Page 45 of The Making of Jonty Bloom
“That was refreshing.” Jonty grinned.
“You’re still talking.”
“The cold only shut my mouth for a moment. I must remember that. Too much pain for a moment’s gain.”
“Want your trainers?”
Jonty took them. “Thanks. I won’t put them on yet. Come on. There’s something even more fantastic to see around the corner. And no, I won’t be unzipping my jeans again.”
“I didn’t see anything fantastic.”
Jonty turned and stared at him. “Not even the tiniest hint of my arse?”
“No.”
“You wanted to say yes, I can tell.”
Devan laughed.
As they moved onto Bamburgh beach and the castle came into view, Jonty sighed. “This is mine and Tay’s favourite place. I always go in the sea when I come here. I sort of made a promise to myself that I would, and now I’m scared to stop, in case I don’t get to be here again.”
“I’ve seen pictures…”
“Of my arse? Where? Oh God. No!”
Devan rolled his eyes. “It’s magnificent.”
“Thank you. I knew you were lying.” Jonty wriggled his backside. “Grade 1 listed. It’s open to the public. The oldest part is a twelfth century keep. Oh shit, that sounded so wrong. I don’t— No, I’ll shut up now before I make it worse.”
“Have you been inside?”
Jonty hesitated. “We’re talking about Bamburgh castle, right?”
“Well, you can’t fuck your own… Can you?”
“Er…”
“Are you saying…?” Devan made a faint strangled sound. “Yes, the castle.”
Jonty laughed. “I’m very flexible.”
“Shut up.”
“I can wrap my legs around my neck without strangling myself.”
“Shut the fuck up.”
“Do you want me to?”
Devan let out a quiet groan. “Do I want you to what?”
“Show you how flexible I am or shut the fuck up?”
“Save yourCirque du Soleilact for later. Is there anywhere to eat in Bamburgh?”
“Several places, though no actual fish and chip shops, but you can probably get fish and chips in the restaurants. We’d have to go back to Seahouses for the real deal.”
“Let’s see how hungry we are when we reach the turnaround point.”
