Chapter 36
36
A little time later, having agreed on the first of the Insidious films as a decent compromise for an afternoon’s entertainment, they were both ensconced on Tristan’s comfortable sofa, which, in keeping with other aspects of the décor, was a period piece, having reclinable arms that would turn it into a chaise lounge if the fancy arose.
‘Comet would love this sofa,’ she said as she tucked her feet up underneath herself and settled back into its comfy depths.
‘He wouldn’t be allowed on it,’ Tristan replied. ‘Even if he gave me that butter wouldn’t melt look he’s so good at.’
‘Oh, I’m sure he’d win you around eventually,’ Charlotte said. ‘He has a habit of being able to get away with things.’
They watched the film in companionable silence for a while, and Charlotte found herself feeling drowsy in the comfort of a warm, cosy afternoon. Her eyelids grew heavy, and when she started to nod onto her hand, Tristan gave her a playful nudge. ‘Perhaps you’d better come over here and rest your head on my shoulder,’ he said. They’d been sitting a little way apart for the first part of the film – a slight awkwardness had set in, despite the kisses in the kitchen, and Charlotte was relieved when he suggested she cuddle up to him.
‘What’s the matter? Film too scary for you?’ she teased as she snuggled up next to him. ‘Need me to hold your hand?’
‘Let’s go with a yes for both, if it means you’ll stay down this end of the sofa,’ Tristan quipped. ‘But I have to admit, this definitely fits the “cheesy but not gory” brief. I’m actually quite enjoying it.’ Then, she felt him jump as the film took an unpredictable turn.
‘You sure you’re enjoying it?’ Charlotte asked.
‘Perhaps I’ll cover my eyes during the really scary bits.’ Tristan took one of her hands. ‘Or maybe you can cover them for me?’
Charlotte gave a hoot of laughter as Tristan pulled her towards him, until they were a slightly breathless tangle of sprawling limbs as the reclinable arm of the sofa collapsed beneath Tristan and he toppled down so that he was horizontal beneath her.
‘Is this one of your seduction techniques?’ Charlotte asked as she found herself lying on top of him.
‘I promise that’s never happened before,’ Tristan said, half in amusement, half in embarrassment. ‘But it is an antique, so the rope ties might be a bit dodgy after all these years!’
‘A likely story,’ Charlotte murmured as she leaned down to kiss him. ‘But I’ll accept it for the moment.’ Far from feeling tired, the jolt on the sofa had woken her up, and as she made a leisurely exploration of Tristan’s mouth with her own, she felt him shifting beneath her, so that she was more securely on top of him. She ran a gentle hand through his hair and he reacted to her touch like a cat, pushing back against her and sliding his arms more tightly around her. Patrick Wilson’s machinations against a malevolent spirit world faded into the background as they became more heated, bodies responded, and breaths shortened.
‘This is rather nice,’ Tristan murmured between kisses. ‘I was going to get the sofa tie fixed, but perhaps I won’t bother now!’
Charlotte smiled into their next kiss. ‘I agree,’ she said. ‘You should definitely leave it broken for a little while longer.’
Their gentle banter continued along with the kisses, and only paused when they realised that the film had ended. Charlotte was lying alongside Tristan on the sofa now, and although her drowsiness had dissipated, she felt warm, safe and very, very relaxed.
‘What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon,’ she said softly. ‘Thank you for inviting me to lunch.’
‘You’re welcome,’ Tristan replied. ‘We must do it again.’
‘Yes, please.’ Charlotte smiled up at him. ‘Perhaps at my place next time?’
Tristan raised an eyebrow. ‘I’m not sure I’m up for doing this on the annexe sofa when my gran’s right next door!’
Charlotte laughed. ‘Fair point. Maybe I should come over here and cook for you, then?’
‘I’d like that,’ Tristan replied.
Charlotte watched as he stretched out on the sofa, and then caught sight of the time. ‘I’d better be getting back,’ she said regretfully. ‘Lorelai’s been dog sitting and I don’t want to take advantage.’
‘Gran loves dogs,’ Tristan replied, leaning in to kiss her again. ‘She won’t mind if you’re a bit later.’
‘All the same,’ Charlotte laughed, pushing him away playfully, ‘I don’t want him to outstay his welcome.’
‘Fair enough.’ Tristan disentangled himself from her reluctantly. ‘But, for the record, I’d love you to stay longer.’
There was no mistaking the heat in his eyes when he said that. Charlotte felt jolted by the intensity. She was beginning to realise that Tristan was an all-or-nothing kind of guy when it came to his emotions – she got the feeling that, once he fell, he fell hard.
‘Let’s do this again soon,’ Charlotte said.
‘And if it means you can spend more time here, you can bring the bloody dog,’ Tristan replied. ‘I’m sure he and I can tolerate each other for a few hours.’
Charlotte grinned. ‘That’s very magnanimous of you. He’d probably think the same!’ She sat up and smoothed down her dress, watching Tristan stand up and stretch out.
‘This has been wonderful,’ she said. ‘And I really appreciate the taxi service, too.’
‘Next time, if you bring Comet with you, I might not have to drive you home?’ Tristan’s expression was carefully hopeful. Charlotte’s pulse quickened and her expression obviously revealed her nerves, because Tristan immediately added, ‘No pressure. I have a spare room, but even if you did want to stay in mine, I don’t, er, expect anything. Just to be clear.’
Raising up onto tiptoe to kiss him, Charlotte’s murmur of ‘Thank you,’ was soft but heartfelt. She didn’t get the feeling Tristan made that offer lightly, and she was flattered that he should go to such lengths when they were just getting to know each other.
As they broke apart again, Tristan ran a hand through his hair. ‘Do I need to brush it, in case Gran starts giving me the third degree?’ he joked.
‘Looks fine to me, considering,’ Charlotte replied. ‘How do I look?’
This time it was Tristan’s turn to smile. ‘Kind of like you’ve spent the afternoon snogging on my sofa.’
‘Great.’ Charlotte rolled her eyes. ‘We’d both better tidy up a bit before we go and retrieve Comet.’
‘Oh, no,’ Tristan countered, ‘I’m planning on chucking you out of the car and running. I’m not getting caught by Gran for interrogation.’
‘Ah, so that’s where the chivalry ends,’ Charlotte laughed. ‘I was wondering where you drew the line.’
‘If you’re lucky, I’ll stop the car before I kick you out,’ Tristan quipped. ‘But if she’s in the front garden, I don’t plan on slowing down!’
‘Good job I’ve perfected my duck and roll technique, then.’ Charlotte was properly giggling now. ‘Just say the word and I’ll hurl myself out.’
It felt good to be so light-hearted. The mood lasted all the way back to Nightshade Cottage, where, thankfully, Lorelai was nowhere to be seen. As Tristan gave her a last lingering kiss in the car, Charlotte reflected that it had been the nicest afternoon she’d spent in a long time.