We’ve just got into the flat when Cyrus’s bedroom door opens. He steps into the kitchen, stretching, then rubs the sleep from his eyes. He’s dressed in a pair of boxers and a wrinkled t-shirt.
My stomach buzzes at the sight of him. I’ve been waiting for him to re-emerge all day. What will happen now that we’ve slept together? Will his flirting get even worse? Will he kiss me like Jack did? Hug me?
I smile at him shyly as he stumbles towards the coffeemaker. “Hey.”
He jumps like he didn’t even notice me standing here, then nods. “Hey,” he says stiffly.
“Sleep well?” I ask.
He nods noncommittally.
I gesture at the cupboard. “Want a coffee?”
“Yeah, um.” He squints at the machine, then glances back at me. “You know what, never mind,” he mumbles, turning tail and heading back into his room without another word. I stare after him, my hopeful bubble bursting and withering.
Oh. Okay, then.
Cami wriggles in my arms. I look down at her. “Did I say something?” I whisper.
She blows a raspberry in my face.
A door creaks in the corridor, and Jack steps out of his bedroom, yawning. “Finally fuckin’ finished,” he mumbles, then spots Cami. “Um. Finally friggin’ finished,” he corrects himself.
I laugh, sitting on the sofa with Cami on my lap. Jack squeezes in next to me, and I stiffen, not sure what to do. He wraps an arm around my shoulders, tugging me against his chest, and I happily snuggle up to him.
“Thanks,” I mumble into his t-shirt.
He smiles. “For what?”
“Not being weird about last night.”
He sifts a hand through my hair. “I’ve been wanting to do that for ages, Beth. You don’t need to thank me.”
I smile and cuddle closer, my worries about Cyrus slowly dying away as I relax against him. Cami reaches up and curls a hand in his shirt as she drifts off, blowing a bubble between her lips. Jack practically glows with pride.
None of us move for a long time. I can’t remember the last time I felt this comfortable. With a tiny baby on my lap, and a man’s arm around me—it’s almost like having a family cuddle.
Of course, the baby is only borrowed, and the man is my neighbor, but I’ll take what I can get. I’m on the verge of falling asleep when my phone buzzes with a text from Benny.
B: I’m in the lobby. Brought wine. Let’s get MASHED
I check the clock. Shit, it’s already past seven. “I have to go. Benny and I are going clubbing.”
Jack pulls back. “Okay. Stay safe. I’ll probably be working late, so if you need a ride, or anything...”
“It’s fine. We’ll get a taxi.” I stand, popping Cami into her bouncer and brushing down my skirt. “Have a good trip to Scotland.”
He stands too, and I hesitate. Do I hug him? Kiss him? Turn and leave?
Jack smiles, nudging his knuckle under my chin and tipping my face up for a kiss. “I had fun last night,” he says against my lips.
“We should do it again sometime.”
His smile widens. He nudges our noses together. “I would love that.”
There’s a footstep in the hallway, and I look up to see Cyrus loitering in his bedroom doorframe, watching us. There’s an odd expression on his face.
“Bye, Cyrus,” I call. “Enjoy your convention.”