HER SECRET 14

‘I’ll go change,’ she said quickly. ‘There are him sandwiches in that bag. Help yourself, if you’re hungry. I know you must be.’

Holding the candle in front of her, she made her way into the bathroom, where she set it down on the sink. Peeling off her wet sweater and bra, she hung them and her jacket on the towel rack. As she put the shirt on and buttoned it, she inhaled the same soapy fragrance she’d detected on Matt a few minutes ago.

The cotton shirt was endlessly big on her, but at least it was dry. The stiff fabric smelled faintly of laundry detergent and of Matt, a scent that made her light-headed.

She shed her wet shoes and socks, leaving on her damp jeans, then used the candle to make her way to the living room. Matt was sitting on the floor,

his back against the sofa, munching a sandwich.

‘You were hungry,’ she noted, placing the candle on the coffee table and slipping down beside him.

‘A little,’ he admitted. ‘You make a good sandwich.’ Reaching for the candle, he rose. ‘Be