how important you are to me. I would walk miles barefoot just to see you smile.” I stop talking abruptly, unable to believe I just said that.

I shift awkwardly and then he smiles with his usual charm. “Well, I’m pretty sure I’d be walking next to you, telling you to put your shoes on.”

The image makes me smile, and I tune back into Bernie.

“Ready?” I ask, brandishing our joined hands dramatically.

“Always,” he says quietly, and I pull him closer as we start to move.

I’ve danced the waltz with many partners during my time spent here, and I have to say most of them were a lot more graceful than Artie. He steps all over my feet and nearly strangles me with his grip on my shirt collar. But no one has ever danced as joyfully. He follows me, his body warm against me, and Bernie’s instructions fade away as we smile at each other.

His eyes are full of glee, and I know he thinks I was exaggerating about my desire to see him happy. But every word I spoke was the truth. And that’s the scariest thing of all.

We walk into the house laughing, full of wine and good food.

“Oh my god, I’m sostuffed,” Artie moans. “That was the best lasagne I’ve ever tasted.”

“Told you.”

I take his coat and mine and put them in the cupboard before smiling at him. “Did you have a good night?” I’m pretty sure of his answer because happiness beams off him like rays of sunshine. This is only reinforced when he shoves me back against the wall, crowding against me. I automatically spread my legs, feeling my cock start to harden. I lick my lips. “Well?”

“I had the best time. The absolutebest. Can we go again?”

I smile at him. “We can go as many times as you like.”

He rises as I bend down, and our lips meet in the middle in a lush kiss. I immediately pull him closer. I can’t kiss him without needing full body contact. Try as I might to keep our connection light-hearted, our kisses never feel that way. They feel like home. I shove that thought away, but it remains there, a niggle of disquiet under the feel of his mouth. Our tongues tangle, and I start to pull up his T-shirt.

“In thehallway?” he asks, pulling back and trying unsuccessfully to look scandalised.

I smirk. “I think it might be the only place we haven’t fucked so far.”

“Apart from the coal shed.”

“I can work with that. I love a challenge.”

He laughs and I drag him nearer. We both jump when there’s a knock at the door.

I make a disgruntled sound as he pulls away, but he grins up at me, his eyes sparkling. “Stay just like that,” he whispers.

I wink. “Anything for you.”

His smile widens. “I’ll get rid of whoever it is and then I’m going to hold you to that.” He taps my chest. “Allnight. I have big plans for you, Mr Walker.”

“I’m entirely at your disposal, Mr Walker.”

He hesitates, grinning at me with approval all over his pretty face. Then he races to the door and flings it open. He goes entirely still, his hand tightening on the door. “You,” he gasps.

I scramble to fasten my jeans as adrenaline pours into me. In two steps I’m at his side, nudging slightly in front of him, so I can see what’s alarmed him.

A man is at the door. He’s about Artie’s age and very good-looking, with sleek blond hair and very blue eyes. I glance at Artie for an explanation, but he’s staring at the stranger as if he’s Marley’s ghost.

The man shifts on the step. “Hello, Artie,” he says softly. “Long time no see.”

Artie shakes his head as if disbelieving his eyes. “Ben,” he breathes.

Recognition tugs at me. He’d mentioned that name tonight. Then my eyes widen, and I turn back to the stranger.

This is Artie’s ex. Their relationship was serious enough that his family took Artie in. This is the man who left Artie behind and broke his heart.

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