I don’t want to let him go, but then he shivers, and I immediately feel guilty.
“Go back inside where it’s warm. I’ll talk to you later.”
He’s silent for a moment, brows drawn together, and then he smiles. “Yeah, you will.”
We hang up after another round of unsatisfying goodbyes, and then I scroll through the TV guide, trying to find something that won’t send me to sleep.
Clearly,whatever I put on fails to do its job because I’m startled awake sometime later to Jax barking and someone knocking on my door.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I soothe, stroking Jax’s head as I get up. Jinx hasn’t so much as stirred, still curled up in a ball on the blanket I put down for him. Jools Hollands’Hootenannyis still in full swing on the TV, and a quick check of the time confirms I haven’t slept past midnight. Thank God, because I’d be pissed off if I’d missed Sean’s call.
I’m yawning as I walk down the hallway, Jax trotting along behind me, still half asleep, and it’s not until I turn on the hall light that I come to a sudden stop.
The person stood on the other side of my front door is in shadow, but their outline looks awfully familiar.
My stomach flutters, excitement building, but I try to stomp it down because there’s no way that’s who I think it is. Still doesn’t stop me rushing forward and yanking the door open.
“Sean,” I breathe, smile widening by the second. “What the fuck are youdoinghere?”
“Surprise?” His gaze washes over me, taking me in from head to toe, and I groan inside.
I’m wearing soft cotton pyjamas and reindeer Christmas socks that Hailey bought me. And I probably have bed hair from falling asleep on the sofa. I run a hand through my no-doubt wild curls and wince. “If I’d known you were coming, I’d have made more of an effort.”
“Shut up,” Sean murmurs, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “You look perfect.” His arms wrap around me, pulling me flush against him, and I sink into his embrace with a happy sigh. I don’t care that he’s cold or that he’s still got his coat on because I’ve missed this so fucking much.
And apparently the feeling is mutual.
“Missed you.” Sean’s breath is warm against the side of my neck, his lips cool as they brush against my skin. “Missed being able to touch you like this.”
“I’ve missed you too.” I’ve got my arms around his neck, face buried in his shoulder, and all I can smell is him. It’s glorious and I’d be happy to never move from this spot.
But then he pulls back enough to cup my face and kiss me. Cold hands on my cheeks, warm mouth opening under mine as he backs me up against the wall. I get lost in the kiss, inhim, and it’s not until he lets me up for air that I repeat my question. “How are you here?” I run my hands over his shoulders, tangling my fingers in his hair, making sure he’s real and I’m not still asleep. “I thought you were spending the night with Jerry at the pub?”
Sean shuffles forward a little, hips pressing against mine, and my breath catches. “I was, Idid, butfuck, Vic. I missed you.” He runs his thumb over my bottom lip, then leans in for another kiss, this one fleeting but just as potent. “I wasn’t drinking because I wanted to set off early in the morning, so Jerry suggested I might as well go tonight instead. I wouldn’t have left him, but he insisted, told me to leave Lucky with him, and all but pushed me out the door.” He smiles, eyes full of mischief. “I think he wanted Reed all to himself.”
My mouth falls open in shock. “Are they...?”
He shakes his head. “No, nothing like that. I don’t think Reed’s ready for anything more than flirting, but they were both giving that a good go. I can safely say I won’t be missed.”
I grin at him. “Well, their loss is my gain.” Jax’s nose nudges my leg and I’m reminded that I haven’t introduced Sean to my newest housemates. Easing him back a bit, I crouch down and stroke her head, looking up at Sean. “This is Jax.”
His smile turns soft as he crouches next to me. “Hey, girl.”
I wonder if she’ll be frightened of him, but the second he gives her his hand to sniff, she’s all over him. Her tail wags furiously and Sean laughs as she tries to lick his face.
“She’s gorgeous,” he murmurs. “And not shy at all.” He fusses her some more before catching my eye. “Where’s your other new addition?” His eyes are full of laughter, his smile bright, and my heart squeezes tight. I want to look into those eyes all the time, see that smile when I wake up in the morning and when I go to bed at night.
I stand before all these feelings spill out of my mouth and wait for Sean to do the same. “Follow me.”
I lead him into the living room, and sure enough, Jinx is sprawled out on the sofa cushions like he already owns the place. “Sean, meet Jinx.” As if he’s heard me, Jinx stretches to double his length, yawns, and then stands up. He eyes Sean like he’s sizing him up, and Sean chuckles.
“Can I stroke him, or will he have my hand off?”
Jinx has been nothing but super friendly since I brought him home, but I shrug anyway because cats are unpredictable.
“Please don’t scratch me,” Sean croons as he reaches out to stroke Jinx’s head. “I’m hoping to use these hands later.” He shoots me a sly grin as he says it, and heat fills my belly.
Sooner rather than later, if I have my way.
