67
She knew things had changed and wouldn’t go back to what they had been now, so much had happened. Rob’s attitude about Morag had changed too, he pushed any talk of her out of the conversation when she arose and seemed happy for the time being to forget her existence.
Well, now every single soul in the town knew she was Rob’s girlfriend it wouldn’t be long before the woman’s reappearance would have to be dealt with and all the fall out that came with it.
The cottage as always, welcomed her warmly with an instant feeling of home and safety. She loved this place and knew no matter what happened with Rob she would never sell it; always keep this little treasure as her haven and hideaway should she ever need it. Just as it had been for her aunt Olivia.
Pulling out a large black hold all she packed a lot of art supplies and tools, found the notes and papers she had printed off; outlining specifics and the manuscript for the book she was creating images for. She took her time, enjoying the sanctuary of her little house. Muffin exploring his familiar domain, like being back home after moving out. Your old bedroom a familiar place to relax and just breathe, like a warm hug.
Packing some of her clothes and toiletries in an overnight bag, she grabbed Muffins fluffy bed and food bowls while she was here. She knew by now that Rob would expect her to stay with him tonight; he liked waking up with her by his side and after a continuous few nights together they had both taken it for granted they would sleep wherever they ended up together. Be it here or at his. With his workload the last few days, it made more sense for him to be near his home office, to deal with things there.
By the time she dragged herself away from the cottage and made the short trip back to the manor she had been gone for the best part of an hour. Letting herself in the main door, now he had given her a key, she was surprised to see him standing in the hall. His butt perched on a side table with a look of stress on his face.
Was he waiting for her?
He would have heard her car pull up from his office which overlooked the entrance. He seemed relieved to see her and immediately walked over to relieve her of the bags.
‘What’s wrong?’ She asked cautiously, a little unnerved by his serious expression and somber stance.
‘I had a call while you were gone!... From the hospital... Morag’s asked to see me.’ He searched her face for a reaction, but she kept it steady, despite the drop in her heart or the increased speed of its beat. She knew it shouldn’t affect her but the flip in her stomach and the ice cold feeling of dread caught her out of nowhere.
‘Oh!’
He kissed her on the cheek quickly, a dark look crossing his face and relieving her of her luggage. He led the way to his room, dumping her bags on the bed before turning back to face her, pulling her against him softly.
‘We both know I need to do this Rose. If we are to carry on the way it’s been the last couple of weeks, then I need to see her. It’s been hanging in the air, over us... Lingering and waiting...Unfinished!’ He said softly, still standing close.
‘I know.’ Her lip trembled, feeling insecure suddenly. Rob seeing the tiny tremor of emotion, cupped her face kissing her lightly on the mouth, staying close and brushing noses.
‘I love you. Nothing’s going to change. I won’t let it.’ He nuzzled her softly.
‘I love you.’ She smiled softly, unable to let him go. The sense of foreboding moving over her and taking small steady breaths to push away the growing tide of anxiety. Sensing her vulnerability, he scooped her up in his arms and hugged her in close. Squeezing her a little too tightly and lifting her off her feet. He made a strange ‘argh’ noise in his throat which caused her to giggle unguardedly, her eyes coming to his as her arms slid around his neck, relaxing her a little.
‘So god damn much that sometimes I could squeeze the life out of you.’ He jested and brought her nose to touch his, eyes locked and still holding her a foot above the ground.
‘Please don’t, I happen to like breathing.’ She giggled and kissed him this time, opening her mouth to feel his tongue against hers, the soft way he could devour her mouth.
Placing her gently on his bed and planting another chaste kiss on her mouth, he stayed against her for a few moments, his hands brushing back her hair, neither saying anything. He let her go and slid away as she fell back to sit on the bed, watching him. He picked Muffin up from the floor, rubbing the little fluff ball before placing him on her lap
‘He will take care of you until I’m back. If I go now I’ll get back before dark. It’s a bit of a drive.’
Rose watched him change into jeans and a shirt silently. A million emotions running through her, yet none visible on her face. He seemed as uptight as she was and when he finally slipped on some boots and grabbed his mobile phone to go he stopped and looked at her.
‘Don’t worry Rose. Nothing can ever take you away from me ever again... I’ll never let it happen... I promise!’ He scooped down planting soft short kisses across her face, bordering on a humorous game as she started batting them off her eyelids, ear and nose, before turning and leaving. Leaving her unable to breathe from laughing.
‘Rob!’
He paused by the door, leaning back in to look at her, his eyebrows raised questioningly. The half-smile still on his face from his teasing her.
‘I will be at the cottage. No point milling about here feeling useless. I feel better down there when you’re not here.’ She smiled; her eyes trying to devour every detail of him as though he wasn’t coming back. She knew she was being stupid but the anxiety growing inside was stubborn.
‘Okay, baby. I’ll come there when I’m done. Keep the bed warm for me.’ He winked and blew her a kiss before disappearing. Despite his jocular manner, she had seen the storm brewing in his eyes. The stress straining across his brow, leaving her feeling uptight, anxious, and extremely nauseous.
