His full-body work out takes an hour, and he tops it off with thirty minutes on the treadmill. He doesn’t allow himself to check his phone until he’s back in his apartment with a pint of water for hydration.
Oooh. Thank you! I’m just looking for a twenty to pay for my car repairs. Can’t really remember much about last night. Hope I didn’t do anything too disgraceful? All such a blur. Head agony this morning.
He can’t help his weak grin. Lucky for her, having no memory of last night. Because he’s done nothing other than think about it. In blow-by-blow precise detail.
You’re not so bad Scott-Bloody-Reynolds.
Scott tries to wash away the memory of her fingers in a lukewarm shower. But, in all honesty, his thoughts spiral even more, particularly when his fingers contact the dip between his pecs as he washes his chest – and the area that had drawn her attention in such a sheer mind-fuck of a way.
Ooh. Look! There's a little crevice.
She hadn’t kissed him there. Not quite. Scott moves his hand lower. The swipe of his fingertips confirms it. Scott-Bloody-Reynolds is as hard as a rock. He knows from experience there’s no ignoring this now. He grips himself and finds his rhythm. He pictures her as he moves, the lather providing a perfectly lubricated surface. He hears her voice in his head as he comes:
Look! It's a perfect fit.
Afterwards, Scott re-checks her text. There’s a clear expectation that he should reply. But how can he reply with something suitably non-committal? He doesn’t do relationships. And certainly not with needy, neurotic, helicopter parents. Evenwhen they’re ballsy and have the most amazing eyes. He ponders for a full twenty minutes before stumbling on the perfect solution.
HEATHER
Heather stops the newly repaired car and glances at her phone when the message comes in: a thumbs up emoji!?
Who the hell sends a thumbs up emoji in response to a text asking for clarification of inappropriateness?
What’s his problem?
Is Claire right?
Is he simply the kind of guy to lead people on, reel them in, then prove himself completely and utterly unreliable? The very thing she’s been working so hard to avoid since Paul. She is not going down that particular rabbit hole again.
She throws her phone onto the passenger seat and drives down Canaan Lane, looking for aresidents onlyparking spot. She parks up and is back home in a few minutes. Other messages have come in whilst she was driving. She checks them now. There’s one from Claire asking if her headache has improved; a photo from Georgia of her and Brianna with sparkler-strewn cocktail glasses from last night; and a message from Fraser asking about plans for next weekend. The final message is from Gerry.
“No pressure here, but if you fancied a bit of distraction, the Art Department is hosting a Hallowe’en party on the 31st. Like to come?”
Yesterday, Heather decided she’d gently decline any future advances from Gerry. But that was before last night’s events,whatever they might be. So, against her better judgment, Heather replies:
“The Art Department Hallowe’en party sounds like a real blast. I’d love to come.”
Who knows, maybe Gerry is one of those still rivers that reveals a quirky, erotic side once in fancy dress. Heather can’t quite imagine it but, still, she needs to try; because the one thing she does know for sure is that Scott has awoken a long dormant sensation that’s almost become foreign to Heather. Desire. At the very least the Hallowe’en party will get Scott-Bloody-Reynolds out of her head for a while.
FRESHMAN PARENTS' ONLINE FORUM: ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
Anyone know where my DD can get a ticket to the Hallowe’en Party at Jonty’s night club? Apparently, they all sold out in minutes and she’s the only one in her flat not going.
My DD is looking as well! *Hands up*
Tickets are released in batches. Done to create a buzz. Tell her to check socials next week. Should be more then.
Thank you. Hope they all have a great night!
Chapter 11
