Bad Boy (Invertary 5)

He took a deep breath and gave her the rest of it. She deserved honesty. Even he knew that much. “You need to know, I’m not sure I can pull this off. But I’ll try.”

Wide eyes stared up at him. She blinked solemnly. “Just remember I own a set of very sharp chef’s knives and I’m not afraid to use them. Think about those if you’re tempted to backslide into debauchery.”

Flynn burst out laughing. Although he had a slight suspicion she wasn’t joking.

He was about to pull Abby closer when his younger cousin Megan raced up.

“Damn it, I’m too late. Have they told you off yet?” She stared between Abby and Flynn. “They have, haven’t they?” She faced Flynn. “It’s not too late. You need to hear my point of view too before you make up your mind about turning over a new leaf. I just wanted to say, whatever you’re doing, keep it up. In fact, feel free to get worse. You’re making me look good. I haven’t had any hassle at all from the family since you came back.”

“Megan!” Aunty Heather shouted with outrage, and the three of them snapped around to see they had an audience peering at them from the living room window. Great. Just what Flynn needed—more family interference.

“What?” Megan shouted back. “He needs to hear all sides of the argument so he can make an informed decision.”

Aunty Heather pursed her lips at Megan. Flynn figured his cousin had an intervention of her own to get through in the near future.

The door opened behind them.

“I take it from the fact you’re wrapped around Abby that you plan to help her out,” Matt said.

Abby jerked in his arms as though suddenly realising where she was. She took a step back, dropping her hands from him and leaving him cold.

“Thanks a lot,” he said to Matt.

“Flynn’s turning over a new leaf,” Abby said.

“Thank the Lord,” his mother said. “This calls for cake. I’ve got a chocolate one in the fridge. Who’s making tea?”

At the mention of chocolate cake, everyone rushed for the kitchen.

“Don’t screw this up,” Matt warned him.

Flynn’s fingers tingled with the urge to make fists as he looked at his cousin. “Soon as my leg is better, you and me are going to spend some time in the ring.”

“Bring it on, ball-boy. I’ll wipe the floor with you. Again.” With a laugh, Matt headed into the house, leaving Flynn alone with Abby.

Flynn glared after him.

“Thank you,” Abby whispered, bringing his attention back to her pale face.

Flynn jerked at the words. They made him feel something he’d never felt before. It took a minute to recognise what it was and when he did, he wasn’t pleased.

It was responsibility.

He felt responsible for Abby.

And the thought terrified him.

8

“Playing against a defensive opponent is just as bad as making love to a tree."

Jorge Valdano, former general manager of Real Madrid

Abby was sitting politely sipping morning tea, while Victoria quizzed Katy about her life. What she really wanted to do was rip out her sister’s hair and send her running back to mummy.

“So you don’t attend school?” Victoria said.

“No, silly,” Katy said. “It’s summer holiday. I start school after the holiday. I’m going to be in Jonathan’s class. He’s my best friend. He doesn’t like slugs, but worms are okay.”