We lie, listening to the fire hissing. My breathing falls into a natural rhythm, and hers slows to match it. I can smell her now; the geranium scent she always wears intermingling with the smell of her skin. I try to keep my arm somewhere neutral, but to me nowhere on her body really fits that description any more. If I just close my eyes I can remember her in vivid detail. I cast around desperately for a safe topic of conversation, and come up blank.
‘This is so nice', Lexi says suddenly. 'Just to be held, for once.'
'Now you know why I always came running to you when I was sad. You give the best hugs.'
'I think you might have me beaten there,' she says. 'Seriously, though, I can feel every muscle in your stomach right now.' This embarrasses me and I try to pull away, but Lexi protes
