Page 41 of Forget me Knot
“Right,” I agree, placing my finger on my lips as we creep into the flat.
As we head to my bedroom, I can feel the tension building between us already. There’s so much left unsaid, so many feelings we’ve been dancing around. But for now, I’m just grateful for his presence, for the sense of safety he brings.
Without words, we settle into bed, the familiar warmth of Jack’s body next to mine both comforting and electrifying. He flicks the TV on quietly, but I’m taking the opportunity to sleep, too nervous about tomorrow to eat. Jack will sort himself out, I’m sure. As I start to drift off, I can’t help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. With Emily leaving and my heat approaching with no clear way forward, everything feels like it’s on the brink of change.
But for now, in this moment, I feel safe. And that’s enough.
Chapter 19
Lily
Iwake up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. For a moment, I forget about everything that’s happened, but then reality comes crashing back. Emily. The enforcer. Sam’s family. Jack sleeping next to me.
I turn my head to look at Jack, who’s still fast asleep. His face is relaxed, peaceful, and I resist the urge to trace the lines of his face with my finger and instead slip out of bed quietly. It’s still early, the sun just rising, but in the living room, Emily’s already awake, sitting on the edge of the sofa bed with her backpack at her feet. She looks up when I enter, her eyes wide and nervous.
“Morning,” I say softly. “You’re up early.”
She nods. “Went to sleep too early.”
“Same,” I giggle, and she returns it. “Tea?”
“Please,” she says.
As I’m preparing the tea, Jack emerges from the bedroom, his hair mussed from sleep, dressed only in his jeans. “Morning,” he mumbles, heading straight for the tea I’m making.
Emily’s eyes widen at the sight of Jack shirtless and divine, standing in the kitchen oblivious to the stares in his direction.
Yeah, I’m staring, too. He’s fucking delicious.
When the tea is ready, we disperse around the flat, sipping our drinks.
“So,” I start, looking at Emily. “I’ve got some news for you.”
Emily nods. “Good or bad?”
I smile reassuringly. “Good. Sam and George’s family have agreed to take you in. You’ll be staying with them for a while.”
Emily tries not to smile, but I can see it. She is scared, but she is also fascinated by George, and the prospect of being closer to him gives her the courage she needs to make this move.
“Sam sorted it out last night,” Jack explains. “They’re expecting you today.”
Emily looks between us, her expression full of relief as well as anxiety. “Okay. I suppose that’s for the best.”
I reach out and squeeze her hand. “I know it’s sudden, but it’s the safest option right now.”
She nods slowly, processing the information. “George lives there?” she asks casually, looking anywhere but at me or Jack.
We share a smile at the slight blush that creeps across her cheeks. “Yes, he will be, and Jack and I will come with you to make sure you’re settled in properly.”
Some of the tension leaves Emily’s shoulders at this. “Okay. Thank you.”
“It’s still crazy early, so we’ll have breakfast and then watch some TV, maybe, to pass the time.”
“Okay,” she says again.
“Right,” I say. “Jack, can you be on breakfast duty while I make up a bouquet for Sam and George’s mum as a thank you?”
They both nod, and I head down to the shop in my pyjamas, Jack hot on my heels. “Not so fast,” he chides. “Let me have a look around first.”
