Page 53 of Only ever you-Ana & Byron
"So," she began, voice a little stiff, "I've been offered a job."
He glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah?"
"Editor. Proper full-time gig. Not freelance this time. Benefits and everything."
Byron raised his brows, impressed.
"Big boss now, eh? Where's it at?"
She gestured vaguely toward the skyline. "Building just across the road."
He grinned like he had won a prize.
"Right across? Then you might as well move in. I've got an extra parking space."
Ana choked on her coffee.
"Whoa. Woah. Baby steps."
Byron smirked, unfazed.
"I'm just sayin', it's a sweet setup. Regular sex, breakfast in bed, and no bleedin' commute. You'd be daft not to."
"I'm keeping my apartment," she said firmly.
"It's on the other side of Manchester, love."
"Exactly. Which gives me enough space to breathe when you're being a smug bastard."
He held up both massive hands in mock surrender.
"Alright, alright. Baby steps. But you spend half the time here."
She softened a little.
"Can we... keep this quiet, though? Just for now. Let's wait till we're sure."
Byron looked like he wanted to protest, but something in her eyes made him hesitate.
"Deal," he said finally. "But not tellin' Gray is gonna kill me. Can't lie to that sod-he can smell it on me. Admit it, you are worried your mates will see your bare butt when I take you against the bedroom window."
She laughed, blushing at the same time, but it faded quickly.
"I'll still have to take the odd job abroad," she said. "But I don't think I'll be covering any more warzones."
Her tone changes into something more guarded.
She set her mug down, eyes fixed on a smudge in the woodgrain.
"The blackout last night... The psych told me it might happen. Nightmares too. Memory gaps. Some numbness. She said it's likely PTSD, probably linked to blast trauma."
Byron turned, the humour draining from his face. His eyes were laser-focused on her face.
"Shit, Ana. Why didn't you tell me before?"
"Because I'm dealing," she said quickly. "I've got someone I talk to. She's been good. "
She looked up at him, mouth tugging at a corner.
