‘So, how’s married life?’ I say as we sway in time to the music. Keeping hold of my hand, he moves behind me, flicks the hair from my neck to lightly nuzzle it, before swirling me out and back in again.
We do a two-step in time, one hand on his shoulder and my other clasping his. ‘So far so good,’ he says dryly.
I instinctively lift my leg for him to put a hand beneath my knee and lift it to his waist. He puts his forehead to mine, yanks me closer and runs an appreciative hand down the back of my thigh. We grind gently against one another, me with my hands clamped round his neck, him with his other hand firmly round my waist. I dip backwards once more, pushing my pelvis against him. His eyes flash as I curl back up, bringing my lips to his, brushing them lightly.
‘I’ve missed you,’ he says in a low groan, tracing my cheek with his lips, trailing downwards to nuzzle my neck again. It sends electricity coursing through my veins. I can feel his breath become ragged. He wants me. He wants his wife.
I close my eyes, my head rolling backwards to give him full access. He places gentle kisses on my throat, his hands now roaming my back, pulling me towards him so that every inch of our bodies are touching. He tangles his hands in my hair and pulls my head back up, his eyes trained on my lips as he dips his head to kiss me. His every desire is unleashed as he hungrily slides his lips against mine. I wind my hands tighter into his hair, eager to match his passion.
‘Get a room, you two,’ Cherry says, swaying over to us. We spring apart. ‘Look.’ She points through the crowd to a couple cavorting on a giant inflatable flamingo. It’s Sister Kevin. He is getting down on one knee. He’s stretching out his hand. Tash is taking it in hers and gazing at him with a blissful look on her face.
‘I think we can guess who sent the invitation then,’ Cherry says.
‘You got one, too?’
‘Thought it might have been Mandeep, but now I’m not so sure.’
We stare as Tash and Sister Kevin lock lips on the flamingo, disappearing as they fall inside it.
Big Sue and Big Mand run towards us. ‘Did you see what just happened?’ Big Mand says, out of breath. ‘Do you think he’s proposed?’
‘Looks like it. I guess we’ll find out at midnight,’ I say.
‘You got the invitation?’ Big Mand asks as we all exchange raised eyebrows.
‘It’s all very mysterious,’ I say. ‘And romantic.’
Liberty wanders over with Eddie. ‘Enjoying the party?’
I am desperate to escape with Matteo and enjoy our honeymoon, but it feels too rude to slope away. I can feel Matteo tense next to me. ‘Best birthday party ever, Eddie,’ I gush.
‘I mean, where else do you see human champagne fountains and powder paint fireworks exploding out of the DJ booth? It’s awesome,’ Liberty agrees, just as an explosion of silver streamers and ticker tape sprinkles down on us.
And it really is. It’s a kaleidoscope of colour, noise and human sweat.
‘Eddie needs to borrow Matteo for a moment,’ she says. ‘Something to do with business.’
I just have time to see Matteo being escorted away by Eddie. He looks back just long enough for me to catch a nervous look in his eye.
‘Oh, did you receive an invite today?’ Liberty says, as though she’s just remembered.
I nod.
‘Me too. Strange. I suppose we’ll just have to go.’
‘Erm, where’s Eddie taking Matteo?’ I say to Liberty, but she’s already moved on to dancing with Cherry, who looks like she is making up for days of lost time. She has a cocktail in each hand, held up high while she gyrates to the music that is pumping out. They are magnets to a swarm of men in skimpy thongs.
‘They certainly know how to get an all-over tan here,’ says Ged, sidling up to me. ‘Where’s your new hubby gone?’ He takes in my disappointed expression. ‘Not work again? Seriously? This is getting ridiculous.’
I am starting to agree with him.
‘I’m sure he’ll come straight back,’ he backtracks. ‘He adores you.’
‘It’s almost time for the birthday firework display and light show!’ yells Liberty. ‘Come on. Then we need to get changed for this chapel thing at midnight.’
‘Well, Liam and I need at least an hour to chill first. Will we all meet at the love sign and go together?’ he says, before dashing off.
‘I guess so,’ I say, losing everyone in the crowd. Suddenly, I’m no longer in the mood to dance.
