There were still people around in the communal room when Ru went out. Because he wasn’t sure if he’d been heard leaving, he headed down towards the paddock so he could say he was checking on the horses if he was challenged. No one came after him, but he took a roundabout route anyway, staying in the shadows. No lights were on around the pool, but there was a faint glow from the pool house through the shuttered windows. Ru moved silently to the door.
When he pressed on the handle, the door opened and he slipped inside. He almost yelped when he saw Jasim sitting a few feet away. Jasim put his finger to his lips, stood and walked towards him with his hand out. Ru threaded his fingers with his. Jasim locked the door and tugged him upstairs. Ru hadn’t known there was an upper floor. At the top, Jasim pushed open a door.
“Oh!” Ru gasped.
“Guest quarters,” Jasim said.
It was beautiful, a V-shaped ceiling overhead with exposed beams and plain white walls. There was a small kitchen and a living area with two blue-and-white couches and a TV.
“It’s lovely. Like a millionaire’s bedsit.”
Jasim smiled.
At one end of the room, the one facing away from the pool, was a wall of glass.
“We can’t be seen,” Jasim said. “It’s privacy glass. A flick of a switch sends it opaque.”
“You’ve definitely flicked the switch? The lights aren’t bright in here, but it would be like being in a goldfish bowl.”
Jasim laughed. “Even if I hadn’t flicked the switch, and I did, only the horses in the long field would be able to see us. And the door is locked. Georgia has a key but she’s at home, seven miles away.”
“So I can’t escape?”
He smiled. “I’m hoping you don’t want to.”
“I wasn’t sure.11 PHwas a bit brief. I thought I’d get here and you’d say ‘We need to talk’ and I’m sort of guessing that hearing those words is never a good thing. That was why I asked if you were happy.”
“It’s 11.01. I’m ecstatic.”
Ru didn’t wait to be invited, he stepped into Jasim’s arms and as Jasim pulled him in, Ru dissolved against him.
“You were brilliant today,” Ru said. “I’m glad you won.”
“So am I, though it was too close. Would you like a drink?”
“No thank you. This is all I want. Just you holding me.”
Jasim groaned. “I thought maybe being away from you would allow some sense back into my head, but all that happened was that I missed you more and more. You did delete all the texts?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t think I’m paranoid?”
“No. You’re cautious and careful.”
Ru felt just about brave enough to unbutton Jasim’s shirt, and he slid his hands inside, laying them flat on his chest, feeling Jasim’s heart thump under his palm.
“I liked being at Leigh’s place. Thank you for arranging it. Leigh and Newt are funny. I missed seeing you though.”
“I missed seeing you too. I like spotting you around the yard, just knowing you’re nearby makes me happy.”
“But a distraction.” Ru slid his fingers over Jasim’s nipples.
“I realised that you’re a distraction whether you’re around or not. But not a bad one.”
“I want to be an equine nurse. I’m going to study for GCSES and take them next summer. I have a plan!”
Jasim smiled. “Good.”
