United State of Love Read Online Free Page A

could hear Mark's footsteps quicken to catch up with her, falling in next to her as she hurried across the flagstones, up the steps, past the statue of St Richard, around the bell tower and down the path that ran along the side of the cathedral.
    ‘Where are you staying?’ she asked, without breaking her stride or looking at him.
    ‘Err, well, there's a bit of a problem there. Everywhere's really busy. I didn't decide to come until the last minute so didn't make any arrangements.’
    ‘Unfortunate.’
    ‘I thought I could stay with you. At the house,’ he said casually.
    ‘Stay with me?’ echoed Anna, stopping dead. They were at the Market Cross in the centre of Chichester, where the four pedestrian roads met. A great meeting spot, a favourite with teenagers, and today foreign exchange students in particular. Anna could hear the gabble of French and Spanish, mixed in with the English voices of other tourists and shoppers. She took off her sunglasses and looked at Mark. Was he being serious?
    ‘It will give me a chance to spend some quality time with Luke,’ said Mark, a defensive tone creeping in. ‘I haven't seen him in ages.’
    Anna bristled. ‘A whole year.’
    ‘I do my best,’ said Mark lamely, ‘but let's not get into all that now. I'm here to try and make up for lost time. Come on, it'll be fine.’
    ‘I don't think it's a good idea. I haven't got enough room anyway.’
    ‘I can kip on the sofa, not a problem,’ replied Mark Then winking, said, ‘Failing that, I'm sure we could both still share the same bed, in a purely platonic way of course.’
    ‘There must be a B&B somewhere, or what about a Travelodge?’ said Anna, choosing to ignore the last comment. Replacing her sunglasses, relieved that her feet responded, she headed down East Street towards home.
    ‘Come on, Anna. What's the big deal? Besides, you know Luke will be really pleased if I stay with you and him.’
    ‘You can't just waltz back into our lives, acting like everything is hunky-dory,’ said Anna, looking straight ahead, still walking. ‘You haven't exactly been the greatest advertisement for fatherhood. The occasional phone call or sometimes an email.’
    ‘I was hoping you'd be a bit more understanding.’ There was a coolness in his voice. ‘I didn't want to have to force you to agree but you seem to be forgetting one tiny detail. It is actually
my
house. I don't think you've got a lot of choice. I am entitled to stay in my own home, you know.’
    ‘Your house, but my home. It’s never been your home. You bought it for me and Luke. No, you’re not staying. In fact, let’s go back into town and find you a B&B.’
    ‘You’ll have to pay then. I can’t afford it. Money’s a bit tight.’
    ‘Money’s a bit tight yet you’ve managed to afford a flight here! Don’t give me that, Mark. You’re not broke and you’re not staying with me.’
    ‘Thing is, my case is already there. Let’s go and get it and tell Luke you’re kicking me out.’
    She knew that he was fully aware she didn’t have the heart to do it, not because she felt sorry for him, but because Luke would be hurt. Anna let out a sigh and ground to a halt.
    ‘You're such a shit at times.’ She paused before finally agreeing. ‘Okay, but you're on the sofa.’
    ‘That's my girl. You know it makes sense.’ He had the effrontery to grin and then hug her. An embrace that he held just a moment too long for her liking. ‘Come on then, let's get home. I'm starving. What's for tea?’
    ‘You're letting him do it to you again,’ grumbled Zoe. Anna could hear the irritation in her voice over the phone. Zoe was more than just the wife of Anna's brother, she had become a friend and confidante over the years, especially so when Anna's marriage was in its darkest hour.
    ‘I don't have a lot of choice,’ said Anna in a low voice, looking over her shoulder to make sure her bedroom door was shut properly.
    ‘You're letting him take control. Christ, he's only