“What time is it?” he asks.
“Early.” I kiss his forehead. “Go back to sleep.”
Thursday is the only day of the week A Spot of Tea is closed, so Fitz will be able to sleep in. I hope he does.
“When will you be back? I’ll cook.”
“We’ve got a big job on today, but we should be done before dark.”
“Six?”
“I should be back by then.”
Fitz smiles. He hasn’t opened his eyes at all despite talking to me. I give him another peck and then take a shower. Once I’m dressed and have wolfed down a bowl of cereal, I check in on him. He’s sleeping soundly, hugging the pillow as he lies on his side. His red hair is messier than normal. The quilt is tucked under his arms, leaving his freckled shoulders bare. He’s so beautiful.
It’s been a great few days. True to his word, Fitz has been a lot more relaxed about the concept of us, which has, in turn, made me calmer. We’ve done all the usual things. We’ve eaten together, watched TV, and hung out. We’ve done a ton of cuddling and kissing but nothing else. I’d like to, but I’m not going to rush Fitz. He’ll let me know when he’s ready to do more.
“You’re still here,” he says, cracking one eye open.
“Only just. What are you doing today?”
“Shopping.” He groans. “And cooking.” He waves his hand. “Valentine’s meal for Blair and Ana.”
Fuck. It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, and I haven’t had a chance to arrange anything romantic. At this rate, Fitz will cook, and that will be it. I need to get it sorted.
“Have fun,” I say.
Fitz shuts his eyes and grins. “I like cooking.” His grin fades. “But hate shopping.”
I laugh. “You and me both. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Stop!” He puts his hand up. “Kiss tax.”
Smiling, I walk over to him and kiss his forehead. He has other ideas because he grabs my shirt and pulls me down for a proper kiss.
He lets go and pulls the quilt up. “Be safe?”
“I always am.”
He tugs the quilt over his head, hiding all but the tips of his fiery hair.
My day starts at the office, where my boss, Luca, is sorting out the paperwork for today’s job. There’s plenty to do before we can get in our vans and get to work. The weather needs to be checked, and both the Risk Assessment and Method Statement need finalising. He gives me the kit list and asks me to ensure we’ve got everything we’ll need. We’re going to be working in a large garden, removing trees. Cutting down perfectly healthy trees isn’t one of my favourite jobs, but there are many reasons why it’s necessary. Tree roots can interfere with house foundations, sewage, water, and gas pipes. In this case, the house owners want to build a new extension, so the trees that are in the way need to go.
Within the hour, we’re at the site. The homeowner shows us a toilet we can use and offers to make us all tea or coffee. While Luca goes through the paperwork with her, the rest of us go into the garden to make sure nothing’s changed since we inspected the site. There are a few trees to fell. Some are relatively small conifers, which we’ll be able to do from the ground. There’s an oak tree that’s probably too close to the house anyway, so it’s a good thing it’s being removed. That will be the biggest job of the day. Finally, there are two fruit-bearing trees. The branches of both are laden with blossom. It’s such a shame they have to go, but there’s nowhere to move them.
One day, I’d love a house with an orchard garden. I’d plant fruit trees because I adore seeing them blossom in spring. I smile whenever I see blossom trees. The scent is wonderful too. I wonder if Fitz would like a garden with lots of fruit trees too. He could use some of the fruit later in the year in his baking or cooking.
“Hey, do we have anything to put some of the blossom petals in?” I ask Greg, one of my co-workers.
He and Wyatt are our groundsmen for the day. Luca will supervise, and I’m the nominated climber. It’s my favourite job.
“Probably. Why?”
“It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow.”
“Aren’t you supposed to give a dozen red roses or something?” Wyatt asks.
“I prefer blossom petals.”
