Ben paced up and down the polished wood floor. He’d been home now for almost an hour, but Kate hadn’t returned. He was anxious, picked up his mobile, and once again tried her phone. But a long continuous buzzing began to circulate his mind. His whole body felt as though he were balancing on a wire, waiting to fall, and suddenly, he knew that something was wrong.
Flicking through his phone. He checked his emails, text and messenger. Repeatedly, pressed each of the buttons, and held his breath for what seemed like the hundredth time, he paced around the house, up the stairs, and stared at the bed. All he could imagine was Kate lying in the bed, how beautiful she’d looked and how perfect she’d felt when he’d taken her in his arms. Their lovemaking had gone on for hours, but then they’d both curled up together and he’d watched her sleep with her hands clasped tightly together as though in prayer. Affectionately, he’d stroked her face, and kissed her jawline.
Staring at the phone, he tried to decide what he should do. All he knew was that Kate had gone shopping with Eve, and that at midday she’d called saying she’d be home by five and Kate was never late.
‘Home…’ Ben stopped in his tracks. Kate had said she’d meet him at home and to Kate, home was still River Cottage. Which was where she probably was, cooking the meal as she’d promised.