Free Just Human by Kerry Heavens Page A

established that he feels the same about the situation as I do. Have we just made it harder for ourselves?
    My insides tie themselves into knots, but as I’m wondering how to broach these issues with him he opens his mouth.
    “So,” he says glancing down at my chest, “you had a couple of tattoos?”
    Here we go. “I never said a couple, I said some and you said you liked them, though I don’t quite believe you.”
    “I love them! I’ll admit I was surprised. It’s not how I expected you to turn out. But it’s hot!”
    This time I know it is the truth, his eyes give him away. He strokes my side across my ribs, watching his fingers as they trace the lines.
    “Tell me about them.”
    “That’ll take all night…and I’d rather talk about us. What are you doing here?”
    He gives a resigned laugh. “I don’t know what to tell you. I had to see you. I didn’t think past that!”
    “So you just got on a plane with nothing but a condom in your wallet and hoped for the best?”
    “No, I did pack a bag.”
    “Full of condoms?”
    “Clothes! When did you become a pervert?”
    I laugh, but the humour evaporates quickly.
    “How long are you here for?”
    “Depends.”
    He’s being deliberately vague because he thinks it’s cute. But I’ve questions that need answers, questions that I should have been strong enough to ask before we went at it.
    “Be serious!”
    “Why?”
    I prop my head up on my elbow, knowing that if I can form the words, the floodgates will open.
    “Because the last few days have turned my world upside down and I need to know why you came and how long I have before I have to deal with you leaving again.”
    Too much? I sounded more vulnerable than I intended. But I am vulnerable to him. He’s going to leave at some point and it’s going to kill me. At least if I know going in how long I have, I might be able to spare myself some of the heartache.
    “Well, I don’t have anywhere else to be right now. I want to get to know you again.”
    “But what does that mean?”
    “You’re over thinking this, Liv. I’m here and I intend to stay around while we work this thing out.”
    I sigh, really frustrated. “Days? A week? Two? Give me an idea!”
    “As long as we need. I told you, I don’t have anywhere else to be right now.”
    “But what about work?”
    He smiles. “I’ve cleared my desk.”
    “But…”
    He puts his index finger over my lips. “Shhh…the beauty of my job Liv, is that I can do it anywhere. I just need a phone and an internet connection.”
    “So what, you’ll stay?” I know I am getting way ahead of myself, but it’s just self-preservation.
    “Who knows?” he sighs, now he’s getting frustrated. “Can’t we just enjoy this?”
    I think for a moment.
    He’s right, we need to see, but my feelings are much stronger than I realised and I’m looking to protect myself. I need to try and enjoy my time with him, who knows how and when it will end. Treat it as a fling, I tell myself.
    “Okay,” I kiss him lightly and jump up. “Shower?” I ask and hold out my hand.

Five.
    Liv.
    Okay, that’s enough questions for you.
    I step out of the hot water and wrap myself in a towel. Still a bit phased at the sight of Danny in my shower.
    “Where are you staying?” I ask as I hand him a towel.
    “Holiday Inn.”
    “Do you want to have dinner with me?” I can’t believe how nervous I feel again having just shared my bed and then my shower with this man. He’s so familiar, but this intimacy with him is not.
    “Hell yeah, I don’t plan on leaving you now!” he grins as he wraps his arms around me.
    I feel giddy and I’m aware that I should at least try to keep my guard up. But right now he isn’t going anywhere.
    “What do you fancy?”
    He flashes me a wicked look.
    “To eat,” I clarify.
    He looks shy all of a sudden. “I’d really like to eat here.”
    “You want me to cook for you?”
    “No, I want to eat in your restaurant.” He smiles. “I