‘You know you’re making it worse now, don’t you?’
‘I am actually beginning to realise that.’
‘Should I be asking if you’re drunk, Officer?’
He smiled at the tease. ‘Want me to do a sobriety test?’
‘It could be worth it for amusement purposes alone.’
‘OK. Hold up some fingers.’
I held up three. ‘How many fingers am I holding up?’
Alex took my hand and made a big show of counting out my raised fingers, one by one.
‘I believe that’s cheating.’
‘I believe you’re right.’
‘You are drunk,’ I said.
‘Not at all,’ Alex replied. ‘I’m over the limit for driving, yes, but I’m still in full control of my faculties and know exactly what I’m doing.’
His gaze drifted over my face. His hand still held mine from his counting stunt and he took a step nearer. I could feel the heat from his body. I shivered as it collided with the cooling night air.
‘Are you cold?’ he asked, concern in his voice.
‘No. I’m fine. Really.’
Although now he mentioned it…
He placed his hands on my upper arms and I could feel the contrast between the warmth of his skin and coolness of mine.
‘You’re not supposed to lie to the police, you know,’ he said, his voice soft as he dipped down close to my ear. ‘Come on, let’s go and get you a blanket or something.’
‘I have a wrap with me. It’s up there.’ I nodded further up the garden.
‘Let’s find it, then. In the meantime, try not to freeze on me.’
I laughed. ‘I don’t think I’m in too much danger of that.’
His eyes flashed at me. ‘Well, that’s good to know.’
I opened my mouth to explain that wasn’t what I’d meant but closed it again. Who cared? And maybe that had been exactly what I’d meant. Only I hadn’t realised it until now.
‘Best to huddle up for a minute until we find your wrap. You know. Just in case.’
‘To be on the safe side?’ I smiled at him.
‘Exactly.’
‘Well, you’re the one who’s used to taking charge in crisis situations, so I’ll bow to your expert knowledge in this case.’
‘I think that’s a wise decision,’ Alex replied, his face serious but his eyes dancing with mischief. He put an arm around me and pulled me in close, the heat from his body transferring to mine in more ways than I’d expected. ‘Better?’
‘Um hmm,’ I replied, unable to formulate anything more complex than that right now.
‘Good. Let’s go and find the others and get you warmed up.’
