Page 132 of Whispered Promises

It’s easy when we live together. I’m here, so it’s convenient and less effort to keep in contact. But once we live in separate places, she’ll drift away, occupied with other people and things in her life. I’m not exactly very exciting. I’m not mad about it. I know that’s what people do. I’m just feeling sad, knowing it will inevitably happen.

“Always,” she promises, squeezing my hand before she turns to continue packing. Packing more clothes than she would need for just a week.

I don’t correct or respond to her promise. I know she means it.

FIFTY-SIX

NOAH

I knock on Rosy’s door, then step back to wait. With the dynamic we all have, it’s not too often I get time with her, just us. But it’s not something I mind; it just makes these dates more special.

As the door swings open, concern replaces the anticipation. Rosy’s dressed in an oversized faded blue graphic T-shirt with galaxy print leggings. It’s not similar to what she wore on our last date, but it’s not the clothes that make her look beautiful. It’s just who she is. The pinched furrow in her brow draws my attention, though, and as I look closer, I can see she’s leaning against the door frame, an arm wrapped across her stomach.

“What’s wrong? Are you in pain?” I immediately step into her flat, crowding her space as I cup her face, tilting it so I can see her more closely. There are bags beneath her eyes, and creases between her brows.

“Shit, our date.” Her eyes widen. “I’m so sorry. I completely forgot. I got home from work and just gave up on today.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. But I need you to tell me why you’re in pain. Is it anything I can help with? Do you need a doctor or a physio?” Dropping my hands from her face, I let them rest on her shoulders as I knead her tense muscles. Her body immediately sways towards me, eyes drooping closed.

“There’s nothing you can do. Honestly, I’m okay. It’s just my period, so it’ll be over in a few days.” Her eyes fly back open, cringing as if she’s embarrassed to let me know she’s menstruating.

Embarrassment is the last thing she should feel over something so natural. She needs to understand nothing her body or mind does is embarrassing to me.

“I’m sorry you’re in pain. What do you normally do to help ease it? Is there anything I can do?” Sliding my hands down to her lower back, I rub circles as I pull her closer; my heartbeat skips at her closeness.

“Umm, usually hot water bottles whilst curled in a foetal position. Carbs and chocolate help too.” She grins as her teeth sink into her lower lip, and my gaze zeros in on her mouth. My imagination spins with the thought of how chocolate would taste on her, the sweetness coating her tongue as I…

“But really, I’m okay, Noah. I won’t be much company this evening, so you don’t have to stay. I’m going to chill in bed with a film and a toasty hot water bottle to keep me company.”

Blinking away the thought of her chocolate-coated mouth, I realise she’s trying to politely dismiss me.

“That sounds perfect. What film are we watching? Do you have enough snacks, or do you want me to go grab some?” Stepping inside, I take her hand in mine and lead her towards her bedroom, gently nudging her to her bed. “Do you want me to leave the door open or closed?”

“Closed is fine; Moshi’s asleep in his bed. But, umm…you don’t need to stay with me. Obviously, if you want to, you’re welcome. There’s no expectation or pressure either way.” Her hands twist at the fabric of her T-shirt. “You can choose the film if you want to stay? I have plenty of snacks.” Her eyes dart around, avoiding contact with me as she worries.

I want her to realise that being around her is everything I could ever need or want, but my words won’t change her thought patterns, so showing her will have to work. Walking over to her bed, I lift back the covers, noting the long, oversized hot water bottle down the centre, and motion for her to get in. After a moment of glancing between me and the bed, she cautiously climbs in and shuffles back towards the wall to create space for me. Kicking off my shoes, I empty my pockets onto the bedside table and remove my jumper before sliding in next to her.

“Flick on a film. I’m happy to watch whatever you fancy,” I tell her.

Lying on my back, I place my arm across the pillows. Rosy shuffles forward into me, resting her head on my chest and wrapping her body around me. My lungs seize at the feel of her. Drawing my arm down and around her, I place my hand on her lower stomach.

“May I?” I check, stroking my hand back and forth to indicate what I’m asking.

Her hands fist my shirt slightly, then she nods, and I slip beneath her T-shirt to rest my palm just under the waistband of her leggings. “No need for a hot water bottle when you’ve got me, but let me know if you need any more or less.”

Rosy’s body relaxes a little, and she makes a little hum. She flicks through options to watch, before settling on one.

The film finished not long ago, the credits still rolling across the screen. But Rosy’s oblivious. She fell asleep an hour ago, and in her slumber, she’s managed to crawl further up my body. Her head's nestled in the crook of my shoulder, her arm is wrapped tightly around my torso, and her leg is hitched across my waist.

Which meant my hand ended up slipping lower beneath her leggings, and I’m now cradling her lower stomach. But my fingertips? They’re nestled in the soft, short curls of her pubic hair. It’s been a real test of my patience to remain lying so still, not letting my hand twitch or draw any lower.

Rosy wiggles, huffing a cute noise in her sleep.

My finger twitches.

I feel the moment she wakes up. Her body tenses against me, and she holds her breath.

“Hey sleepy, how’re you feeling?” Wanting to ease her back into comfort, I drop a kiss onto her head and reluctantly remove my hand from her stomach.