# Chapter 16

JJ lay in the empty bed; she stared into the darkness, looking straight at the ceiling. Her mind was screaming for her to go back downstairs and take the woman in her arms and kiss away her pain but she knew she couldn’t; shouldn’t. She knew she was hurting Cory but they were both on an emotional roller coaster and anything done now could jeopardize their future friendship and possible romance. She knew this; she just hoped Cory would realise her motives and understand. Her body was shaking with frustration, Cory had smelt so good and the feel of her soft hair against her face had driven JJ to distraction. A few times she had found her mouth watering and only millimetres away from the white, silky skin. She could smell the mint of Cory’s shower gel and shampoo even now on her skin. She swallowed and pulled the duvet up over her body. She felt cold, alone and very lost she wished she could explain everything to Cory but now wasn’t the time and place. JJ had to be the strong one, Cory was on the road to an emotional meltdown and the last thing she needy was a neurotic American declaring her love for her.

Meanwhile, Cory lay tucked up on the couch. She hadn’t moved, her body felt like a wreck. She didn’t know what to think or do; she’d never felt such intense feelings in her whole life. She’d wanted to kiss JJ, She’d wanted to devour her if she was honest and this was an alien concept to her. She enjoyed sex with Sam and his kisses were nice but nothing she’d done with Sam had come close to the throbbing she’d felt when JJ had held her close and breathed on her neck. It was like her southern regions had a pulse of their own; she’d been wet and still was. This frustrated her even more. She pulled the blanket off the top of the sofa and wrapped it round her; she needed to be alone right now. She needed to assess what was going on in her life and in her head and she needed to work out what her feelings were for Sam and JJ. Her head was aching and her eyes felt heavy, it didn’t take long before she was taken by an uneasy sleep.

She awoke to a gentle shaking of her body. She opened sore puffy eyes and found Sam peering down at her. “Hey there, I thought you’d lost your way or JJ had worked her charm on you!” he smiled and didn’t appear to see the guilty blush adorning Cory’s cheeks.

“I couldn’t sleep.” Cory mumbled, her throat hurt and she was having trouble focusing. “I didn’t want to wake you and I’d have tossed and turned. JJ went to bed after the film but I wanted time to think. I just need time to work things through, come to terms about Granddad, I knew it was coming but it’s still a kick in the gut when it arrives.”

“I know and I hate to say this Cory but it’s for the best if he’s suffering.” Sam turned to collect up the remnants of the previous night’s meal and didn’t see the hurt look cross Cory’s face.

“I know but it’s hard facing the truth, I’ll be okay and I’m going to see him today.”

“Well don’t forget to take Holly out tonight I’m down in Leighton Buzzard if you need me. It’s an important deal but if it looks bad Cory phone me I’d like to see Fred I might pop in on Thursday, I’m hoping to get back here early so I could go over in the afternoon and spend a few hours with him. I’m off in a minute, I have a few things to gather up, and I’ve already walked the dog and fed the cats. It’s only just turned 6am why don’t you go back to bed you look worn out.” He bent down and kissed Cory on the forehead and then helped her up and pointed her in the direction of the stairs.

As Cory reached the top of the stairs she glanced at JJ’s door, she didn’t know what to do or say, maybe a sleep would do her good, she got into her night clothes, she felt more comfortable, it was never a good idea to sleep in a bra or any kind of underwear they always dug in and left lines across her body. The bed felt wonderful and soon she was drifting off to sleep.

For the second time that morning Cory was awoken by a gentle shaking of the shoulder, she opened bleary eyes and tried to focus, she blinked a few times and they focused on deep blue eyes looking at her with concern.

“Hey there sleepy, I’ve brought you a cup of tea. I hope it tastes alright I’ve never made tea before!” JJ placed the steaming cup on the table beside the bed. “Feeling any better?”

Cory unsure of where they were after last night mumbled, “I wasn’t aware I was ill.”

‘Shit you’ve got your work cut out here Matthews. Take it easy don’t wind her up, think before you speak.’ JJ smiled, “I banged into Sam on the way to the bathroom, I asked him how you were this morning and he said he’d found you on the sofa fast asleep. Asked me to keep a close eye on you as you weren’t feeling hundred percent. So I let you sleep in and thought I’d bring you a drink, I shouldn’t have woken you, I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry JJ, I didn’t mean to snap. It was good of you to bring the drink, and how late is it?” Cory sat up, rearranging her shirt as she did so. She puffed the pillows up behind her head and leant back, bringing her knees up to her chest.

“It’s heading towards 12pm.” JJ answered as she took Cory’s move up the bed as a sign to sit down.

“Oh shit I’m sorry JJ, what a lousy host. You must be starving, let me get you some food.” As she spoke Cory moved to get out of the bed, a powerful arm held her back, she settled back against the pillows.

“Hey where’s the fire, slow down. It may have escaped your notice but I’m a fully-grown adult and I know how to make toast and coffee. I’m fine I had a little lie in myself jet lag I think. Then I read my book and watched some of the morning shows on the television. Some of them made me laugh, the differences in the talk shows and they had a show perfect for me on. I think it was called ‘Can’t Cook; Won’t Cook.” I couldn’t decide which contestant I would be, I mean I can’t cook but I also won’t cook!” JJ realised she was rambling; she just didn’t know what to say to Cory. Did she bring up the previous evening’s events or forget. She decided to put them on the back burner until a more opportune moment arose. “So what are the plans for the day?”

“Well I thought I’d take you over to Stratford, show you where a certain Mr. William Shakespeare was born and bred. If it was summer we could take a rowing boat down the river but as it’s so cold we could just feed the ducks. Then on the way back pop in and see how my granddad is doing if you don’t mind?”

“Sounds like a good plan to me and Cory take all the time you want with your grandfather. We have a lifetime to get to know each other and I can come and visit again, unfortunately your grandfather’s time is limited and you spend as much time with him as you need. I can amuse myself, I’ve told you often enough! I might take a walk up into town give you some privacy.” As she said these words she stroked Cory’s leg above the covers.

Cory just stared at JJ, she didn’t think anyone could be so sincere and so beautiful; she wanted nothing more than to fall into those strong arms and be held forever. She moved forward and knelt to the side of JJ. She put her arms around JJ and hugged her tightly, “Has anyone ever told you how wonderful you are?”

JJ was a little surprised at her friend’s spontaneous action but she wasn’t going to let the blonde go without first returning the hug, she wrapped her arms around Cory’s waist and pulled her into the biggest hug she could muster. They held each other for a while, both lost in their own world, each dreaming the same dream; neither wanting to declare that dream for fear of ruining what they already had.

Cory was the first to break the hug, “At the rate we’re going we’ll never get anything done today. I’m hoping we can go to Body Pump tonight if you feel up to it?”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Now go and shower and I’ll make you a sandwich and don’t forget your tea!” JJ placed the mug in Cory’s hand, winked and sauntered out of the room.

Cory flopped onto the bed. Her thoughts turned to JJ, the woman was wonderful, she made her feel so good even after last night there had been no awkwardness, they seemed to compliment each other, she needed to sort her head out. If she loved JJ then she needed to tell her, but what about Sam, what about their plans? What would her family say? What would Sam say? He’d be destroyed. What would JJ say? There was Sarah to consider. She shook her head trying to clear it and focus on the simple task of getting showered and dressed.

In no time at all Cory was dressed in a pair of cargo pants, hooded fleece and a pair of trainers. She dried her hair and added just a touch of CK1 on her pulse points, she hated to say it but she looked quite good having spent the night on the sofa. She gathered up her wallet, keys and mobile and headed down the stairs.

The journey over to Stratford went quickly, the two women exchanged information about their childhoods, school achievements and the dreams they’d had as children. They discussed the pros and cons of having siblings to not having siblings and were soon looking for a space to park the car. JJ marveled at the old buildings, Stratford had more Elizabethan houses than Warwick and many of them had been turned into pubs.

“Hey it’s true what I heard about Britain, there really is a pub on every corner and here there seems to be two or three to a street.”

“Oh yes Stratford was a great place to come and drink as a student, lots of pubs. The college clubs would put on a coach trip every summer, I even played a golf drinking game round Stratford.”

JJ looked at her blankly. “Golf? I’m confused, come on fess up what do you mean?”

“Well each pub is worth either a pint or a half pint and you set a par; so say each pub is par 4, that means you have to drink the beer in that many mouthfuls. If it takes more than 4 gulps then you are over par and less you are under par. If we were really desperate to make up we sometimes downed a drink in one. We played 9 hole golf and I was so drunk afterwards, well that’s another story!” Cory smiled as she remembered the rest of that evening when she’d spent most of it coaxing Ange out of their bathroom so she could use it to throw up the Indian and beer.

They made their way slowly up and down the streets, looking at souvenir shops, going into some of the clothes stores and just looking at the various styles of buildings. They took photos of Shakespeare’s birthplace and wandered down to the river. The weather wasn’t that bad for the time of year, it wasn’t warm but neither was it freezing. Both women had their coats on, and it was warm enough to sit on the bench and watch the ducks. There seemed to be hundreds of them milling around, Cory snuggled a little closer to JJ to absorb some of her warmth too.

“Isn’t it sweet, did you know Mallards mate for life, but how the hell do you think they recognize their mate as they all look the same?” As she said this, a very irate Mrs Mallard began to quack as loud as it could. “I bet she’s giving her other half a really good telling off, what do you think he did? Either he stayed out all night or forgot the groceries?” JJ chuckled as she watched the interaction, she also couldn’t help but stare at the glee that she saw on Cory’s face.

“You love animals don’t you?”

“I adore them. I could animal watch all day; they hold a fascination to me. I wonder if they really can speak to each other. Wouldn’t you like to know what they thought of you?” Cory began to throw pieces of bread to the ducks and they gathered around her feet.

“To be honest I’ve never really considered it. There seems to be more Canadian geese here than in Canada. Do you think they came over on my plane with me, hitched a lift?”

Cory giggled. They sat beside the river for a good hour talking, watching and making fun of the ducks. They named some of them after friends and family and a few famous people.

They spent another hour in Stratford, the afternoon had gone quickly and they soon found themselves back at Cory’s parents house. Whilst Cory and JJ entertained her granddad, Cory’s mum went to visit her friends and took a welcome break. Cory was pleased to see her granddad in good spirits; it lifted her soul. She’d been so worried about him, he still looked frail and the yellow tint to his skin seemed darker in hue but he still held a sparkle in his eyes and he was getting up to mischief with JJ. She’d discovered he liked to play poker, and whilst Cory hadn’t a clue how to play the game JJ worked the cards like an old pro. They tried to show Cory the rules of the game but try as she might she found it very hard to bluff, apparently her hand gestures and innocent look gave it away every time. It was a good job they only played for matchsticks otherwise Cory would have had to sell her body to pay her gambling debts.

As the night drew in Cory said goodnight to her mum, Fred had fallen asleep, the excitement of the game having worn him out. She kissed her granddad on his cheek and whispered words she felt in her heart but rarely said aloud, “I love you granddad.”

The drive home was yet another solemn affair, neither woman spoke it was a reenactment of the previous night’s journey home. Cory seemed lost in her thoughts and JJ didn’t know what to say or do. As they pulled up to the house Cory gasped and jumped out of the car, JJ could have sworn she heard a “shit!” leave the blonde’s mouth.

“Hey what’s up?” JJ asked as she followed Cory trying to catch up with her.

“Holly! I forgot Sam wasn’t coming home. She must be crossing her legs. It’s gone 6pm. I bet she’s made a mess on the kitchen floor.” Cory turned the key in the lock she took a deep breath. There didn’t seem to be a smell, Holly came bounding down the stairs.

“Good girl, go fetch your lead, we’re going walkies.” At the sound of the W word Holly went mad barking and running back and forth to the kitchen. On her third try she came back with the lead in her mouth. Cory placed it in her pocket; Holly didn’t need the lead it was only taken as a precaution if other animals approached. “JJ I’m off down the field would you like to come or stay?”

“Are you crazy it’s pitch black out there I’m not letting you go on your own. Sam would kill me if anything happened to you, in fact I’d kill me if anything happened to you!” They both laughed and headed off down to the fields at the bottom of the road. The temperature had dropped significantly and both women shivered as they walked around the open landscape by the River Avon. Each breath came out in a fog of steam and JJ physically shivered.

“You wimp, you’re not cold are you? I thought you came from a place so cold it makes your snot freeze in the back of your nose?” She jokingly nudged JJ and received a sheepish grin.

“So I’m a weinie! It’s a different kind of cold here, kind of damp, goes through to the bone whereas at home the winds can freeze you.” JJ explained.

Cory moved closer to JJ and slipped her arm through the crook of JJ’s elbow. They both cuddled closer. The closeness immediately warmed JJ sending a jolt of warmth through her. She loved having Cory near to her, she liked the feel of Cory’s body next to hers and the places where their bodies touched seemed to burn even in the cold. They walked a lap of the field and then headed back towards the house.

When they got back, Cory set about feeding the animals whilst JJ disappeared into the laundry area to retrieve her gym clothes that were in the drier from the previous evenings run. Ten minutes later they were back in the car heading towards the gym. Cory was explaining the set routines of the Body Pump moves and explained that the instructor would show her the moves and talk her through each different set.

The gym was relatively quiet, they both booked in and both warmed up by running. JJ noticed that Cory set a good, fast pace on her run and they seemed to be running in harmony with each other. After fifteen minutes, and 4km they both stopped, each red faced and sweat was evident on each of their brows. A smile from Cory and a nod in the direction of the studio indicated to JJ that she was about to be put through her paces. Whilst the instructor went through the moves with JJ, Cory set up the step and placed some weights near both steps.

The class lasted just over an hour; JJ was impressed with the weights that Cory pressed considering her size and bulk. She’d been even more impressed with Cory’s body and muscle tone. After the warm up track Cory had stripped down to a two-piece gym set which showed her abs off perfectly. This move had taken JJ by surprise and she’d nearly dropped the weights in shock. She’d found herself struggling to concentrate, as every movement seemed to highlight the strength and tone in the lean, trim body of her friend. On the back track her mouth had positively watered every time Cory had leant forward to take the weights to her knees and pull it in to her abs, her butt had seemed perfect, solid. All she’d wanted to do was take Cory over the step and show her how much she needed her. She could feel the moisture, which had gathered, between her legs and it wasn’t exercise-induced moisture. She shifted uncomfortably, hopping from one foot to another. Cory was speaking to another lady near where the steps were stored so she pulled her sweat shirt over her head and just watched the blonde chat, she loved the way the woman got so animated and gesticulated to emphasize her points.

After all the hard work in the gym the Cory decided they needed a treat and stopped off at the local Pizza Hut, this move got a raised eyebrow from JJ. “Not that I mind Cory but you just worked like crazy to keep you’re body as fit as it is and here you are getting a pizza.”

“Well there’s a method behind my madness. If I exercise like I just did then I can have pizza and I won’t be any fatter or any thinner!! And it’s my theory and I’m sticking to it! That doesn’t stop you just having salad of course. I’ll understand if you want to keep your body a temple and avoid the pizza. Decide now before I order.” She grinned mischievously at JJ and went up to the counter to collect a menu.

JJ watched her go, a huge smile adorned her face, the woman was incorrigible and she loved it. A sudden thought made her leap into action and she caught up with the blonde bombshell, a sudden worry that salad might just be all she got if the wicked glint in Cory’s eye was anything to go by.

Twenty-five minutes later, both women were sat on the lounge floor in front of the fire eating a deep pan meat feast pizza, garlic bread with a nice cold bottle of wine to wash it down. They had flicked through the TV channels and seeing nothing that caught their fancy they had settled on The Box music channel. The conversation was kept light and mainly focused on the songs and groups on the show. Some artists they both knew but on the odd occasion a British band was played and JJ would comment on the style and taste of the music.

As the evening went on JJ felt her legs and back stiffening, she’d been warned at the Body pump class not to put too many weights on the bar but pride had come before the advice and she’d found herself competing with Cory and the instructor and although she regularly worked out the class had worked muscles she never knew she had but was beginning to realise they were there. She tried to stretch herself out subtly but as she moved forward her leg knocked Cory’s. She winced as she tried to retrieve her legs and Cory noticed the grimace on her face.

“Hey you okay. Do you need a cushion? Look at us sat on the floor when we have two comfy sofas.” Cory made a move to get up but stopped when she felt JJ’s hand on her arm.

“I’m not uncomfortable because of the floor. I guess I over did it tonight; my back and legs are stiffening up. Maybe a warm bath would loosen them up.”

“When I started the class I ached for about 4 days after the first class. Even the fittest people find they hurt but it gets better.” Cory hesitated then said quietly, “I could give you a massage if you want? I find that helps me sometimes relax more.”

JJ looked at Cory, there was nothing more on earth she’d enjoy but she wasn’t sure she fully trusted herself not to pounce on the blonde, she’d driven her crazy in the class, the pert butt seemed so luscious to her and she found herself salivating at the thought. Oh to hell with it, what was it Cory had said at the castle in for a penny in for a pound. “If you don’t mind I’ll have a quick shower, get rid of my sweat and slip into something more comfortable.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and noticed that Cory blushed at the comment. She grinned back she felt very playful tonight, she put this down to the glass of wine she had drunk.

As JJ left the room Cory dropped down onto the cushions and covered her eyes. She knew she’d blushed scarlet red when JJ had wiggled her eyebrows but she did it so well and so suggestively her mind had gone south big time. She’d wanted to knock the cocky brunette onto her back and ravage her. Time for a cold shower, this was one advantage of the water system in the house it allowed people to shower in both bathrooms at the same time. She climbed the stairs, she heard the rhythmic sound of the shower coming from the main bathroom and it took all her strength not to try the door handle and offer herself to JJ right there and then. Common sense took over and she walked into her bedroom and shut the door.

Half an hour later, both women had assumed their previous positions on the lounge floor but this time they were both smelling tens times sweeter and had comfortable sleeping shorts and tops on and combed back wet hair. “So you ready for the torture?” Cory asked as she wiggled a bottle of massage oil in front of JJ’s face.

“Yeah I’m game! So that comment you made once about massaging like Monica off Friends was a joke huh?” JJ asked with in trepidation.

“Well Sam thinks I’m too rough but a second opinion never hurts!” While she said this JJ rolled onto her tummy and placed her arms under her head.

“Err JJ I can’t massage you with your top still on, err you’re going to have to take it off.” Cory had no idea why she was flustered, she’d massaged friends before but something was different about this one.

JJ wriggled about and whisked her t-shirt off and settled herself back down. Silently, Cory took in the sight beside her, JJ’s back was tanned and firm, her muscles were defined on the arms and there wasn’t an ounce of fat anywhere. She rubbed some vanilla and lavender mousse between her hands and began her slow assault. The skin was soft like velvet and her hands ran up and down JJ’s spine slowly, savouring the experience, She moved up towards the top of JJ’s shoulders and began to knead the flesh beneath her fingers. Groans of pleasure were muttered from JJ and this spurred Cory on. She poured more mousse onto JJ’s back and began another trip over the shoulder blades and down the spine, feeling every inch of JJ’s back, taking in every little mark, stroking every blemish and wanting desperately to kiss where her hands had traveled. She didn’t think it wise to linger on the sight of JJ’s pert arse and went straight for the back of the thighs, taking in the muscles and rubbing the tight hamstrings.

Having thoroughly massaged the back of JJ’s body she decided the legs would be easier to do if JJ faced her, She tapped JJ’s shoulder but received no response, she peered down and noticed a content smile on JJ’s face, her breathing was slow and steady and Cory realised she was asleep. The massage had worked it’s trick and JJ looked totally relaxed, completely calm and at peace with the world. The dilemma now facing Cory was did she leave her to sleep half naked or wake her up? She glanced around and noticed the fleece blanket on the small sofa under the window, she reached for it and gently covered JJ’s back; it would protect her modesty should she wake suddenly or turn over in her sleep.

Cory leant against the sofa, her body scant inches from JJ’s prone body, she ran her fingers slowly through JJ’s drying hair, the texture was smooth but she stopped before she go to the little tangles of knots that had developed whilst drying, she didn’t want to wake her up she looked so sweet, so young. What she wanted to do was join her, creep under the cover and wrap herself around the body and never let go. Oh shit she was in deep trouble, her whole life was changing and she needed to face this head on. She was in love with JJ, a hundred percent and if that was the truth then what were her feelings for Sam? What would happen between Sam and herself? So many questions revolved around her head, there was no doubt she’d never felt as she felt when JJ touched her, innocent as the touches were they seemed to burn a path on Cory’s skin, if she closed her eyes she could remember everything about JJ, her skin, her smile, her smell and those eyes, so open, so blue and so honest.

She wasn’t aware of how long she’d been wrapped in her thoughts, the consistent tiny snores of JJ’s had kept her mesmerized but suddenly she was shaken out of her thoughts by a clap of thunder. She shuddered and shifted closer to JJ, she looked out of the window the tiny tree on the garden was shaking violently, she hadn’t noticed the wind picking up but now she was very aware of it as a flash of light was followed by an even bigger rumble. Next to her she heard a groan and she looked down and noticed JJ awakening.

“Hey there, we keep doing this waking each other up.” Cory smiled, “You feeling better?”

JJ stretched and was about to raise herself up when she remembered she was topless, she looked over her shoulder and grabbed her top, she put it over her head and pulled it down, turning over as she did this and removing the blanket. “Thanks for the cover and the massage was awesome. It’s been a long time since I allowed myself to totally relax like that, I’ve never fallen asleep before not even with Sarah. Sam has no idea what a good massage feels like if he thinks you are too hard, I thought you did a wonderful job, the kinks in my neck don’t feel half as sore although I could have done with the front being rubbed.”

“I was going to flip you over but you’d fallen asleep and I figured if you were that tired that you fell asleep I’d leave you to it, but there seems to be a storm developing outside. A little unusual for this time of year but it has been a lot milder this year. I hope it doesn’t go on all night I hate thunder.” Cory shuddered at the thought of being all alone in a storm, Sam usually made her feel somewhat safer, although he was never sympathetic just having another person near helped her realise it was just a storm but all alone her mind had a habit of going over board and a small storm developed into scarier things.

They spent what was left of the evening watching the television, Notting Hill was showing on Sky Premier and they both enjoyed the humour in the film. JJ enjoyed watching it with Cory as things she’d found puzzling the first time round was explained by Cory. During the film the two women had migrated towards each other until their arms were touching, neither woman made any acknowledgement of this but neither moved away they were just both content to sit like this.

Cory made hot chocolate at the end of the film, she wandered back into the lounge just as JJ was stretching and yawning. “Hey there Sleepyhead, you should go up to bed. You’re obviously tired.”

“A little, I’m usually full of energy but the past few days my body clock has been shot to pieces. Tomorrow it should straighten itself out just in time for me to go home.” Cory placed the hot chocolate down at JJ’s side, “So what plans have you made for us tomorrow?” She held the mug of hot chocolate between her hands she felt warm and toasty inside and it wasn’t the hot chocolate. One look from those emerald eyes and she was lost.

Cory resumed her place on the floor next to JJ and proceeded to flick through the TV channels. She desperately needed to go into school and set up a display and tidy the classroom, she had the rest of the week but whilst making the drink she had decided to take JJ down to London, she hadn’t mentioned anything about visiting London but after watching the film and JJ’s obvious interest in the capital it made sense to let her see the city and all the sights. She’d been very impressed with the castle and there were loads of old monuments and places to visit. JJ was flying out on the Saturday morning and Thursday was a better day to drive down, she didn’t fancy a Friday ride down as the traffic seemed to double with people heading home for the weekend. She’d spent a while deciding whether two days away from her grandfather were wise but in the end her heart kept over ruling her head. All her thoughts kept coming back to the fact that she might never get an opportunity to spend time with JJ ever again and as she’d come to a crossroads in her life she needed to make sure she made the right choice for her.

If she followed these plans she needed to do a morning in school, she smiled sweetly at JJ, “Well it’s funny you should ask as I have made plans for the rest of the week. Some you’re going to like and others well you have the choice not to join me!”

JJ raised an eyebrow at the last remark, “Go on fess up what have you planned? You have that mischievous twinkle in your eyes.”

“Me mischievous never!” Cory looked up innocently and then wiggled her eyebrows.

“Hey cut that out Williams! Now fess up what have you planned for me – sounds like you need my help in something.”

“You a mind reader or something. Yes I need your help, the painters have been in school this week and I need to go in and put the wall displays back up and restock the bookshelves before Monday, we just tore stuff down on the last Friday and it’s all over the desks I can’t do it with the kids in class as there’d be too much chaos. So I figured if I went in and did that tomorrow morning get it out of the way and then go over to check on granddad we could drive down to London Thursday morning and stop over until you fly out. I could give you a tour of the capital as payment for your services!” She brought her mug up to her lips and took a slow lingering sip as she held JJ’s gaze.

JJ stood up slowly never letting her gaze leave Cory’s, “Well if that’s what it takes to get a trip to London you’re on! I wanted to go there but with your granddad so sick I didn’t want to take you away from him. If you’re sure about spending two nights away then cool we can do the school thing I’m interested to see where you spend your days. So Mrs Williams do I need to raise my hand tomorrow if I need to go to the bathroom!”

“You are a big kid!” Cory jumped up to try and nudge the taller woman but JJ was way too quick for her. “No I’ll let you off but if you carry on teasing I may have to reprimand you!”

“Promises, promises!” At this point JJ felt retreat was her only option for fear that Cory would make her expand on that statement. “I’m off to bed now, I hear from those kids of yours that you work them hard! I hope the storm doesn’t bother you. If it does you know where I am.”

“Thanks JJ and thanks for the offer.” Cory switched off the lights and followed JJ’s cute arse up the stairs, Holly trailing behind.

Part 17

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