Page 106 of Saving Ren

“See you tomorrow, Karen.”

After dancing around the kitchen for a few seconds. I hook my phone’s Bluetooth up to Gabe’s speakers and hit play on my music.

Grabbing a bottle of wine from the fridge and two glasses from the cupboard, I dance my way out to the deck.

I haven’t had time to sort my music into separate playlists since I got my new phone, and it’s not until I step outside that I realise the first song up is White Christmas.

“Bing fucking Crosby?” Gabe turns and laughs at me.

“Oi, leave my taste in music alone. I like White Christmas; it reminds me of England.” I pout my bottom lip before deciding I’m too happy and switch it to a grin.

“What?” Gabe questions.

“I got a job,” I announce.

“A design job?” he asks, taking the wine glasses out of my hands. I fill each one before putting the bottle on the table.

“No, a pole-dancing job at Kitties in the city. They’ve taken me on for their new Thursday night special feature ‘Forty and Flabulous’,” I tell him with an eye roll. His eyes narrow on me, he gives a head shake and laughs.

“Yes, darling. A design job. An old client has bought a big new place up at Red Hill, wants it ready to host Christmas there this year.”

“Well done, excellent news.”

“Only snag is, she wants me to do a walk-through with her tomorrow at two. Any chance I could borrow your car or get a lift?”

He holds his glass up to mine and we knock them together.

“Depends,” he says.

“On what?” I don’t mean to let my smile falter, but I panic that he’s got other plans and I should’ve checked with him first.

“On whether you’re going to let me take you out for a late lunch today to celebrate.”

“I think I can manage that.”

“Then we’re all set. Well done, you clever girl, I’m proud of you.” Reaching out, he laces his fingers through mine and pulls me in for a kiss.

“How long is it gonna take you to get ready?”

“Not long. I only washed my hair last night, and I’ve already showered this morning.”

“Good. That means we have time to fuck before we leave,” he says with his mouth pressed to mine.

“That means I’ll need another shower.”

“I’ll fuck you in the shower then. Problem solved.”

“Problem solved,” I agree.

Chapter 27

Gabe

I’m strugglingto keep my eyes on the road as Lauren gasps for air, tears rolling down her cheeks as she almost chokes with laughter in the passenger seat next to me.

“We’ve literally gone from Carole King to Eminem, to Neil Diamond, to Tinie Tempah, to Luther Vandross, and now The Clash. Your taste is. . . I can’t even think of a word,” I tell her.

Finally managing to compose herself, she draws in a few deep breaths and grins at me.