Page 41 of Out of the Shadows
Everybody’s following suit, although some of the group have said they’re opting for an early night instead. Moments later, it’s just me and Cosmo.
“My saviour,” he says, inclining his head. “And I think I owe you a drink.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“No. I insist.”
I’m about to push back when I see the set of his jaw and the determination in his eyes. He’s not going to take no for an answer.
“Thank you.”
The set resolution in his face melts away, softening his features. He smiles, open and bright and somehow tinged with shyness, and Christ, but I can’t help but smile back.
“Here, let me help.”
I extend my arm, and Cosmo grabs hold of my hand. It’s strong and warm in my own and I’m reminded, in a vivid flash, of his body, just as strong and just as warm, pressed hard against my back.
“Thanks.”
Cosmo uses me to lever himself up. Like his smile he’s lopsided as he rests his weight on his uninjured side.
“I think I can stand unaided. Or sort of.”
I stare down at our hands, still joined.
“Sorry.” I pull my hand free, feeling clumsy and ungainly and somehow exposed. “At least you can put some weight on it now.” It’s something to say, to fill what feels like a gaping, silent void.
“Hmm, not for long, I reckon. I’m going to be hobbling very slowly. Unless you’re offering to give me another piggyback, of course?”
“Well, if you need—”
“I was joking.”
“Yes, of course.” I feel foolish, but I can’t help but glance at him.
I catch my breath and my heart stutters, because there’s no brash over-confidence in his eyes, no hint of derisive laughter. Instead there’s the softness of a smile and a glimpse of what I can only think of as vulnerability. Whoever this Cosmo Stern is, it’s a version of himself I doubt he allows few, if anybody, to see. I blink, I literally blink hard, and when I look again it’s gone.
“Do you think you can keep Kyle away from me? He’s over compensating for being a pillock and that fixed grin of his creeps me out.”
“What?”
Cosmo’s words throw me for a second, but I follow his gaze.
Kyle’s standing in the doorway, grin welded in place, wide-eyed and kind of scrubbed looking, putting me in mind of the Jehovah’s Witnesses my mother used to argue with on the doorstep of the small suburban house I grew up in.
“I’ve brought the minibus around. Only one’s needed. Cosmo, let me help you.”
Kyle rushes forward, and I step in his way.
“It’s okay. Thanks for your offer, but I’ve got this.”
Back off…
“You see what I mean? Coming to my rescue again.”
Cosmo’s chuckling laughter dances over my skin as he takes my arm for support, and we make our slow way out.
