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“I do.”
“How many ladies do you know who wear short shorts and ugg boots?”
“Lady Piper of Barlow was famous for them.”
He laughed that pure happy laugh. “Of course she was.”
“Caused a bit of a scandal at court, you understand. But, she was a trendsetter.”
I couldn’t be sure if he kissed my hair or not. “I’ll bet she was. She seems happy at least.”
“She is.”
“Heard a lot from Carter, then? He regaling you with tales of his travels?”
“He is actually.” I know I didn’t imagine the way Roman tensed. “But, it’s the resident underachiever actually who seems to have this weird habit of de-funking me.”
Roman relaxed, but like it cost him some effort.
“Not that I’d tell him. What with that being stupid nancy words and all.”
“No, ‘course. He wouldn’t appreciate it anyway, I’d bet. Too stupid.”
I nodded. “That is what I hear.”
We fell into a companionable silence again and I realised my hand had reached up for his around my shoulder. But, he didn’t pull it away so I made no move to draw attention to it.
I felt him moving and wondered if he was uncomfortable. But when I smelled smoke, I realised he’d just been shuffling in his pockets.
“I could have moved,” I offered.
“You could have.”
“You just had to ask.”
“Maybe I didn’t want to disturb your peace and quiet.”
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
He chuckled. “Doesn’t much, does it.”
“Well, you just have to ask next time.”
“I like you exactly the way you are, Barlow. If I asked you to move for a sec, you might think I don’t want you lying on me. Then, where would I be?”
I didn’t have to hide my smile because I didn’t think he’d be able to see it. The warmth in my chest I was sure he couldn’t see. “Well, now I know how you feel about that, I’ll make sure to lie on you as often as possible.”
“Good.”
We lay in silence a little while longer, until he broke it.
“Barlow?”
“Hm?”
“You never seemed fussed by my smoking.”
I shrugged. “Am I meant to be?”
