“I’ve had stickier things in my hair,” I say with a smile.
Callum kisses my nose, tucking a loose curl behind my ear before he continues. “We would go on all the rides. After the fifth time on the waltzer, you’d throw up all over me. Then I would spend all my money on the arcade trying to win you a teddy that you can’t even keep in case Justin asks where it came from.”
“Sounds like the perfect date.” A whimsical smile is etched on my face.
Cal grins, rubbing his thumb against my cheek. “I booked a nice hotel.”
“What?” I hold my breath. Did I hear that right?
“I booked a hotel on the seafront.”
“Cal, you didn’t?” My chest caves.
“I booked us a room and lunch. They have a balcony terrace overlooking the beach and served nice food, according to Trip Advisor.”
My mouth opens, but I have no words. Tears threaten my eyes again, only this time, overwhelming tears of joy that he would do that, and an overwhelming sadness that it will never come to pass.
“I was going to wine and dine you, then take you to the room and seduce you. We would have made love all afternoon, then we would have walked along the beach hand in hand with an ice cream. You would get some on your nose, and I’d lick it off, telling you how much I love you. You’d tell me you love me, and that you’re going to leave Justin the jerk, and we would watch the sunset together. I’d cancel my flight, and you’d move in with me and we’d live happily ever after.”
I taste the salty tears as I lick my lips. Cal wipes his thumb over my stained cheeks and kisses my nose. “Cal, that’s a lovely dream.”
“It doesn’t have to be a dream.”
“But Cal, your girls.”
“I would sort something out, go over when I can, have them for the holidays. I would make it work, Steph.”
“I wouldn’t let you do that for me.”
“I would be doing it for me, too. I want to be with you.”
“Your girls would resent me for keeping you here, and you would come to hate me for making you choose. It’s better this way.” Isn’t it?
“If you say so.” He looks deflated.
I press my swollen lips to his warm mouth. The feel of his soft lips, the stubble on his chin, his wet tongue against mine are all I ever want to feel. I want no one else to touch my mouth, fearing they will erase his kiss, his scent, and his memory.
“Cal, I would have loved that date.”
“I know baby, so would I.” I can see the sadness in his eyes. They’re not a lustrous brown anymore, but a dull sepia with a hint of grey.
“You needn’t have gone to all that expense, though. I would have loved the first date you described.”
A laugh escapes him. “You were always a cheap date.” My heart aches knowing I will never get to live out either date.
“Do you want anything to eat?”
“No, I’m good.” He wraps his arms around me, nibbling my ear and licking at the spot below my jaw, before sucking my neck lightly, not strong enough to mark my skin. His treacherous lips trail along my shoulder and each kiss, nip and lick, tingles between my legs, and I never want him to stop with his tender assault. I pull his hair, bringing his lips to mine, our tongues flicking against each other in waves, our breathing in sync as we settle into each other’s embrace.
“Come through into the living room.” I lead the way and sit on the light grey fabric of our corner suite, fluffing up a furry mustard cushion as Callum sits next to me, taking in his surroundings.
“You have a beautiful house, Steph.”
“Thanks,” I say, house proud of my decorating skills and meticulously hand picked accessories and soft furnishings.
“I didn’t realise how big your house actually is.”
“Justin bought it for us. He re-modelled most of it.”