Homecoming by Catrin Collier Read Free Book Online Page B

Three
    â€˜That’s the last of the kitchen things you brought from Helen’s, washed and dried.’ Sam strolled into the bedroom where Judy was busy sorting through her clothes.
    â€˜And put away?’
    â€˜I don’t know where you want to keep them.’ He sat on the edge of the bed, avoiding the underwear she’d stacked in neat piles on the eiderdown.
    â€˜I would have thought that was obvious.’
    â€˜Not to me,’ he replied, disingenuously.
    â€˜For pity’s sake, the kitchen only has three cupboards.’ She pulled out a drawer and dropped one of the piles of underwear into it.
    â€˜Exactly.’ He moved back as she swooped on a second pile. ‘I didn’t know which one you wanted them in.’
    â€˜This may sound astonishing but the china goes in the china cupboard, saucepans in the saucepan cupboard and food in the food cupboard. Why are men useless at all things domestic?’ She picked up the last pile and dropped it into the bottom drawer of her dressing table.
    â€˜We’re not, just clever enough to recognise that women are better at running a home than us.’
    â€˜More like clever enough to get most women to do everything for you. Well, I have news for you, Sam Davies. If you try using that ploy on me again, you’ll find yourself getting enough practice to run a home more efficiently than any woman.’
    â€˜I do my share,’ he protested mildly.
    â€˜That’s debatable.’ As she closed the last drawer with her hip, she allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction. All her clothes were away, her brushes, comb, scent and dusting powder neatly laid out on the dressing table, her make-up hidden out of sight in the top drawer, the bed made with fresh sheets and blankets …
    â€˜Stop rushing around and sit down for a minute.’ Sam patted the bed beside him.
    â€˜I want to find a place for my record player and records in the living room.’
    â€˜Find it tomorrow.’ Reaching out, he grabbed her waist and pulled her down on top of him.
    â€˜I’ll scream.’
    â€˜You do, and I won’t get us fish and chips.’ Pushing her back on to the bed, he slid his hand beneath her sweater and kissed her. ‘I’m going to like you having your own place.’
    â€˜I have a flatmate,’ she reminded, as his fingers closed around her bra cup.
    â€˜She won’t come into your bedroom, will she?’ He kicked the door shut with the heel of his shoe.
    â€˜Not unless she’s invited.’
    â€˜And as she’s out …’ He tried to lift her sweater over her head.
    â€˜I’m hungry.’ Pushing him aside, she pulled down her top, straightened her clothes and sat up.
    â€˜Judy …’
    â€˜I really am hungry,’ she repeated, realising she’d annoyed him.
    â€˜I offered to take you out for a meal.’
    â€˜I’d rather eat in.’
    â€˜All right, I can take a hint.’ He tucked his shirt into his trousers as he left the bed. ‘But after we’ve eaten, we are going to do some serious talking.’
    There was an odd look in his eye that perturbed her. ‘What about?’ she asked warily.
    â€˜I’m saying nothing beyond I’m reserving the right to choose the topic of conversation. Do you want hake or cod?’
    *……*……*
    â€˜Oh God, I’m sorry.’ Acutely conscious of Jack’s nakedness, Helen switched off the light.
    â€˜I was admiring the view. I’d forgotten how spectacular it is. Join me.’ He held out his hand.
    â€˜I have to make the meal.’ She stood transfixed in the doorway, shocked that Jack was making no attempt to cover himself. Didn’t he realise there was enough light shining in from the landing for her to see him?
    â€˜It’s all right, Helen.’ He spoke quietly, but there was suppressed mirth in his voice. ‘We are married and we have the