Chapter 34: Chapter 34: A Chinese dinner

'I came home for my swimmers,' she said, and remembering that she really had come for them, flounced into the bathroom to get them. Coming straight out she grabbed her bag. 'You'll have to get another key cut, I don't have time. Are you going to be here tonight?'

He had had the intention of avoiding an evening with her but said 'yes' without hesitation.

Tiny beads of perspiration gleamed across her nose and cheeks and under her bottom lip.

His stomach fluttered. He wiped his face.

Her swimmers hung from one hand, her bag from the other. Realising she was staring she ducked her head, 'I ... I'll É... touched glances briefly and away again, 'I'll be back about seven. I'll bring Chinese takeaway.'

'All right,' he said on an outward breath.

She made a move to go. 'Will you be able to fix the door?' She was delaying departure.

'Yes.'

She was now bright pink. The perspiration shone.

'You'd better go,' he said, very quietly.