Playing with fire

Dance

As expected her husband didn't return home for two weeks after their latest argument and when he did things went back to how they were before. They tolerated living together, he tried to be the man he used to be and she found she didn't have the strength to bring up what had happened again.

"You're annoyed I'm not coming with you aren't you?" He asked her as he sat on the sofa, watching as she filled her bag and checked for her keys,

"It's a charity ball," she sighed, "I'm just saying it would be nice if you'd come with me,"

He sighed, "I work hard too," he told her as he looked at her stood before him in a tight navy dress and heels,

She nodded, "I'm aware of that,"

"Enjoy your night," he told her coldly and she shook her head,

"I couldn't wear the dress I wanted too because of those bloody bruises on my back," she spat,

"I said I'm sorry," he told her, "it's not like I planned to do that,"

"No, I think that would have made it even more unbearable," she uttered, before slipping her arms into her cream coat and picking up her bag, "I'll be quiet when I come in,"

He raised an eyebrow, "what times your shift tomorrow?"

"Six," she replied,

"I'm surprised you're not going to stay in the oncall room,"

She looked at him, "you know what... I think I will..."

He shook his head, "I didn't mean that I..."

She looked at him, "I'll see you tomorrow," she replied, grateful as the taxi beeped from outside.

She stood next to Charlie at the bar, great fully accepting the drink he handed her and clinking her glass against his,

Charlie couldn't help but notice how her eyes fell to Jacob as he walked over, "scrubs up well doesn't he,"Zoe grinned as Connie rolled her eyes,

Jacob smiled at the three of them, "Rita managed to get out of this then," he smiled, kissing Zoe and Connie's cheek before shaking Charlie's hand, "there's always one," Charlie smiled, before he excused himself as he saw Duffy in the distance,

"Want to dance?" Jacob asked, his eyes shining and she nodded,

"Better with you than any of the other egotistical men here," she smiled and took his outstretched hand,

"You look good boss," he smiled as they danced closely,

She couldn't help but smile back at him, "thank you,"

She spent the night by his side, there was something about this man that made her feel safe and appreciated,

"Will you be okay at home tonight?" He asked her, "I'm not judging you, but I got the feeling your husband was coming tonight and he's not here so..."

She looked at him, "he didn't say why he wasn't coming, but I can guess it's due to the fact he can't face people I work with knowing he did... And I'm not going home."

"You're welcome at mine," he told her, "you know if you want somewhere to sleep that's not an oncall room bed."

She looked up at him and their eyes met momentarily, "I'm being a friend Connie," he smiled, "and if I'm over stepping the mark then I apologise,"

She shook her head, "you're a good man Jacob masters," she told him, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek before they continued dancing in a comfortable silence.