Page 107 of In The Dark

Amelia scannedtheir bedroom and smiled. The laundry sat unpacked in the corner,anotherof Jo’s hoodies was draped overanotherchair, the scent of the moisturiser Amelia had justapplied filling the room. Jo always teased her for it, claiming she smelled like a posh spa, but she didn’t recall Jo complaining when she had her face buried in Amelia’s neck throughout the night.

She sat on the edge of the bed in one of Jo’s T-shirts, her towel-dried hair curling slightly at her shoulders. Her legs were bare, the duvet rumpled beside her, while Jo was in the en suite brushing her teeth. She could hear the muffled sound of her humming something off-key and cheerful, and her smile instantly widened.

This was their life now.

No secrets. No shadows. No curtain between them.

Justthis. Toothpaste and bare legs. Shared moisturiser and midnight snacks.

Love, honest and whole.

Jo strolled back in, her pyjama bottoms low on her hips, and a loose tank clinging to her frame. Her hair was messy, but her smile was bright as she crossed the room, holding out Amelia’s glass of water like she always did.

“You’ll thank me at 3 a.m.,” Jo said.

“I always do.” Amelia took it from her and placed it on her side of the bed.

Jo slid beneath the duvet first, stretching out like a cat. “Why are my legs always colder than yours?”

“Because you never put socks on.”

“Socks are suffocating.”

Amelia crawled in next to Jo and tucked herself into her side. “Then stop complaining about being cold.”

“Never.” Jo kissed her temple. “Complaining is part of my charm, and by being cold…it means you get to warm me up.”

Amelia wrapped an arm around Jo’s waist and appreciated the peace and quiet for a few minutes. Today had been a busyday, and tonight hadn’t been any quieter. But now, they could both relax in the safety of their bedroom…holding one another.

“You know what I loved tonight?” Jo asked as she absentmindedly traced circles over Amelia’s arm.

“Your third glass of wine?”

Jo huffed. “I was trying to be heartfelt then.”

“I know. I’m just winding you up.” Amelia angled her head slightly and looked up at her. “Go on.”

“The things Evie said. The way she looked at you and spoke about you. I know we’ve always had our best friends’ support, but hearing she’s proud of you…I love those little moments.” Jo dipped her head and kissed Amelia. “And I hope you know that I’m proud of you, too.”

Amelia swallowed back the emotion lodged in her throat. “You make it easy to be myself.”

“And I hope you’ll always feel that way.”

“I will.” Amelia shifted closer and draped a leg over Jo’s. “I’ve never loved anyone like this.”

Jo smiled, kissed the tip of Amelia’s nose, and then pulled the duvet up around them both.

“I used to think the dark room was the only place I could be wanted without being seen,” Amelia whispered. “I thought it would be the only place I felt safe.”

Jo’s hand found hers under the covers. “You don’t ever have to go back there.”

“I know. I won’t.”

“Because you’re mine now,” Jo said without missing a beat. “And I seeallof you. Every part.”

Amelia closed her eyes, forcing away the sudden rush of emotion. She leaned in and brushed her mouth against Jo’s. “I love you.” She deepened the kiss, knowing that if nothing went further…or it did, it wouldn’t matter. This was the kind of love that didn’t have to ask for permission.

Jo pulled back and yawned, already half asleep. “Wake me at seven?”