I obey, sitting with my back against the edge of the sofa. He puts his hands on my shoulders and starts to massage them.
“That’s nice, Daddy.” I close my eyes and let my head loll back.
“You’re nice and relaxed. A big improvement on the last time I gave you a massage. How was school today?”
“Really good, actually. In fact, I’ve had a good week so far.”
“Doing your best rather than aiming for perfect is working out?”
“Yes. I’m more relaxed, so the kids are more relaxed. It’s been great.”
“I’m glad.”
I open my eyes and stare at him. From my perspective, he’s upside down. “And Lexi wasn’t as rude to you today.”
“I told you she’d come around.”
“I don’t think you’ve won her over completely.”
“No, but it’s a start.”
I smile. “Yes, definitely. You’re really good with kids.”
Spence starts to knead my spine. I rock my head forward, so my chin is resting against my chest.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with Tabitha and Robbie.”
“I can tell.” I moan in response to the wondrous massage he’s giving me. “That’s so good.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
I groan as he deepens the pressure of the massage. “I could get used to this.”
I realise what I’ve said the moment the words have left my lips. Weirdly, they don’t freak me out. Spence doesn’t even pause for a millisecond, so maybe I didn’t freak him out either.
“What do you want to do for the rest of the evening, Daddy?” I ask.
“Relax with you, sweet boy.”
“Sounds nice.” I feel all floppy under his expert touch.
He stops and pats my shoulders. “Why don’t you choose something to watch, and we can snuggle on the sofa together?”
I grab the remote and flick through the channels we have, eventually settling on a film. It’s a tearjerker. Perfect for watching while snuggling up to Spence. “Is this okay?”
“Perfect.”
“Do you want a beer or anything?”
“Just you.”
Butterflies manifest in my stomach, fluttering wildly for a few seconds.
Spence pats the sofa. “Come and sit with me.”
I push up onto the sofa and lie with my head on Spence’s chest. He strokes my hair, and I put my hand on his thigh. We watch the film together, engrossed in it and each other. I’m completely relaxed and utterly content to simply cuddle him. I’ve seen the film before, so my mind starts to wander, imagining what it would be like to do this more often—spend time with Lexi, have tea together, and then sit and talk, or watch TV. Maybe go to bed together and fall asleep in each other’s arms.
“Daddy…”
