Page 69 of Tears of Ink

“How did you know where to find us Mr. Killjoy?”

“Tabitha texted me.”

“Say whaaaaat?” I glare at his little sister. “Traitor.”

I start to laugh and then hold in a breath as Elijah wraps an arm around my waist. “I’m worried you’re going to fall down,” he whispers in my ear, and my stomach thinks it’s a gold medal gymnast flying across the high bars.

“I’m not that drunk,” I lie and try to shrug free, but he holds tight.

“Humour me.”

Tabitha is staring at the pavement as we walk under limited street lights, pretending she can’t see what’s playing out next to her. I can’t remember the last time someone wrapped their arms around me like this. The last time I walked home with a guy not knowing what was going to happen, butterflies of expectation taking to flight in the pit of my tummy.

Everything unknown.

Everything unexpected.

These are things I don’t allow in. I steal a glance up at him in the dark shadows and find him already watching me, his lips curved like he can read every damn thought I’m having.

“Just relax,” he murmurs, and goose bumps prickle my skin.

Relax? Is he crazy? I’m drunk and there’s a gorgeous man walking me home with his arm around my waist like he can’t see all the ink on my skin, like he doesn’t think I’m a certain type of girl because of the way I look.

Bowsley isn’t far, I think, but then it’s kind of hard to tell. The fresh air is turning the white wine into some narcotic concoction and the small lane lined with neat hedgerows is starting to whirl and move. I cling onto Elijah a little tighter. And it’s nothing to do with his man smell and the warm hardness of his chest beneath my arms. It’s because I’m slowly losing the use of my legs. “Did I even eat today?” I ask no one in particular.

“No,” They both say in unison.

“That explains some stuff.”

“It’s something I will be dealing with tomorrow.” Elijah’s gaze stays focused on me in the dark.

“What?”

“How many meals have you had since you came to Bowsley?”

I shrug. “I’ve had a few bread rolls that I can remember.”

“That’s what I thought.”

I pull a face at him and we carry on walking along, me stumbling every few steps, and Elijah guiding the way back.

When we get down the long drive of the Hall, Elijah makes sure Tabitha is safely inside the front door, muttering something low under his breath I don’t catch. I slump on the wide stone steps, I can sleep right now and be as happy as if I were in a feather bed.

“Whoa, you can’t sleep here.”

“It’s fine.” I bat him away. “I’ll move before the kids come tomorrow. They’ll never know.” I close my eyes. I’m going to dream about kisses and wine and then maybe some more kisses.

He doesn’t answer and finally I open my eyes to find him watching me thoughtfully. “What ya doing?”

“Deciding how heavy you are.”

“Like an elephant.”

He snorts and before I can move, he sweeps me up into his arms, pressing me tight against his chest. “Newborn elephant at the very most.”

I whack him with my hand, but then drop my head against his chest as he carries me, lulling me with a wonderful rocking motion with every step he takes.

“You’re a funny woman.” It surprises me when he speaks and jolts me out of my dozing slumber.