Page 21 of Je T'aime, Actually

Chloé laughed, pleased. “You think I’d do it any other way?”

Monroe smiled, leaning just slightly into the hand still resting on her cheek. “No complaints here.”

Chloé stepped back just enough to reach for the door. “I’ll text when I get back to Brighton.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Monroe said, more certain than she’d expected to be.

She watched as Chloé walked down the path, pausing at the gate to glance back with that easy, unmistakable smile. Monroe raised a hand in parting, then gently closed the door and leant against it.

She touched her lips, just for a second.

Trust the French, she thought, to make even goodbye feel like the beginning of something.

Back on the sofa, it was a bit lonely. Chloé being here had felt as natural as the cushions, the soft throw, the TV remote. Her presence had folded into the space like it belonged there.

Her phone was still in the kitchen, so she got up and wandered in to find it.

She smiled at the neatly stacked boxes of leftovers, cooling before they went into the fridge. The dishwasher was alreadymid-cycle, humming quietly, with just the two wine glasses by the sink waiting to be rinsed.

Had it really been that simple and domesticated? Cooking anything for Justine had always meant a sink full of dirty crockery left behind, Justine drifting off to sleep, while Monroe was left to clear up the mess.

With her phone in hand, she was already messaging Chloé before she even sat back down on the sofa.

Monroe:My turn to assist your safe travel.

She’d barely put the phone down before the screen lit up and a return message beeped its arrival.

Chloé:I’ve literally just got on the train. Missing me already…one hopes.

Monroe chuckled as she began to type furiously.

Monroe:Am I that obvious?

Chloé:A little…but I like it.

Monroe smiled, curling her legs beneath her as she settled back into the warm dent in the sofa.

Monroe:A little mystery never hurt anyone, you know.

Chloé:True…but I find honesty very appealing, especially when it’s flattering.

Her thumb hesitated briefly before tapping again.

Monroe:Then let me be honest. Today was lovely. You’re lovely.

Chloé:Careful, I’ll be booking another train back tonight.

Monroe:Don’t tempt me. I’ve got leftovers and only work to consider.

There was a pause. Monroe stared at the screen, her heart giving a small, traitorous flutter.

Chloé:That’s dangerously appealing. I have a very weak spot for cold roast potatoes and excellent company.

Monroe:I make a mean breakfast too.

Chloé:Now that’s flirting.

Monroe:Maybe just a little. Too much?