Chapter 21

My bladder woke me around six o’clock and after visiting the toilet I got into my running gear and went down to the kitchen. I drank some water and grabbed a bottle to take with me. I did some warm-ups in the street and then headed out for a run.

I ran down through the harbour and out along the headland and about six miles out along the cliffs before turning inland, through some woods, and into the park before heading home.

Emily was walking up the road toward me when I turned into my street. she waved as I ran toward her. I did some warm-down exercises.

“Hello, you,” she said as I got up from a series of sit-ups.

“Hello Emily, how are you?” I asked as I squashed my water bottle and dumped it into the recycling bin

“I am fine thanks “she smiled, “I hope you enjoyed yourself yesterday, I know I did”

“And your mother?” I asked.

“Well, I think she has a soft spot for you!” Emily giggled.

I unlocked the door and let her in.

I followed her in through the door and kicked off my running shoes.

“Right, I need a shower,” I said as Emily took off her coat.

“What do you want me to do today,” Emily asked.

“I would love a bacon and egg butty,” I said with a cheeky wink, “and there is enough for two!”

“Cheeky bugger” she smiled, “would you like tea or coffee?”

“Oh, a cup of tea please”

I headed up and stripped off in the bathroom and got into the shower. The warm water felt good, I washed off all of the sweat and mud that coated my body. I soaped up and swilled off two or three times. Then I stepped out of the shower and dried off.

I padded from the bathroom to the bedroom, and I could smell that delicious aroma of frying bacon.

Ten minutes later I was dressed and walking into the kitchen. There were cups of tea on the table and Emily was placing fried eggs onto the bacon and putting the top slice of bread into the butties.

“They look and smell amazing,” I said.

“Did you want sauce?” she asked.

“No thanks, I will take it as it is,” I said and was tempted to slap the gorgeous arse that was clad in leggings. I had noticed that she and her mother had the same cute arse.

We sat at the table and tucked into the delicious sandwiches. Nothing was said for a good five minutes.

“So I think my mom fancies you!” Emily said and took a swig of her tea.

“What makes you think that?” I asked.

“Oh I don’t know” she smiled,” but as I was leaving for work this morning she said I really fancy that Zak, he could warm my bed any day”

We both laughed.

“So, she is being cagy then, “I said with a wink.

“She asked me if I fancied you,” Emily said and she bit her lip.

“And I take it you don’t?” I asked and wished I had not at the same time.

“That’s what I told her...” She said and the smile left her face, she drained her teacup and stood up

I did the same and gathered the crocks.

“I see the ironing pile has grown, shall I do some of that?” she asked her cheeks flushed red as she looked at me.

“That would be great thanks” I replied and loaded the crocks and the frying pan into the dishwasher.

I still felt like a fraud having a home help but it was only for a couple more weeks.

I went into the living room to find my mobile phone. Louise had sent me three text messages.

‘Good morning handsome XX’

“Do you fancy coming over for a coffee tomorrow?”

‘Emily will be away all day XX’.

I replied that I would like that and asked what time to go over.

Then I walked into the kitchen, Emily was setting up the ironing board and she had the radio on.

“I am off out, I will see you tomorrow at about the same time?” I said as I picked up my car keys.

“Oh I forgot to say I am in a course in Bodmin so could I come in early?” she replied.

“Oh yes of course, what’s the course?” I asked.