She secretly thought it would be a big relief if he stayed behind, but then guilt got the better of her and she berated herself for being mean.
‘I’ll bring you a glass of water,’ she said, more kindly. ‘They say you should drink lots if you have sunburn.’
Her newly conciliatory tone instantly perked him up.
‘Thank you for looking after me so well.’
He reached out and took her hand, giving it an unwelcome squeeze.
Goose bumps ran up and down her back and arms. She glanced at him sharply before snatching her hand away.
‘I’ll be back in a moment,’ she said, turning on her heel and hurrying to the door.
Hector was in the kitchen, making himself a sandwich. It was the first time she’d seen him today. He looked as if he’d just got out of bed with knotty hair, a scraggy beard and bare chest. Down below, he was in the black jeans he’d worn all week and she wondered if he ever took them off.
He grunted when she said hello but didn’t look up.
He seemed to have removed the entire contents of the fridge and sprayed crumbs all over the worktop and floor, but she didn’t comment.
‘Pass me the water, will you?’ she asked, and he handed over the bottle. After filling a glass, she went back upstairs and put it on the table by Jon’s bed.
‘I’m going for a swim,’ she said, giving him no opportunity to respond. ‘I haven’t had one yet. And by the way, I won’t be around for the rest of the afternoon. I need some peace and quiet. I’m off to read my book by the pool.’
