Dylan
The walk back home is like an obstacle course. The snow is still falling thick and fast, and my trusty winter boots disappear into the deep blanket beneath them. I know the road well, so I confidently trudge on, glancing over at Merry.
She looks exhausted, but she throws me a smile which I return without thinking.
“Are you okay? Here, take my hand.”
I extend my hand to her, and she leans towards me, slipping her gloved hand into mine.
“I’m good, thank you for letting me stay with you,” she says from beside me as she loses her footing. I grip her hand as she wobbles, spreading my legs, so I’m rooted to the ground. She steadies herself against me, and the warmth of her body is welcome.
“I told you I’m not a bad guy.” I grin as we finally reach my drive. “Nearly home now.”
Edging our way up the side of the drive, I exhale with relief when we finally reach the front door. Jamming the key in the lock, I allow Merry to walk in first. She’s shivering, but not as bad as if she would’ve worn her own clothes. My hoodie looks good on her, I realise, but I busy myself with unwrapping all of my layers whilst stamping my feet, focusing on that instead.
“I’ll just throw a few logs on the fire,” I called over to her, heading for the fireplace.
“Shall I make us some tea?” Merry asks, and I nod, knowing she’s watching me from the doorway to the kitchen.
“Yeah, of course. Help yourself to anything you want.”
I should’ve told her that straight away, and I feel like a shit host. I lean back as the flames lick the dry wood greedily, creating their own rainbow of sunshiny yellows and orange. I gaze at the fire, allowing the warmth to tease my fingers that are extended towards it.
My mind turns back to memory lane, and before it can take another step, Merry is standing next to me with two mugs of steaming tea.
“No sugar,” she says, handing me a mug hesitantly. “Because you didn’t ask for any, I assumed you didn’t have it.”
“No, I don’t.” I smile up at her as she yawns, waving her hand at her face.
“Sorry, I’m still so tired. It was a long drive.”
“It’s been a long day. Let me show you the shower, and you can get to bed.” I offer, moving back from the comfort of the flames.
Merry follows me upstairs, and I show her the basics of how my facilities work.
“It’s freezing in here, so get changed in my room. Give me a shout when you’re done, and I’ll get myself showered. I’ll sleep on the sofa, and you have the bed.”
Her eyes soften as she nods, exhaling as I point out the towels.
Her eyes follow me as I leave, and I know she’s still feeling sorry for me.
“Hey, Merry.” I sigh, running my hand through my hair. “I know Mandy probably told you about me.”
Merry looks awkwardly at the floor, chewing on her lip in the sexiest fashion.
“I’m sorry your ex did that to you,” she says, reaching out to rub my arm comfortingly. “I know how that feels.”
I nod robotically, glancing around as I force a smile.
“I’m over it.” I shrug. “Shout when you’re done.”
Walking out of the bathroom, I hear her sigh, and it’s a sigh filled with emotion. It’s got everything you need to make me curious.
But you know what?
She didn’t pry. She didn’t ask what happened, and she didn’t press for details. I admire that. I grab a few pillows and a spare duvet from the airing cupboard, making my way downstairs when I hear the shower water hit the base of the bath.
I honestly didn’t think anyone would ever spend the night here again, let alone some woman I knew from school.
