Page 72 of Crying in the Rain
“I’ve sorted out what I’m doing with the car, by the way. The specialist that the mechanic brought in is a partner in a British cars museum, and they’d been looking for a BGT for their collection. They’ll replace the engine and keep the car in theold RAF hangar they lease down in Suffolk. I can visit any time, he said, and take it out for a spin.”
“That’s great news.”
“It is! Did I mention they also have a BRG E-Type?” Ade waggled his eyebrows.
Kris laughed. “No?”
“Oh, yes. I’d much rather take that out.”
For the rest of the journey, Ade stayed quiet, conscious he’d hardly let Kris speak and trying to calm his nerves. He really didn’t want to talk about Fergus, but he kind of wanted Kris to ask what had happened when Fergus had called so he could share how proud he was of his mum for doing exactly what she’d said she would. Now all he had to do was back up his statement with a brief court appearance, and Fergus would be on a permanent restraining order.
They arrived back at the house, but before Ade even had a chance to reach for his wallet, Kris had paid the taxi fare.
“In that case, I’m buying the drinks at the party,” Ade said.
“It’s a free bar.”
“Boo.” Ade followed Kris to the front door. “Dinner’s on me at some point then—what’s up?” Kris was still rummaging in his pocket.
“Think I’ve lost my key again.”
“Again?”
“Yep. I’m on about my twenty-fifth by now.” He tried the other pocket. “I have a suggestion.”
“Hmm?”
“We could go down for a weekend sometime.”
“Go where?”
“To the classic car museum.”
“You’d come with me?”
“I’d love to.”
“Wow. OK.” Ade was taken aback.
“There’re some gorgeous old hotels in Suffolk. If we hired a car, we could…” Kris trailed off and frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Ade’s expression morphed into a wide grin, and Kris’s gaze immediately went to the gap in his teeth. Ade blushed. “That’s the source of all my twubbles,” he said, exaggerating his rhotacism.
“It’s the source of your allure,” Kris said, his voice low and sultry.
“Oh, really?” Ade blinked flirtatiously. Kris laughed and spun him in for a kiss.
“Yes, really. I like it,” he said, lips lingering on Ade’s. “I feel it needs further exploration.”
“I might let you if we ever get inside.”
Kris held up the key. “Found it.”
“Well, what are you waiting for? Get that door open. We have things to do!”
25: Brief
Kris
