“Priya’s looking after Lady for us.”
“Ah, we don’t mind having the dog as well.”
“Nah, mate. I’m grateful that you’re having Caleb. Besides, the girls wanted to take Lady.”
As the day progresses, everyone seems to get along. Mum and Dad even have a few civil words. Dusk descends and the guests leave. I’m totally whacked. Caleb’s done in too, and I’ve just settled him in his cot for the night. The girls went home with Priya and Steve, and Cassie and Cairen went home with Justin and Maxine.
“Shall we watch Netflix?” Steph curls up on the sofa in shorts and t-shirt pj’s with a slogan that reads ‘Time to Wine Down’.
I flop on the sofa next to her. “Sure. You pick.”
She chooses some soppy romcom. It doesn’t matter. I’m knackered and will probably fall asleep, but not before nibbling her neck.
She bursts out laughing.
“What’s tickled your fancy? I haven’t got down there yet.”
“I remember we could never get through a full film in our teens. There were so many films I missed the end of.”
“I can't help it. It's not my fault you’re irresistible.” My tongue licks her sweet spot below her ear.
“Cal.” She pulls back to look at me.
“What? I've been sitting here watching you watch the film.”
She tilts her head and cocks her eyebrow. “You haven't been watching me watch the film as I've been watching you.”
“So you haven't seen this film either. We’ll watch it another day.” I go back to nibbling her neck and slip my hand under her pyjama top, feeling her hard nipple beneath my palm.
She relaxes against me, moving her hand to feel the bristles on my jaw. “Or maybe not at all. It's obviously not gripping enough.”
“Baby, nothing is as gripping as our own love story.”
“I hate our love story. It’s tragic.”
My head lifts and I cup her face. “We have a happy ending, though.”
Her emerald eyes sparkle like the precious jewel she is. “Is this the end?”
“No baby, this is just the beginning.”