Lustful Hearts
Chapter 26: Rесоvеrу- P2

Several hours of cleaning later, I noticed the time. I needed to make some dinner. I searched through all the cupboards to replace anything edible. But each one was just as bare as the other. The fridge was the exact same, apart from a carton of expired milk sitting amongst the empty shelves.

A lump formed in my throat at the insight into what his childhood must have been like. Just picturing a young vulnerable Joel brought tears to my eye. I felt ashamed for my own mediocre complaints. His home life was totally different to my own.

It made me appreciate my mother more. A tear trickled down my face, but I quickly swiped it away. I needed to stay strong and shower him with as much love and support he could handle.

I walked back into the lounge to replace Joel engrossed in his game. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my body into his back, kissing his hair. "Hey, I'm off to the shops to get some milk and bread. won't be long."

"Okay baby, but I need a proper kiss goodbye."

I smiled leaning around, catching a cheeky glimpse of his amused face. I gave him a soft, delicate kiss on his injured lips. Walking off grinning I grabbed my coat, scarf and gloves. I needed all the layers I could replace, to wrap up warm against the chilly spring wind.

"Just my girlfriend," he said chuckling as my hand reached the door handle.

"What? Did you say something?" I asked, turning back. I peered around the doorway as I slipped my coat on.

He dipped his head back to look at me. "I'm talking to Mark on Xbox live, baby. Of course she's beautiful."

My eyes widened in embarrassment. "Joel." I marched back through, giving him a glare as I stood with both hands on my hips.

"What? He was asking what you looked like, I'm only telling him the truth." He pulled an innocent face, but I could see he was holding back a grin.

I narrowed my eyes for a few seconds longer, buttoning up my coat. "Anyway I'm off now, I'll be back soon."

I made to walk off again until a large smile spread across his face, which stopped me in my tracks.

"Yeah, she has a hot body."

"Joel!" I slapped his arm, only making him grin harder.

"Bye baby, love you not you Mark, I was talking to Izzy." He chuckled.

I laughed making my way out just happy to see him in better spirits.

***

Thirty minutes later, I walked through the door loaded with bags. Placing them down in the kitchen, I went to check on Joel. He was sat watching the news.

I knew his Xbox friend must have gone offline as Joel was definitely not a news person. He took no interest in anything newsworthy, unless it was to do with sport.

He smiled instantly eyeing up the bag of goods, but I wanted to have a little fun with him first.

"So I've just had an interesting chat with someone." I sent a fake scowl in his direction, and his face immediately dropped. I could see the little cogs in his brain working overtime to work out who it could've been.

"Here's me thinking I was your girl, but it appears you have promised yourself to another." I crossed my arms across my chest defensively, my eyes shooting him daggers. The look of confusion on his face was priceless.

I loved winding him up.

Even though it was a little evil of me.

I couldn't keep up the pretence long, instantly erupting into laughter. "Jean said she's making some muffins and to pop round tomorrow."

Jean was Joel's old neighbour. I had bumped into only minutes earlier. From our brief conversation I got the impression John was the neighbour from hell, which was no surprise.

I had drawn some comfort from the praise she had directed at Joel, and how she often invited him in for tea and cakes to escape his dad's countless arguments.

An instant look of relief spread across his face. I knew he was probably thinking all kinds. It was a little evil of me to play the joke, but the moment Jean revealed Joel had said she was his girl, I knew I had to. It only to pay him back for his disloyalty.

"Izzy, don't do that to me. I'm in an unstable condition, I can't handle surprises." He groaned pouting, pretending to look sick so he'd get the sympathy vote.

My eyes zeroed in on those lips that did it to me every time. "Oh well you won't want these then if you're ill..." I pulled out the BLT sandwich and crisps, waving them teasingly at him.

Joel's eyes widened and he gave me a sad puppy dog look hoping to sway my decision. I laughed, tossing them onto his knee. He grinned, eagerly ripping them open and devouring half a sandwich in a mouthful.

I walked over kissing his forehead. "Do you want a coffee to wash that all down?"

"Please." His mouth was full once again busy finishing the rest of the sandwich. He really did love his food.

Three bagfuls of dirt later, the carpet was back to a reasonable standard. I marvelled at being able to see the pattern in the carpet, mentally checking off another thing on my list. My happiness was short lived the moment I stepped into Joel's bedroom to be greeted with a complete bombsite.

Wandering back through an hour later, I found Joel dozing on the sofa. "So there's nothing much in to eat. How about takeaway tonight? I can go food shopping tomorrow," I asked, sitting down beside him as I studied his tired, bruised face.

"There never is anything in, why do you think I'm always round at yours?" He was trying to make light of it, though he couldn't disguise the sadness he held in his eyes. But I wanted to lighten the mood, I didn't want this house to always be associated with bad times.

"So you only come round for the food? I think I should be rather offended by that," I teased, pretending to look shocked. I climbed onto the sofa, fully straddling him.

His arms encircled me, and he pulled me close. "You know you're the number one reason why I come round." He grinned, leaning in for a kiss but I moved back much to Joel's annoyance.

"I'm not convinced, I think you'd put food before me." I raised my eyebrows waiting for a reply, pursing my lips.

He twisted his mouth into a wry smile. "Depends what kind," he said chuckling, his eyes shining with delight.

"Joel," I huffed pouting, lightly slapping his arm playfully.

He smiled wickedly enjoying my reaction, leaning forward gently biting my lower lip. I gasped with pleasure, enjoying the sensation as he teased me, and then moaned with delight when his tongue sought out mine.

I pulled away panting when Joel's stomach rumbled loudly. We both laughed together, it was kind of a passion killer. "I think we really should order some pizza now."

He frowned as I pushed myself off him, grabbing the phone and takeaway menu. Thankfully it was the weekend, I'd only missed one day of college and as luck would have it, we were now on a two-week break for Easter.

I ordered the pizza, and much to Joel's annoyance made him take his painkillers. The doorbell rang just as I'd got the plates ready. I was relieved, Joel looked like he would practically eat his own arm.

Opening the door I came face to face with a sexy blonde haired girl standing there smiling. My eyes automatically zoomed in on her overly large bust, the fact her top was two sizes too small only aided in accentuating it even further."