Page 23 of Rivers of Ink
“Who are you and what did you do with Alicia Dylan?” Nell’s tone was teasing. “You speak sense for someone who doesn’t know what’s going on with your own fella.”
“So I should see him tonight?”
Nell nodded vigorously. “Absolutely.”
Alicia fished around and found her phone. “Okay, I’ll go see him. Sort out whatever last night was all about, perhaps stay over.”
“Oh, you’ll definitely stay over.” Nell said philosophically. “And if you don’t stay and have mind-blowing sex, you’ll just have to come home.”
“Ugh, and have to listen to you and Rory doing the same?”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Alicia fixed Nell with a look. “You know make-up sex is always the best.” As she said the words, Alicia hoped she was going to find out for herself.
13
After he got back from work, Callan spent around an hour making sure the flat was as tidy as possible. He changed the bedding, shoved a load of crap into the cupboard in the hallway, and pushed a vacuum cleaner around. He changed into a pair of faded jeans that hung off his hips and a v-neck t-shirt that clung to his muscular torso. The intercom went as he was contemplating whether to light some candles.
“Come on up,” he answered, as Alicia’s voice floated into the room.
He went to the door and opened it, waiting for her to arrive. She appeared moments later, clutching a bottle of red wine in one hand.
“Hey, I’m glad you came.” Callan kissed her on both cheeks and ushered her through the door and into the living room. He took the bottle from her as she shrugged off her coat. “Do you want a glass now? I ordered us some pizza. It should be here soon.”
“Sounds good.”
He took her coat and dropped it on the bed, then went to the kitchen. As he sorted the wine out, he observed Alicia. She was dressed in blue jeans and a slightly oversized off-the-shoulder jumper, which exposed her skin. Her hair was loose, and she wore simple silver earrings. Her back was to him as she stood admiring the view from the window. What he wanted to do was go over to her, slip his arms around her waist, kiss her neck, and apologise for being an idiot. He needed to explain everything about Isobel and Xander and how that had affected him. Then he wanted to take her to bed.
Callan took the two glasses over and handed one to Alicia. “Shall we sit down?”
They both perched on the edge of the sofa. It seemed such a formal situation, almost as if they didn’t know each other. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Alicia giggled.
“What’s funny?” asked Callan.
Alicia waved her glass around. “This. Us. I mean, it’s not like we haven’t well, you know?”
She was right, thought Callan, as his mouth curved into a smile. “Mmm, it does feel a little strange, doesn’t it?” He paused. “I really do want to apologise for last night. Ned can be a total douche sometimes.”
“I’m not going to argue with either of those things.”
Their eyes met, and Callan leaned towards Alicia, bringing his hand up to stroke her cheek. His thumb traced a line across her lips, and her breath hitched.
The intercom buzzed again, breaking the moment.
“I guess that’ll be dinner then.”
Callan reluctantly broke away and went to let in the pizza delivery guy. His stomach growled. He hadn’t managed to eat anything all day and was looking forward to the food. He set the boxes down on the low coffee table in front of the sofa.
“I didn’t know what you’d like, so I got a meat feast and a vegetarian. Nothing too spicy though.”
“Both good choices. I’m starving.” She broke open one of the boxes and grabbed a slice.
Callan followed suit and shoved almost an entire slice into his mouth. It tasted like heaven.
They ate and talked, discussing The Unbound Soul, the potential promotions and marketing they could do; Aidy and Wren’s upcoming wedding the following week—anything except them and what had happened the previous evening.
“I can’t eat anymore.” Alicia sat back on the sofa, holding her stomach, after they’d polished off about three quarters of the food. “Not sure there’s much left for our breakfast.”
