The Arrangement

Chapter Fifty-Six

Lennox

The soft hum of the coffee machine fills the kitchen, disturbing the quietness of the morning. The rich earthy scent of fresh beans wafting through the air.

My gaze is instantly drawn to the two figures standing by the counter, completely absorbed in each other's presence. Henley stands in front of the coffee machine with Carter pressed up behind him, their bodies almost melding together, sharing an intimacy that speaks volumes.

Both their backs are to me, completely unaware of my presence so I stay silent taking a moment to fully soak in the moment they're caught up in together. Carter leans in, his breath warm against Henley's neck, and whispers something that makes Henley's shoulders relax even further, a soft smile breaking across his face.

With a gentle, almost reverent motion, Carter presses his lips to Henley's shoulder, a fleeting kiss that seems to linger in the air. It's a gesture so tender that I can't help but feel like an intruder in their private moment. This is a monumental moment for the both. It signals a positive step forward and with Blair agreeing to be amicable with us for the next two weeks I can't but think things can only get better from here.

Finally I clear my throat causing both of their attention to snap round to me.

"Well you too seem to have made up" I tease with a light chuckle to my tone.

Carter's cheeks flush ever so slightly, and he ruffles Henley's hair affectionately, a gesture that sends Henley swatting him away with a mock glare. "You know us, Lennox. Just clearing the air," Carter replies, his voice light and teasing, but I can see the sincerity behind his words.

Henley turns to face me fully now, a bemused smile on his lips. "Yeah, we're all good. Just working through some... things," he says, his eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and warmth. I can tell he's trying to downplay the significance of their moment, but it's clear that this newfound closeness between them is something to be celebrated.

I'd already guessed when they'd spent all of yesterday and last night together that they must of reconciled but it's good to hear it from them.

"Well, I'm glad you guys are in a good place. We could all use a little more love and understanding in our lives," I say, my voice lightening. "In other news I think I managed to convince Blair to come round to being stuck here with us"

Henley raises an eyebrow, his bemused smile widening as he leans in slightly, intrigued. "Oh really? How did you manage that?,"

Sighing I lean back against the counter and on my eyes on Carter as I speak. "I just asked her,"

He scoffs, shaking his head as if I'm ridiculous. "Asked? Because it's just that easy"

"When it's not coming from you?" Henley chuckles, "Yeah probably"

"We all know if I'd asked her, she'd of said no" Carter points out and he's not wrong I just don't think he quite realises the reality of why.

"My point exactly" Henley grumbles over the rim of his mug, failing miserably to hide his smirk.

Carter scoffs, shaking his head as if to shrug off Henley's comment. "Well good luck because Ash is the only one she'll willing let anywhere near her."

There's an evident bitterness to his tone, me and Henley share a glance as r both pick up on it. Both of us knowing now is not the time to mention what's going on between the two of them.

Carter may have been able to fix things with Henley but when it comes to him and Ash we know better than to even attempt to try and remedy that.

"The fact she's even agreed to stay is a good start" I point out.

"Yeah it gives us a chance to figure out what to do about that friend of hers" Henley says.

Surprisingly Carters quick to jump in his mood shifting and causing the atmosphere around us to go thick.

"I'm handling it" he grunts and goes to head out of the kitchen.

"Care to share how with the rest of us?" Henley calls after him.

"No" is all he replies but he disappears out of sight.

I let out a long breath and lean myself against the counter. Henley turns to me, his expression softening slightly as he shifts his focus from Carter's abrupt exit to the present moment. "There was my thinking he'd of fucked out his frustrations last night" he chuckles, his tone absent of his usual humour.

I push myself away from the counter, trying to shake off the lingering tension. "You know as well as I do that it's nowhere near as easy as that with him." I say.

Henley nods, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah well I need to get out of this cabin today before I go stir crazy," he replies, his eyes meeting mine.

"Whatever you're thinking the answers no" I quickly say shaking my head which only causes a wide smile to spread across his face.

His wide grin, in response to my preemptive refusal, tells me that he's already concocting some sort of plan that involves pushing our physical limits. Henley's always been the type to find comfort in nature, he might always have his nose glued to his laptop, yet he knows how to shut it all out too. Using it as a way to clear his mind and reset.

Whether it's a hike, a long-distance run, or conquering a challenging climb, he's never shied away from testing his endurance.

Part of me wants to resist, to stay within the familiar confines of the cabin and avoid whatever grueling activity he's planning. But another part of me recognizes the value in what he's suggesting.

Henley, sensing my reluctance, leans in with a persuasive glint in his eyes. "Come on," he cajoles, his voice a mixture of challenge and encouragement. "You know it'll do us good to get out there. Just a few hours in the open, and we can shake off this cabin fever."

I can feel the corners of my mouth twitching upward despite my best efforts to maintain a stern facade. Henley's right, of course. The prospect of fresh air and open skies is undeniably appealing, especially after the claustrophobic tension of recent days. And despite the impending physical demands of whatever Henley has in mind, I know that I'll likely return feeling revitalized and ready to face whatever comes next.

"All right," I finally concede, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress a smile. "But if we're doing this, you're in charge of carrying all the supplies. I'm not lugging around a heavy backpack this time."

Henley's laughter is warm and genuine, cutting through the lingering tension like a ray of sunshine. "Deal," he agrees readily, clearly delighted by my capitulation. "I'll even pack a lunch for us, something special to enjoy by the lake, perhaps?"

His enthusiasm is infectious as he gets to planning, reeling off ideas and setting out our day. It's impossible not to get sucked into it and by the time we head off I'm completely drawn into it.