Of course it was him.

"Mrs Hughes?" She's crying. Don't bother her. "I'm so sorry. I'll come back later."

"No, Mr Carson, it's alrigh —"

He was gone.

She let out a shaky sigh and took a few moments to compose herself.

He fled, seeking refuge in his ledgers. Go on, old man. Comfort her. She said it's alright. Don't be a coward.

He had just started to stand when she appeared at his door, knocking softly.

She looks pale. Red-rimmed eyes.

True, but she was also smiling.

Baffled again, he approached her. "Mrs Hughes? Are you alright?"

"Yes." Her smile grew as she looked into his eyes.

His heart skipped a beat.

"Only, you've seemed so troubled."

"Yes. Well, that's over now."

He stared, unable to resist breaking into a small confused smile of his own.

"You're sure?"

"Oh, yes. Nothing to worry about."

She stepped closer, giddy after the relief and her cathartic tears.

He didn't know what to do with his hands.

Her heart beat rapidly.

She bit her lip, then looked at him. He stared back in wonder. She looked down.

She touched the back of his hand with the back of her forefinger. He inhaled quickly but did not break contact.

"Thank you for your worry, Mr Carson. I can assure you I'm quite alright."

Sudden acute awareness of the unending activity outside his open door. His hand, cold where hers pulled away.

"I'll be on my way, then." She spoke softly.

"If you must."

His response surprised her and she stopped short. She turned, one hand on the door frame, and gave a small smile before she left.


Breathless, silent in their beds, both imagined crossing the corridor and opening the door.

Waking the other. Gentle touches turning passionate.

Thoughts of spilling inside her, her legs tight around him.

Thoughts of riding him, reaching that place over and over until at last they would come together.

Silently mouthing the other's name and at nearly the same moment, they both came undone. Spent and blissful, he fell deeply asleep almost immediately. Half an hour later, after coming undone over and over, she lay happy and satisfied and drifted into her own deep and restful sleep.