Sean sighs heavily. I let go of his hand.
“We still have today and tomorrow,” he says then, without looking at me.
“You’re right.” My fingers brush against his chin. Sean lifts his gaze to mine again. I lose myself in him immediately. “I intend to make the most of every second.” This time, I bend down to him without thinking, pressing my lips to his.
“Er…” Someone clears their throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt…” I smile onto Sean’s mouth and let go, turning around to see Larry in the kitchen doorway. “Your guests are here,” he announces.
“Already?” Sean glances at the clock. “I hadn’t noticed the time.”
Me, neither. I was lost in the moment, in him, in this wonderful and unexpected sense of peace and intimacy I only feel when I’m with him.
We had a quick brunch with Larry and my grandmother after we came back from the market. Veggie omelettes, French toast with bacon and maple syrup, and fruit with cheese. It was nice to spend time with Granny like we used to, without my parents getting in the way. And seeing Larry sit beside her, making sure her mimosa was always topped up, watching them exchange complicit glances… It really warmed my heart. It made me hopeful.
“I’ve asked them to wait in the small lounge; Evelyn is joining them as we speak.”
“Maybe we should head in, too,” Sean says to me.
“We’ll be right there,” I say to Larry, before he leaves us alone in the kitchen again.
Sean washes his hands, drying them on a tea towel, and I do the same, stopping him before he can leave the room.
“What’s up?”
I bend down and kiss him, slowly, on the lips.
“I wasn’t expecting that.”
“Should I have warned you?”
“I’m starting to quite like surprises – especially when they come from you.”
“That’s good, because you might be getting a few surprises.”
Sean bites his bottom lip. “I can’t wait.”
* * *
MILA IS LOOKINGaround through narrowed eyes as Jake chats amicably with my grandmother.
“This house is…” She looks at me. “I didn’t realise you were rich.”
I laugh. “I’m not rich. My family is.”
“I don’t get it,” Mila says, confused.
“Eric is building a future with his own two hands,” Larry says, jumping to my aid. “Something we really appreciate in this family.”
I smile hearing Larry define himself as part of the family. I wonder what my parents will think tomorrow, when we’ll all be together around the table for Christmas.
“I’ve heard the latest,” Jake says, appearing between us and looping his arms around me and Larry. “Nice one, mate.”
“I don”t know what you mean, Mr. Mallory.”
“You old goat!” Jake pats him on the back. “It took you a long time, but in the end…”
“Did you really have to invite him for Christmas?” Larry asks me, faking irritation.
“You know this is my second home,” Jake says convincingly.
