Page 56

Willow

I napped the majority of the journey home. It felt like the easiest option after our disagreement.

Frustratingly, I understood. If the shoe were on the other foot, I’d wonder if he was rushing into dating too. But I wasn’t ready to date, I was ready to fall head over heels in love with Jack.

Standing up for myself was a novelty, but there remained fears of being berated for it.

Regardless, I was wounded. We’d argued so quickly into our relationship and I wasn’t sure what this meant. I was used to arguments equating to turmoil or worse and I didn’t know how to progress.

Jack parked outside the house, rousing me from my thoughts. Together, we collected our belongings and dragged two very sleepy dogs into the house. After all, they’d spent countless hours running around Jack’s parent’s estate.

A chill ran through the house. Jack focused on the heating, while I took my bags upstairs and ran a bath. I hadn’t warmed since running through rain and my bones felt like icicles.

Sinking into the steaming water, I hissed.

The kind of burn that turns your skin pink and welcomes you like a hug.

I treated myself to an everything wash. If I was in a new relationship, we both deserved a little luxury.

And despite being amidst the post-disagreement awkwardness, I knew already I’d welcome him back to my body.

Somehow, he knew what I needed autonomously.

It was refreshing not having to expect disappointment in the bedroom, though I suspected that was the eighteen-year difference. He knew what I needed and when.

Once I was sufficiently hairless and pruned, I pushed out of the bath and moisturised until I was glowing in the candlelight as I dried my hair.

I changed into a powder blue satin dress, which stopped mid-thigh, and a cropped blue sweater to match. I popped a little bronzer, brow gel and a nude lip balm on. With half an hour’s worth of effort, I felt like a new woman and ready to move on with Jack .

I passed my half empty suitcase before venturing downstairs, the wooden bat I’d somewhat stolen from our trip.

My nightmares had improved, especially opening up to Jack romantically and exhausting ourselves between the sheets.

But if there was one thing that could push them into the darkest corners of my consciousness, it was placing a weapon in the alcove that haunted me.

I skipped down the stairs with renewed energy.

By the time my foot met the last step, my senses were on overdrive.

A divine scent floated through the kitchen doorway, and the familiar strings of Joel Sunny echoed.

The kitchen was shrouded in candlelight and my heart flipped.

I found Jack standing at the Aga checking on food.

At some point, he’d changed into a thin-knit navy jumper and jeans, and now I was allowed to, I could admit he looked appetising as fuck.

He turned when he caught my movement. The smile on his face was guarded, like he couldn’t guarantee where he stood with me, but couldn’t help smiling regardless. He met me halfway between the door and the kitchen, his hands landing on my waist.

“Dinner won’t be too long, but we have some time. Dance with me, sweetheart?”

I looked down to find Jack’s palm up. I couldn’t resist. He tugged me into his chest, placed his other hand on my back, while my spare hand comfortably lay on his chest. Luminary played in the background.

“Hey,” I whispered.

“Hi, sweetheart. How’re you feeling?”

“Better.”

We swayed gently together, barely a slither between us.

“I’m sorry for questioning you,” he spoke in a low voice, lips against my head.

“I know.”

“But?”

I sighed, knowing I’d been caught out trying to be diplomatic to avoid disruption. I looked up at him.

“ But , it hurt. Equally, I understand why you asked. If it were the other way round, I’d think the same. But I checked out of that relationship years before it actually finished. Call it self-preservation or survival – call it what you want.

“I’m not just dating someone , I’m choosing to start a life with you, Jack.

Sure, it’s quick and we’ve jumped into this head first, but we’ve also known each other for six years longer than most new couples.

Let’s figure each other out and get it wrong and have fun making up.

But please trust me when I say that I’m not falling haphazardly, I’m jumping in with all my faculties, knowing all the risks and still choosing us.

” I stroked his cheek, enjoying the scratchy stubble in my palm.

“I understand. I choose you too.” He dipped his head and brought a kiss to my lips .

And just like that, our dispute was resolved. Kissing Jack was like I’d never eaten and was now tasting the sweetest nectar.

Jack’s hand moved down my lower back to my butt, pushing me further against him until I felt his firm length against my stomach. I gasped.

“I can’t wait to have fun making this up to you tonight.”

I broke the kiss and giggled, though his grumble suggested he didn’t find it remotely funny.

“I thought you were making me a romantic dinner? Snap to it, lamb.” I smacked his arse and headed to the island, pouring myself a glass of wine. I turned to find him laughing and shaking his head, before returning to the Aga.

An hour later, we sat at the corner of the island, a glass of wine each and empty bowls which once held rhubarb crumble and custard.

We were adorable. Giggling, kissing, and touching each other. We were that couple that usually disgusted singletons, and I didn’t have it in me to apologise.

Jack pulled my bar stool closer, so my thighs fit between his. He placed his large hands on my thighs and stretched them over the satin material of my dress. His needy grip had me growing desperate for him to touch me elsewhere.

“This dress is perfect. It was made for you, but I can’t wait to remove it,” he mumbled into my neck, peppering kisses up and towards my lips.

I revelled in every touch he was willing to give me.

I may have told him to remove me from a pedestal, but I absolutely adored the way he expressed his attraction.

I was also thrilled we’d made it to the making-up part of the evening.

“Well, isn’t this adorable?” We shot apart and searched for the rogue voice, to find Fran standing at the kitchen door.

“Shit, Frannie. When did you get here?” Jack stood from his stool but remained behind the island. If we hadn’t just been caught by his daughter, I’d have found it hilarious knowing he was willing his erection away.

“Earlier today. Just back from the library and heading over to Si’s in a bit.”

“Silas, Si?” I queried. It absolutely wasn’t the point, but I was curious to find out when this friendship had formed. Jack shot me a glare, confirming my suspicions.

“Yep.” She smiled. “I’m going to get ready. See you later.” She left with her bag over her shoulder and climbed the stairs.

Jack pushed his fingers through his hair, stressed and frustrated .

“I’m sorry,” I muttered.

“Fuck. I didn’t want Frannie to find out like that.”

“Well, I guess she knows.” I winced. I didn’t know how to handle this situation, and I suspected I was only making it worse.

“I’ll talk to her now.”

Jack left the kitchen and followed his daughter upstairs, without a kiss or touch and I suddenly felt unsure.

Despite all the things he’d said until now, Fran’s response was important to him. I knew how much he loved his daughter. We were still new and while he’d been clear of his feelings towards me, I couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t be swayed.