Evermore - Cheradine

Chapter 18

The next day, we boarded the bus to Nottingham, where we were set to perform two shows in quick succession. Upon arriving at the hotel, Nicola extended an invitation for dinner that evening. I understood that this was her way of broaching the topic of Ché and Dave, and though I was hesitant, I agreed. The thought of discussing Dave and emotions I didn't even feel was far from appealing. I would have preferred to spend the evening wrapped in Cheryl's arms. However, Nicola had shown trust in me by sharing her secret relationship, and I didn't want to take that lightly.

Later, as I got ready for dinner, Cheryl was sprawled on my bed, watching me with a relaxed look. I loved how every hotel room I stayed in sort of became hers too, with her scent hanging in the air and her warmth lingering on the sheets.

"I still don't get why she invited just you," Cheryl said again, clearly annoyed, what felt like the hundredth time. She disliked the notion of being excluded from any plans. Used to being at the centre of attention, she found it hard to accept not being included.

"She wants to talk about Ché, as I've said," I replied, trying to stay patient.

"You know what? I'll make plans with Kimba," she said, clearly not pleased with the situation.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked, curious.

"Probably just hanging out in her room," Cheryl shrugged nonchalantly, her Geordie accent giving her words a laid-back, almost casual air. She seemed pleased with the simplicity of her plan, not needing anything more elaborate.

"Sounds like thrilling plans," I teased.

"They really are," Cheryl replied with a grin, chuffed with what she came up.

"By the way," I said, noticing my jacket draped over her shoulders, "why are you wearing my jacket? Take it off. I'm wearing it tonight," I ordered.

In the short time I'd been with Cheryl, I'd noticed she had a habit of treating everything I owned as if it were hers too. It was something I secretly enjoyed, even though I wasn't about to admit that to her.

Cheryl looked at me with a raised eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "So rude."

"Come on, Cheryl. I'm heading out," I said, waving my hand dismissively.

"Fine." With a theatrical sigh, Cheryl removed the jacket and handed it to me.

As I slipped the jacket on, I was immediately enveloped by her comforting scent. It was like a reassuring embrace, and I couldn't help but smile, pleased she'd been cheeky enough to wear it in the first place, leaving a bit of herself with me.

Sitting down beside her, I gently placed my hand on her arm. "Don't fall asleep in Kimberley's room. I wanna come back and find you right here," I said earnestly, smoothing a strand of hair from her face with a tender touch. "Okay?"

I felt like I needed to say it, otherwise, I might return to an empty bed, only to find out she'd dozed off in Kimberley's room. I didn't want to risk spending a night apart from her.

Cheryl nodded, her eyes softening, and I leaned in, pressing my lips to hers in a soft, lingering kiss. "I'm leaving now," I murmured.

Before I could rise from the bed, Cheryl pushed me back, her hand firm on my shoulder, and leaned in, capturing my lips in a passionate, open-mouth kiss. The warmth and insistence of her kiss made my heart race, her tongue playfully teasing mine as she deepened the kiss. I felt her fingers weave through my hair, pulling me closer, making it impossible to think about leaving.

When she finally pulled back, she whispered, "Just making sure you'll miss me," her breath warm against my lips. Then, she reached up and quickly wiped the smudge of lipstick from my lips with her thumb. "We wouldn't want Nicola getting any ideas," she said with a cheeky grin, making sure every trace was gone.