The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 5

"How did that happen? Surely security would have thrown a hissy fit."

"According to Rudi, Caitlin had already told them he might pop by for a few days before catching his flight back to Cork so they let him in. That was two weeks ago. The place is a tip."

"Oh well, he'll have to go now, though, won't he? I mean, I'm staying there." I note Max's apologetic expression and the penny finally drops. "Oh, I see. I can't stay there, that's what you're saying, isn't it?"

"If it's any consolation, neither can they. Rudi told him to clean the place up and be ready to leave in the morning. I told him they could stay here tonight if they want."

"That was good of you. Caitlin will appreciate that." Yes, she will, but where the hell was I going to go? It's not like I can stay here after everything that's happened.

"What's wrong? You look worried."

"No, it's just... I have nowhere to go." A look of disbelief shoots across his face replacing his earlier concern.

"Of course, you do, Gracie. You can always stay here."

"I can't do that, Max. For a start, there isn't enough room for us all."

"Yea, there is. I can make up a bed in the spare room if I shift some of the crap around. Rudi and Caitlin can sleep in the guest room, and you can sleep in here."

"I don't know. I'm not sure."

"Look. If it makes you feel more settled, Gracie, Monty and I can always crash at Soph's."

He's completely serious and it unnerves me because how can I possibly let him do that? Monty shouldn't be pushed from pillar to post, having only just been reunited with his family. He should be in his own home, surrounded by the people who love him not packed off to his auntie's just to pacify me. And what about Jonny King? He still hasn't been found and might come back for Monty. Jesus, he might come back for me!

"Gracie, I'm not having you and Holly sleeping on someone's couch. I wouldn't be comfortable with that. You both need stability right now and if I can make that happen, then I will." Instinctively, he places a hand on my cheek caressing it and for a brief moment I am lost in his kindness. I shut my eyes, my heart hammering against my breast.

"You know, Gracie," he whispers, close to my face. "I'm not a complete bastard." His words shock me and I am stirred from his spell. As I open my eyes, I find him inches from my mouth. What did he just say? This from the man who had me arrested?

I stand abruptly prompting his hand to fall from my face and as I scurry to the window, I hear the bedroom door close gently behind me. He was going to kiss me. If he'd said nothing else before declaring he was not the bastard I believed him to be, he would've kissed me and I would have been so far under, I'd have let him. God, I'm so confused!

On one hand, I want him to stay at his sister's just to punish him for everything he's put me through, but on the other, I can't let him. Monty should be in his own bed and in the safety of his own home. But on the third hand, he's shown me such concern and understanding today and yesterday. Bloody hell! Why is this so difficult?

I need more hands.

                                                            ***************

"How are you feeling, babe?" I throw my arms around Caitlin's neck as she grips me tightly, her warm smile and candid words nurturing me. God, I've missed her. My throat closes preventing me from answering which is just as well as I find myself close to tears once more. Taking my face in her hands, I allow her to comfort me.