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| STAYING OVER by Janey Carina walked to the table with a tray of drinks, grinning like mad. “I knew that you wouldn’t let me buy a round if I ask so I thought I’d just go and do it!” she laughed, handing the drinks out to Rhian, Sean, Rachel, Nicky, James, Richey, Martin, Philip and Terri. “So no arguing, drink and enjoy.” “You’re a bad woman but I love you,” James smirked, tapping her on the arse as she took her seat between him and Richey. “Thanks Carina, you stubborn, independent thing.” “I should tan your hide for this,” Richey snickered, kissing her briefly on the cheek. “But something tells me that if I did you wouldn’t let me stay at yours tonight.” “Oh Richey quit with the pet lip,” Rachel teased. “You know full well that if Carina kicks you out, you have plenty of alternative options.” “I suggest that you get your husband to find another bed and I can share yours!” Richey’s face lit up as he gave a huge beaming smile and winked at Rachel. “You know I’ll be better than Nicky.” Everyone around the table joined in the revelry and good natured teasing, the tedium and drudgery of the tour forgotten as they all finally relaxed, let their hair down and enjoyed being themselves. Carina couldn’t settle but had no idea why. She hadn’t had too much alcohol; she was feeling nicely relaxed; her room wasn’t too hot or too cold and it wasn’t noisy. Richey had gone straight to bed after a shower and was as quiet as the proverbial church mouse, the same as always. Carina decided to go downstairs and get a warm milky drink rather than continue to toss and turn. “Ah it’s you,” giggled Richey sleepily. “I did wonder who could be moving about at this ridiculous hour of the morning.” “I didn’t mean to wake you, sorry Rich.” “Make me a cup of hot chocolate as well and I’ll forgive you,” he said, sitting down beside her, waiting for the milk to warm through. “You asked so nicely,” Carina sniggered. “Plus it’ll be nice to have some company.” “What’s on your mind to stop you getting some shut eye?” he frowned, his eyes full of genuine concern for his friend. “You’re normally out like a light.” “Oh Richey, I have no idea, none at all.” She sat up and checked the milk; it was almost ready to boil so she took it off the heat, whisked some chocolate powder in to it and divided it between two mugs. “Luckily for you I anticipated your fancying some.” “You mean that you did enough so that you could have two mugs full,” he grinned, “and now I’m pinching one.” “I wouldn’t share with just anyone you know,” Carina taunted. “I’m honoured!” They smiled, winked and then silently drank their chocolate, savouring the comforting sensation the drink gave them both. When they finished Richey persuaded Carina to leave the washing up and refused to take no for an answer. “Go on, into bed,” he urged, holding the duvet back for her. “Richey, you know I sleep in the nude,” she exclaimed. “I’m not getting undressed in front of you.” “It wouldn’t be the first time that I’ve seen you naked or shared a bed with you.” “Shared a bed?” “Yeah. You’ve cuddled me to sleep often enough, so I’m going to cuddle you and go to sleep with you. You got a problem with that?” “Would it do me any good if I did?” “No.” “Fine then, you bully!” she laughed, pulling a funny face at him. “Turn away, I’m not going to let you see me.” “Honestly woman!” tutted Richey incredulously. “I’ve seen you naked plenty of times so stop being so prudish.” He walked round to the other side of the bed, and slowly and deliberately took his clothes off in front of her. “You are shameless Richey James Edwards.” “And you are adorable when you blush! Come on, last one in has to make breakfast in bed for the other.” He glanced over, daring her. “You’re on.” Hurriedly she got under the quilt and pulled it over, snuggling into his arms when he invited her to. “Do we call that a dead heat?” “Sounds fair to me even if you did cheat by getting changed under the duvet. Now come on, sleep.” Tenderly he kissed the top of her hair. “Are you comfy honey?” “Mmm thanks Teddy, this is nice.” “Don’t get too used to it, I’m not going soppy and if you say anything to the others I’ll deny it.” “Why? They’ll think it’s nice of you to suggest it.” “You know that I care. Now sleep.” Richey didn’t see her broad smile when she closed her eyes and settled against him, and she couldn’t see his either. Carina started to wake up; aware that someone was stroking her hair and occasionally pressing lips against her forehead, then she recalled that Richey was with her. “I could get used to this,” she said happily. “Remember what I told you last night? Don’t you antagonise me, you wouldn’t like to see me angry.” “You don’t get angry.” “There’s a first time for everything,” he winked, letting her blonde hair fall through his fingertips. “You’re not an angry person. You’re too relaxed and chilled out.” “That’s what you think!” he smirked. “You get annoyed and frustrated but I can’t remember the last time I saw you get angry and lose your temper.” “It’s a useless emotion; I prefer to be more constructive.” “Ah well that’s irrelevant anyway, well so long as you keep cuddling me it is. Keep doing that and I won’t have to get angry with you.” “Hang on! How did you manage to twist that to being about you getting angry?” “Erm, because I’m a woman and I can!” she winked. “Why, what are you going to do about it?” Richey’s lush plump lips spread into a warm smile and his fingertips caressed her face delicately. “Kiss you.” His lips were on hers before her brain had a chance to process what he’d said. Carina whimpered and returned the kiss with enthusiasm, growing lost in the way it was making her feel. Their tongues caressed slowly and deliberately, both relieved to have finally acted on their long denied emotions. The end. <<< Janey's stories |