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“No, it’s fine. Ash is here.”

Maggie huffed a laugh. “Of course she is. Well, remember what I said? Be careful. Give yourself some time.”

“Yeah, I know. I will. I am. And it isn’t like that, I told you.”

“Sure, keep saying it and you might convince at least one of us.”

“Stop it,” Alice hissed through clenched teeth, trying to fight the grin overtaking her lips. Warmth spread through her as Ash returned with a mug in each hand. “Maggie says hi.”

“Hey, Maggie,” Ash called out towards the phone.

“Anyway, I gotta go, Mags.”

“Call me if you need me, Al. And behave — not that it sounds like you’d be much use to anyone in bed right now anyway.”

“Maggie!”

Maggie laughed and Alice ended the call, shaking her head as she smirked at the phone.

Ash raised her eyebrows. “White, no sugar. Did I get that right?”

“Spot on, thank you. I know it’s late, but do you fancy watching something?”

“Yeah, I’d love to, if you’re not too tired?”

* * *

Alice wokeunder the grey chenille blanket in a nest of cushions. Triumphant music played over rolling credits and the light from the screen flickered in the low-lit room. Noticing something soft and warm under her feet, she lifted her head to see Ash reclined next to her. Alice’s feet were resting in Ash’s lap.Bollocks.

“Oh hey, you’re awake. Sorry, was it too loud?” Ash reached for the remote control.

“No, no, it’s fine.” Alice stretched and moved to sit up.Fuck, wrist… knee.“Ow, shit. Sorry, I must have fallen asleep on you.”

Ash smiled. “Now we’re even.”

“Did I miss much?”

“Yeah, only most of it.” Ash laughed. “It’s time for you to have some more painkillers. Let me sort that out and I’ll head off.” Ash peeled herself from the couch, yawning as she stretched up. She padded towards the kitchen.

“Ash?”

She spun around. “Yup?”

“Will you stay tonight?” Alice asked, and the question hung between them, along with all her vulnerability and doubt. She didn’t meanlike that,because this evening hadn’t beenlike that. It had been two friends sharing a pizza and hanging out. Literally,Netflix and chill— if it didn’t mean sex, but what it said on the tin. “Please?” she added as an afterthought, as if she didn’t sound needy enough already.

Ash stepped back towards her, an unreadable look on her face. She perched on the edge of the couch.

“I’m really pleased you asked. I’ve been worried about leaving you tonight, but I didn’t want to sound like a creep by asking to stay.”

Alice released the breath she’d been holding.

“Can you lend me a T-shirt? I’ll sleep on the settee.”

Alice shook her head. “No. I mean, yes, I can lend you a T-shirt, but no, you’ll sleep in with me. It’s a king-size bed, there’s plenty of room and we’re just friends, right?”

Ash’s cheeks flamed. “Yeah, I mean, of course. If you’re sure? I don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding, you’re doing me a favour. I don’t want to be alone. No funny business. Besides, I’m hardly in any fit state.” Alice held up her splinted wrist.