Will picked up his glass of white wine, then waited for Ginny to untangle herself. He held back a laugh while she wasn’t looking, smiling widely to himself.
The living room was cosy and a little quaint, with two loveseats facing a large television above a brown-brick fireplace. The small flames flickered and crackled, warming the lavender-scented air.
Mrs Henshaw gestured at the pink seat. ‘You two sit there, and I’ll put the film on.’
Will eyed the plump sofa, thinking it fit for two smaller people than him. He glanced at Ginny, then back at the loveseat, figuring they might fit, seeing how she was small.
As though having the same thought, Ginny said, ‘You sit first.’
He did, sinking low into its squishy material, then waited until Ginny sank into his side. He had to admit, it was comfy.
She flicked the slippers off, tucking her feet up into her robe on the seat, then sipped her wine, seeming happy with their snuggly situation.
‘Hope you like old movies,’ said Mr Henshaw. ‘It’s all we watch.’
Will wasn’t much of a TV man, but he wasn’t fussed. Ginny was snuggled to his side, his stomach was full, his body relaxed,and not even Lily coming in to stand behind him could spoil his good mood.
Mrs Henshaw started the romance story, and everyone settled down for the night, including Hettie and some of her friends.
The next thing Will knew, Mrs Henshaw was tapping his shoulder.
‘Wake up, Will. It’s time for bed.’
He blinked hard, stretching his eyelids while gathering his bearings.
‘I’ve already put my other half to bed,’ she whispered. ‘Looks like you need to do the same.’
Will turned his head to see Ginny fast asleep on him. She looked so serene, he didn’t want to disturb her.
‘I’ve locked up for the night,’ added Mrs Henshaw. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’
He waited until she left, then turned back to Ginny. Carefully, he slipped off the sofa while keeping her head in place, then scooped her up like a bride and headed for the stairs.
Ginny stirred but remained glued to his chest, causing all sorts of emotions to build in him.
After struggling with the door, Ginny’s robe, and the bedding, he gently tucked her in bed, then silently sighed at the chaise longue, knowing he was in for an uncomfortable night.
There was a red blanket folded on the seat, so he grabbed that and used only one cushion for his bunk.
It was no good. No matter which direction he turned, he couldn’t make himself fit. The blanket was getting tangled with his dressing gown, the cushion had fallen somewhere he couldn’t see, and then he somehow rolled sideways and hit the floor.
‘Ow!’ he mumbled, groaning to a stand.
‘Get in the bed, Will,’ said a croaky voice.
He squinted his weary eyes down at her face, hidden in the darkness of the room. She looked to be still asleep, so maybe he imagined hearing her voice. He was just about to sit down when Ginny spoke again.
‘Get in bed.’
Not needing any more confirmation, Will trotted around to the other side of the bed, whipped off his robe, and scrambled under the covers, glad of the warmth Ginny had already placed there.
He stared at the back of her head, smiled to himself, closed his eyes, then fell fast asleep.
Chapter 14
Ginny
Ginny woke to find herself attached to Will’s chest. His breathing was steady, giving her the impression he was still asleep. She wanted to take a peek at his face but didn’t want to move in case he woke and found her wrapped around him, even though he was doing the wrapping too.
