Page 39 of Fe
“I saw that.”
“Maybe I should ask my Tai Chi instructor if she can teach me some different moves. Though I’m always going to be limited by my balance. I really like Tai Chi. It helps with…all sorts of things.”
“I’ve never done it. It looks…”
“Like the sort of thing old people do?”
Ripley winced.
“Hmm. Well, I can see what’s unsaid too. Tai Chi wasn’t conceived as an exercise for older people. It was a vicious martial art but it evolved. It can be good for almost anyone, but yes, you’re right. Most people who do it are old. In the class I go to, I’m the youngest by far.”
“You can manage without your crutch?”
“I can do most exercises without using it. Whether I need it in the day generally depends on how I feel and how far I might have to walk and whether I want to show someone I’m not dependent on it.” He paused. “I will be totally dependent on it one day. So it’s good not to use it unless I have to. I have to admit, I’d assumed I wouldn’t need to defend you tonight.”
“Now I’m going to worry.”
Fen put down his knife and fork. “I’m sorry to leave so much food. Should I have asked for a small portion? Or ask to take it away? Would they do that?”
“Yes, they will. Next time.”
Fen shot him a smile. “McDonald’s. My treat. But you can ask for a small Big Mac for me.”
“I’ll eat what you leave.”
“You eat at McDonalds?” Fen’s eyes widened.
“Sometimes. If I’m lucky and I’m in court near one.”
“McDonald’s is a treat for me. Mum used to take me on a special occasion and buy me a Happy Meal. They always made me happy.” He grinned.
“I don’t know how you manage to stay cheerful. You’re…extraordinarily beautiful. I’m not surprised you were approached by the modelling scout.”
“I’m not beautiful.”
“Take the compliment, Fen. You are.” Ripley set down his own knife and fork. His appetite had gone. His heart beat a little faster. “Do you want to keep seeing me?”
“Yes. If you want to keep seeing me.”
“I do. But this is where it gets difficult.”
Fen looked confused. Ripley was still debating whether to say anything or not.
“Tell me why it’s difficult,” Fen whispered.
What the hell was Ripley going to say? Fen had been thinking everything had been going so well. Now there was abut.Ripley’s knee was still pressed against Fen’s and Fen slid his away.This is something bad.But what? Had Ripley lied? He was in a relationship? Married? Not out?
“There’s something I need to ask you,” Ripley said.
Fen was pretty sure whatever it was, he wasn’t going to like it. In fact, he wasn’t certain he even wanted to hear what Ripley had to say. But he’d been brought up to be well mannered, polite under pressure.It disarms peoplehis mother told him. Though he wasn’t sure anything would disarm a guy like Ripley, a man used to getting exactly what he wanted.
“I like you,” Ripley said. “You’ve made me smile when I thought I’d forgotten how. I like spending time with you. I liked the texts. You’re quirky…different. Intriguing. You caught my attention the moment I saw you, though I wish we’d met when I hadn’t splattered you with dirty water. Obviously, I’m attracted to you. That goes without saying.”
“No, it doesn’t. I want to hear that bit.” Because it might make up for what came after.
Ripley smiled briefly. “Every time I look at you, I want to kiss you. More than kiss you. If I’d not stopped kissing you when we were in the car, I’d have had to ask my driver to get out and go for a walk. As it was, I barely got in the house before I had to…”
“To what? You can’t stop there,” Fen whispered. “Hold on. Hold on. I’m going to take your picture when you tell me.” He held up his phone.
