Page 87 of Fe
“Give the place a chance. We could do a pottery course. Get down and dirty with the wheel. Are you in the least bit arty?”
“No.”
“Then snake charming.”
“Mmm.”
“Though you’d have to do it on your own. I’d watch. From a distance and by that, I mean by video link from another town.”
“I’ve eaten rattlesnake.”
Fen gasped. “And I kissed you? What else have you eaten?”
They were still laughing when they went into the restaurant. Fish and chips were on the menu so they stayed, though the place looked as if Christmas had exploded. There were garlands everywhere along with endless strings of fairy lights. If Ripley had been on his own, that would have been enough to make him cancel the booking.
He knew he had to get over his feelings about Christmas. It was pathetic. But knowing it and doing it were very different things. However, he didn’t want to have to explain anything to Fen and the only way he was going to get away with that, was if they were apart.
“These are the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten.” Fen moaned quietly. “The haddock melts in my mouth. And the batter? It’s fantastic.”
“I agree. They’re really good. Better than the food at my mother’s. I should have warned you. I have to spend Christmas there. I would have asked you to come, but…”
“She thinks I’m a thief. I get it, and anyway, I’d probably disappoint my mum if I didn’t spend Christmas with her.”
Ripley hid his relief. He’d hole himself up in the house and binge a Netflix series he’d been meaning to get to, if he wasn’t too drunk. “Want me to drive you over on Christmas Eve and collect you on Boxing Day?”
“No thanks. Alistair will play chauffeur. Did I tell you, they’re getting married in Italy?”
“No. Why Italy?”
“They’ve been there on holiday every year since they met. They love the food, the people, the wine and the countryside. I have to admit, I’m not particularly looking forward to going because Charles and Scott will be there. If it wasn’t that Mum would be very upset if I didn’t go, I wouldn’t. But it’s going to be awkward.”
“I could go with you.”
Fen shook his head. “They’re getting married in July, so…”
And we won’t be together then.Ripley should have felt relieved Fen was acknowledging that, so why did he feel disappointed?
“It’s okay. I can cope.”
“If you change your mind, the offer still stands.”
“Thanks.” Fen shot him a smile. “That’s kind of you. And don’t forget I offered to help you sort out those books.”
“I haven’t forgotten. There’s no rush. Even if the house sold in the next week, it will take months to get to an exchange of contracts.”
As they headed back from the restaurant, Ripley didn’t reach for Fen’s hand and wasn’t sure why. Fen chattered away at his side about the day and Ripley let him set the pace. He had the feeling Fen was talking to fill space rather than having something to tell him. What was he anxious about?
“Want to use the hot tub?” Ripley asked.
“No. I want to go to bed.”
Fen shot him a nervous but cheeky glance that almost stopped Ripley’s heart.
“I’ve been trying to think of an activity where you just lie there and I’ve come up with one for you,” Fen said. “Can you guess what it is?”
Ripley’s cock went hard. “Does it involve me being naked?”
“Yes. Completely. I don’t know why guys leave their socks on. It looks weird.”
