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“Yup. It’s only fair.” She arches her eyebrow, and I hope her line of thought didn’t follow my own.
“Surfboarding down a volcano isn’t comparable to feeding a few cats.”
We pause in the kitchen so we can get a drink of water before bed. This has become part of our nightly ritual, and I don’t even have to ask her if she wants one. I fill two glasses and hand one over, then I guzzle my water down.
“Surfing is done on the ocean. This is volcano boarding.” She puts her empty glass on the side and I put mine next to it.
She bites her lip and gives me a sharp nod like she’s pleased there’s a difference between lava and the sea. “Well, thanks for the correction. That makes your offer so much more appealing!”
I throw my arms in the air for dramatic effect. “Was that sarcasm from Miss Sunshine?”
She pulls a pretend shocked face. “What can I say? I get cranky when I’m tired. Let’s get up to bed.”
I stretch out and then yawn exaggeratedly.
She follows me upstairs and we start our usual nightly routine. I use the bathroom, she changes, and then we swap. Pulling the curtain, I’m extra careful to block out all the light, then we settle under the covers.
“Goodnight,” I say.
“Goodnight.” There’s a pause, and then Mallory adds, “I had fun at the cattery. Thank you for taking me.”
“Any time.” I reach for the light switch and turn it off before snuggling down into the covers.
“At least consider my offer of coming travelling with me. The doctor hinted my ankle wouldn’t be one hundred percent for a while. I might need you.” Her breathing comes out heavy.
“How come you’re only telling me this now?” I frown, even though she can’t see me.
“I’m trying to be optimistic, but if it means I can enjoy your company for longer, I’m willing to sacrifice a few more weeks being confined to England.” There’s a hint of sadness in her voice. Mallory’s job means everything to her and her determination is unmatched. If it’s possible to overcome the damage she’s done, she will do it.
“You’re going to make a full recovery. I have faith.” It’s silly, but I cross my fingers for luck.
“Thanks.” She makes a kissing noise.
“I’m just telling the truth.” I give her an air kiss back.
“While we’re being honest… what was Sophie’s problem earlier?” She yawns.
I suck in a breath. I thought I’d got away with not having this conversation. It’s dark, so she can’t see my face, and I decide to give her more than I did earlier. “You’re the woman every other girl has to measure up to.”
We’re both quiet for a few seconds. “Why?” The word is crisp, and it hangs between us.
“Because you’re fun, ambitious and there’s never a dull moment when you’re around.”
Because you hold the key to my heart.
She goes quiet again, and I wonder if she’s fallen asleep. “You’re a hard woman to compare to also.”
“Thanks.”
Neither of us speaks again, even though sleep is slow to come to me.
CHAPTER14
MALLORY
I wentto sleep thinking about Lara’s words, and they’re still playing through my mind when I wake up. No one measures up to me. Even though I’m not usually physically present, she still would prefer me over someone else. Is her love for me platonic, or would she let me kiss her again? Is my lifestyle what holds her back? My pulse quickens, and I feel strange. There’s a word for it, but it doesn’t come easy. I’m lovesick.
She stirs, and a soft moan leaves her mouth, sending a tingle to my core. Like a sledgehammer, it hits me. All this time and I’ve never seen what’s right in front of me. I have feelings for Lara. Subconsciously, maybe I’ve always known. I’ve wanted to see more of her body for a while, even if I made it sound like a joke.
