‘Yes. But it wouldn’t have been much fun on my own. I always have fun with you. And the boys seemed to really enjoy it.’
‘I’ll never hear the end of it now. It’ll be Charlie this, and Charlie that. Your presence will be requested on every trip now. You do realise that.’
He gave my hand another squeeze but didn’t answer. In the back seat, Niall stirred. I turned in my seat, letting go of Charlie’s hand and reached down, picking up the cuddly toy Lego man we’d bought him earlier, who had now taken a dive to the floor. I wiggled again and leant back, tucking him close to Niall. Without waking, a little arm moved and snagged the toy, squashing him close. I watched for a moment, then turned back in my seat.
‘They all right?’ Charlie asked.
I nodded.
* * *
We handed the children over, still sleeping, to their parents and Charlie drove me home.
‘Do you want to check and see if the hot water’s back on? You’re more than welcome to stay with me until it is.’
‘I’m sure it will be.’
Charlie didn’t seem all that thrilled with this gung-ho attitude, which for someone like him was probably a little too reckless in its approach.
‘Why don’t you check?’
‘Charlie. You have to go to work tomorrow. And I’m not getting up at silly o’clock with you to get your train so that you can lock up.’
‘I’d give you a key, you daft woman. I’d hardly turn you out of my bed – house! House! I meant house!’ We were at the outer rim of a puddle of street light but even in the low light, I could see Charlie blush.
‘You’re definitely tired.’
‘I am. I’m shattered. But I did have a great time. Yesterday and today.’
‘Me too. It was fun.’
‘You going to check that water situation?’
‘Nope. I’m going to risk it.’
‘That’s not what I’d advise, you know. And this is my field of expertise.’
‘Hot-water situations.’
He laughed. ‘You’d be surprised.’
I reached up and gave him a big hug. ‘It’ll be fine, but I appreciate the advice and offer.’
Charlie hugged me back. I loved Charlie’s hugs. He had a way of wrapping you up that made you feel as if you could stay there forever. Some people had a knack for great hugs. He was definitely one of those people.
‘I love your hugs,’ I said, and then looked up, surprised. ‘Sorry. That wasn’t meant to come out aloud.’
‘That’s all right. Good to know I’m doing something right.’
‘Definitely.’
He laughed and swooped in for another. ‘Now, come on. If you’re insisting on staying here.’
‘You don’t have to walk me up every time, you know. It’s quite safe.’
‘I’m sure it is, but it makes me feel better if I do.’
‘You’re going to make someone a lovely boyfriend one day.’ Maybe he could give Alex a few lessons in that area…
