Page 133 of Off the Pitch

This was something straight from Kit’s heart, his very soul, and it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“Kit, that’s amazing,” I said, staring up at him with wide eyes. “It’s… it’s beautiful.”

Kit flushed, turning almost the same shade as his hair. “Really? You think so? I was worried it was a little flat, coulourwise that is.”

“No. No, it’s not flat at all. It’s perfect.” Another spot of rain landed on my hand, and then another. “Merde! We need to go.” I threw him the car keys. “You’d better take that back to the car. I’ll grab everything else.”

Kit nodded, carefully lifting the canvas up and setting off back towards the car, holding it out in front of him as he walked. I began grabbing everything I could reach, shoving it haphazardly into the bag. We could sort it out when we got back to the cottage.

Kit’s equipment was still scattered on the ground, some of it still wet with paint, and by the time I’d shoved it all away I was covered in paint and charcoal too. Good thing I’d decided just to wear a dark t-shirt today. Somehow, I didn’t think white polo-shirts and charcoal were a good mix.

Hefting the bags onto my shoulder and tucking the easel under my arm, I started off down the path… just as the heavens opened and tipped a bucket of ice-cold water on top of me.

I knew Scotland’s weather could be a bit unpredictable, but this was ridiculous.

“Putain de merde, fuck this,” I muttered, jogging along the path, trying to avoid the rapidly forming puddles. This was better exercise than the gym.

“Hugo?” Kit appeared on the path in front of me, his hair plastered to his face. “I thought I’d come help you.” He looked at me, tilting his head to one side as the rain continued to bucket down on us. “I say, you look a bit wet.”

I threw my head back and laughed, my whole body shaking. I had to stop, otherwise I knew I was going to fall over.

“Have you looked at yourself?” I choked out, laughter still shaking my body. Kit looked down at himself and grinned before taking one of the bags from me.

“Well, I suppose we’re both a bit wet. Although, I believe the phrase ‘looking like a drowned rat’ is rather appropriate here.”

We stumbled down the path, laughing as the rain seemed to get heavier, until we arrived back at the car, soaked to the skin.

“I think even my boxers are wet,” Kit said as we sat down in the car with a squelch. His face twisted unhappily. “Yes, they definitely are. Well that’s highly unpleasant.”

“I think we might need a shower when we get back,” I said as I started the car and turned the heater up as high as it would go, a shiver running through me.

“And tea,” Kit said. “Lots of tea and biscuits.”

I smiled fondly at him as the car pulled onto the main road. “You are very British, you know? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who drinks as much tea as you.”

“That is because tea is the greatest drink to ever be invented, and I shall not hear a word against it. David always used to tell me that coffee was better, but I refuse to believe bitter bean juice is the answer to life’s problems.”

I snorted. “Bitter bean juice?”

“Exactly. I mean, I know tea is technically just heated leaf water, but I’ll take leaf water over bean juice any day.”

“I honestly don’t know what to say to that,” I said with a chuckle.

“Just acknowledge the superiority of leaf water, and everything will be fine.”

I love you, you weirdo.The words were so close to falling off my tongue. I didn’t know where they’d come from, but suddenly there they were.

And I knew nothing could be truer: I loved him.

Chapter Twenty

KitJust one more cheese question: what about those little pots of spreadable cheese you get in Tesco?

HugoUm so I love the spreadable brie—it’s my guilty pleasure. It’s just really good

KitSeriously?? Did I find an actual “non-proper” cheese that you like? =P

HugoIf you tell anyone, I’ll never buy you chocolate biscuits again

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