Rory (Coded for Love 1)

“She’s good, she’s still in Wales.”

A spark lit in Sean’s eyes.

Rory was about to say more, mention he’d seen her at Cadogan hospital and why, when a loud buzzer sounded. The guard announced visiting time was over.

Sean rose to his feet, put out his hand.

Rory took it and drew his brother in for a quick hug. “I’ll be at the gate with your bike and a full tank,” he whispered, close against his brother’s ear. “Focus on that.”

“I will. Thanks, bro.”

A guard hovered nearby.

“I’ll bring you some new kit,” Rory added, nodding at Sean’s ripped body.

Sean saluted and turned away.

Rory stared at his brother’s broad back, noted the way Sean kept his head up and flexed his shoulders as if readying for a fight.

He counted the days until he could keep his promise and give him a set of bike keys and a ride he could rely on. It cut him deep to have to bring the news about George and the doubtful job potential. Even if he had to hand over his own bike and clear out his bank account, he wouldn’t let Sean down.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The day of the funeral started off grey and damp with misty rain.

Sky cursed the weather, wishing it would give them a break.

She planned to turn up at the church a half hour early, hoping to catch Rory before the service. The tube station was a few minutes walk from the church. She followed the route on her smart phone, but once she caught sight of the spire, she put her phone away. It was a pretty church. Old fashioned, and looked like it should be in a country village not in the midst of the sprawling city of London. A grey stone wall surrounded it. Once she found the entrance and passed under the lych-gate, she saw Rory standing by the large arched doorway to the chapel.

Her breath caught in her lungs at the sight of him.

Just a couple of days, but it was too long. I love him.

In that moment, she understood. Thi

s wretched, bereft feeling was because she loved him and he hadn’t been close by. She walked faster.

He wore a suit and looked incredibly handsome, despite his overcast expression. His hair was tidy and he’d shaved. The efforts he’d gone to made her feel oddly proud. Then he turned her way and looked over at the people entering the church grounds. His eyes lit and he lifted his hand in acknowledgement.

Sky walked faster still.

As she closed on him, he put out his hands for hers.

Relief swamped her.

“Thank you for coming.”

Sky stood on tiptoes and kissed him.

Passers by nodded at him as they went into the church and she stood by his side until they’d gone in. “Where’ve you been? I’ve been worried.”

“At George’s house. He has pets, a dog and three cats. I had to take care of them, they couldn’t fend for themselves.”

Why hadn’t he just replied to her messages and told her that? “Of course not. I’m sorry. I missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

“Really?” She knew she sounded needy, but she couldn’t help it.