Night School

They both dissolved into laughter.

That night as supper ended, Allie sat in the dining room with Ruth, Lisa and Lucas. Gabe had come to the table to get Jo a few minutes before and they’d all exchanged knowing glances as the two walked away. (‘Massive make-up snogging session ahead,’ Lisa predicted.)

‘I think we should go outside,’ Ruth said. ‘It’s hot in here and it’s such a lovely night. We’ll stay close to the building. We could just sit on the grass and talk.’

Lucas looked doubtful. He opened his mouth but the voice from behind Allie came first.

‘I agree. It’s a good night for croquet, don’t you think?’ Allie turned around to see Sylvain standing behind her.

Lucas looked at him and raised his eyebrow; Sylvain nodded very slightly. Lucas shrugged. ‘OK then. Let’s go.’

When Allie stood up Sylvain reached for her hand and they walked out side by side. He leaned towards her. ‘I think you’ll like it. Croquet seems boring during the day but at night it’s much better.’

His breath tickled her ear and she shivered deliciously. She smiled up at him, then she raced forward coltishly, pulling his hand. ‘Come on then. Don’t dilly-dally.’

He laughed and ran with her. Outside, the others were pulling supplies out of a small storage room near the front door. They all helped to put the wicket hoops in the turf. ‘We need a sixth,’ Lucas pointed out.

‘I’ll go and get Phil,’ Ruth said, hurrying back inside.

Allie saw that Lisa was blushing – she was obviously happy to be Lucas’ partner, but he hadn’t noticed yet. Sylvain interrupted her reverie.

‘While we are waiting for Phil, there is something I need to do.’ His tone was businesslike, and he turned to Allie. ‘Will you come and help me?’

‘Sure.’

He glanced at the other two. ‘We’ll be right back.’

Taking her by the hand he pulled her around the side of the building so quickly she had to run to keep up. When they rounded the corner he stopped.

She looked around puzzledly. ‘Where are we go—’

Without warning, he pushed her up against the stone wall and kissed her hard. In an instant, surprise turned to desire and she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and kissed him back. He was, she thought, very good at this – she had never kissed anybody like this in her life and she didn’t want it to end.

When he stopped, they were both panting, and looking into each other’s eyes.

‘I’m sorry. I couldn’t wait one more minute,’ he said breathing heavily, his blue eyes holding hers.

‘Do it again,’ Allie said, pulling insistently on his shoulders.

He smiled. ‘If you insist.’

The second kiss was longer, and if possible, more passionate, as his lips travelled down her neck and his hands tightened on her hips.

‘We should go and join the others,’ he whispered regretfully after a few minutes, his breath warm against her throat. He brushed her swollen lips lightly with his thumb. ‘Although I hate to say it. They’ll be wondering where we are.’

‘Stupid them,’ Allie whispered.

He smiled and stepped back from her, although he still held her hand. ‘Now we shall enjoy the croquet.’

‘Yay,’ Allie said weakly. ‘Croquet.’

As they walked back around the corner she could see that everyone had been waiting for them, including Carter, who was talking to Lucas. His eyes told her that he knew exactly what they’d been doing.

‘Allie! Sylvain,’ his tone was mocking. ‘This is great. What have you been up to?’

Surprised by his aggression, Allie flushed with anger. She thought they’d had a moment out in the woods when they understood each other and maybe they could be friends.

But now Carter seemed worse than ever.

Sylvain pulled her closer. ‘Unfortunately, Carter, our teams are set already. We do not need another player.’

‘I didn’t come to play.’ Carter put the emphasis on the last word. ‘I came to see how Allie was doing after her fall last night.’

Allie could feel everyone’s eyes on her. ‘I … I’m fine, Carter. Thanks.’ She faltered under his gaze which seemed to challenge her, as if she’d done something stupid.

‘That’s great. You do seem much recovered.’ His words dripped sarcasm. ‘Did you hurt your lips too? Or is that from something else?’

Allie’s hand flew up to cover her mouth, as Sylvain took several steps forward.

‘Why are you still here, Carter?’ he asked icily.

Carter stared at him, unflinching. ‘I just wanted to see if what I suspected was true.’

‘Have you seen all you need to see?’ Sylvain’s voice was low and menacing.

‘Hey, everybody,’ Ruth stepped between them. ‘Come on. Stay calm. Let’s not get into something here.’

Carter ignored her. ‘Oh, I’ve seen enough, Sylvain. You know what I’m going to say, right?’