Page 18 of A Change of Heart

Trystan winced. “It was mostly Keira.”

“I should’ve known. That woman’s a pest.”

“I like her,” Trystan said, leaning against the counter.

“Me too. But I don’t like her interfering in my relationship with Seren … myfriendshipwith Seren,” he clarified. “I take it you don’t really have to work tomorrow? You just said that to give me and Seren time alone?”

“I’ll be working tomorrow. I could probably have put the client off until Monday, but three’s a crowd.”

“We’re supposed to be here to cheer you up.”

“I don’t need cheering up. I’m fine.”

“Are you?”

He pursed his lips thoughtfully. “I will be.”

Kit glanced at the bathroom door, then at the pull-out couch. “I think we should abandon your sketchy sleeping arrangements. Tell Seren you remembered you have a mattress for me.”

He shook his head. “I say we stick to the plan.”

“It’s creepy. And it makes no sense … how is sharing a bed going to make her suddenly attracted to me?”

“There’s a lot to be said for physical proximity. Her leg brushes against yours in the night … she gets cold and cuddles up, then wakes to find herself wrapped around you and with a sudden desire to do naughty things to you.”

“It’s a stupid idea. And it’s unethical. I’m not sure how you’re okay with this given that it’s Seren.”

“I’m fine with it. Because I never said that sharing the couch was the only option. I just asked if it’d be okay … then I watched her reaction. If she’d have looked even a little hesitant I’d have got the extra mattress out, but there wasn’t a flicker of discomfort on her face. She’s absolutely fine with sharing a bed with you.”

“Yeah, because it doesn’t occur to her that sharing a bed with me could be anything other than completely innocent. She sees me as a child. Possibly even as a little brother.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Didn’t you hear her teasing me earlier … about the tickets and the Harry Potter stuff?”

“Yeah.” Trystan glanced towards the bathroom. “I don’t buy that for a second.”

“How do you mean?”

“I mean it all felt a little forced. Like she was trying to make a point that you’re just a kid. But who exactly do you think she was trying to convince?”

“I think she was treating me like a child because that’s exactly how she sees me.”

“And I think she was trying to convince herself that you’re off limits. We can agree to disagree if you want.”

“I’m not sure you and Keira have properly thought through this matchmaking business. You realise all that’s going to happen is my heart’s going to end up more battered than it already is?”

“Or the opposite could happen.”

“Unlikely.” Kit looked at the couch and sighed. “Did you think about how much torture it’s going to be for me to share a bed with her?”

“Yes!” He slapped Kit’s back. “I considered that … but torturing my little brother has been a pastime of mine for a while now.”

“I hate you.”

The bathroom door clicked and Seren wandered out in a tiny pair of cotton shorts and a skimpy vest. Kit tried not to stare.

“I really, really hate you,” he muttered under his breath.