We slow as we approach it, and he reaches for my hand.
“I really want to kiss you.”
“Then maybe you should,” I whisper.
He cups my cheek and leans in. His lips press firmly on mine, his tongue probing for entry.
It’s now or never.
I open, and his tongue sweeps across mine. His lips are so soft and warm, and I’m left in no doubt as to how he’s feeling.
“Oh, there’s definitely going to be a next time.” He pecks me on the lips. “Drive safe. See you on Monday.”
My heart’s in my throat as I drive home.
Could Mark Burrows be my happy ending?
16
CASSIE
By the time Mark’s birthday rolls around, we’ve been on several dates.
Things with him are different—I’m in love again, but it feels more grown up.
I kiss Sophie’s head. “Be good.”
“She’s always good for me,” Mrs McIntyre says.
She’s staying the night this time. I don’t have any definitive plans to stay with Mark, but it made sense to me to cover my bases.
I’m nervous but I know he wants me, and I want him.
He has yet to meet Sophie, but the idea that I’m a single mother doesn’t scare him. He’s made it very clear that he’s interested, and I want to explore an adult relationship with him—if he’s up for that.
“Love you, Mum.” Sophie hugs me tight. “You look pretty.”
“Thank you, my love.”
“Have a good night, Cassie,” Mrs McIntyre says.
I wave before I make my way out to the car and drive to Mark’s place.
The party’s in full swing when I get there.
Music beats—a song I don’t know—but all I can hear is the bass line at first. Mark’s clearly popular and his house is full of people.
I don’t know anyone.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been around so many people—the last party I went to was Patrick’s.
As I scan the crowd, I meet the gaze of a tall, dark-haired man not far from me.
His lips curl into a smile and he covers the short distance between us quickly.
“Hey,” he says.
