“Here, put your coat on. I promise no one will say anything about how you’re dressed.”
He was right. No one paid us any attention. We were led to a table upstairs, overlooking the estuary. The room was dimly lit, a single candle on each table.
“Well, this is romantic.” I took his hand in mine and kissed his knuckles.
His eyes sparkled in the candlelight, still warm and full of expression. A small smile played on his lips.
“It’s nice. I usually get takeaway from here. I never usually sit in. Bit boring on your own.”
“Well, now you have me.”
“I’ve only ever wanted you.”
“Except you did a good job of forcing me out of your life.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. More than you know. If I could change the past…”
“No. I don’t think we should. We met at the wrong time, but this right here is the right time. I can’t say I’ll never rememberwhat I saw, but you’re here now, and we’re going to make the most of it.”
A server arrived with our food, and we broke apart.
“This looks amazing.” Thank God my appetite had returned, and when we sat on his sofa later that evening, I was full.
“Wow, I don’t think I’ve eaten this well in ages. You’ve looked after me well, Harv.”
“I love it when you call me that. Always have. It makes me feel special.”
He was in his usual place, snuggled into my chest. I could get used to it.
“You were special. Still are.”
I kissed the top of his head, then fidgeted and tried to get more comfortable. “How about we go to bed?”
He sat up quickly. “Oh, of course. I didn’t realise you were tired.”
I tilted his head so that I could look at him. “I’m not tired.”
His mouth dropped open. “Oh. Oh. You want me to join you?”
I nodded. “That’s right, Harv. You and I, snuggling in bed. No shenanigans, I promise.”
“Well, how can I say no to that? I’ll lock up and meet you there.”
It didn’t take long, and by the time I climbed into bed, Harvey was in the doorway, looking sheepish.
“Should I undress completely? I’m not sure…” He pointed to the bed. I whipped the covers back to reveal myself in my lounge pants.
I meant it when I said we should take it slow. I wasn’t ready for more yet.
Was I disappointed by the look of relief on his face? No, because we both knew that rushing into things might lead to disaster.
“I’ll be right back.” Moments later, he returned wearing a T-shirt and shorts. “It gets warm.”
“Did you ever get that tattoo?”
“Which one?”
“The dragon. The one you were drawing before…”