Elly's arms drop to her sides. "You are joking. It's not very on brand, Carlos."
Jeanette laughs. "You sound scandalised."
I say, "After all your derision, you're genuinely disappointed there's no outrageous story attached, aren't you?"
"Yeah. I actually think I am."
I top up Elly's glass. "Have another drink. Pretending you're swilling champagne makes everything better."
"Speaking of making everything better," says Lutek. "Has Theo agreed to not raising rents?"
"Yes. He's going to agree to a couple more things, too, like hiring a financial consultant to pass any significant money-based decisions through, so he’s no longer a liability.”
"I'm definitely drinking to that," says Elly. She takes a gulp and looks at her watch. “Shit. I’ve got to pick Jackson up from daycare.” She hurries off with a “back soon” thrown over her shoulder.
Ed places his hand on the small of my back. It feels right and perfect. He leans in and whispers, "I'm really looking forward to all the fingering."
I snort. "Are you sure? We'll be obliged to get married immediately afterwards. Maybe we just stick to having another kiss."
He slides his hand down and over my bottom and gives it a gentle squeeze. He leaves it there, gathering heat.
"I see your game. Keep that up and I'll be taking you back to your place for the best kiss of your life."
Ed raises his eyebrows. "Of my life?" He shifts his gaze to the group. "How long before we can make an early exit without offending anyone?"
"Oh, we're not leaving early. The anticipation is part of the pleasure."
"Temptress." His hand shifts upwards, under my shirt to rest on my bare skin. Energy gathers beneath it and disperses to pool low in my belly. When the weight of it moves down to settle in my groin, I say, "Fuck it. Lutek?"
"Yes?"
"Can your workshop door be locked from the inside?"
He nods. "It has bolts. Why?"
I grab Ed's hand. "See you all in five minutes."
"Five minutes?" laughs Jeanette. "Poor Ed. That's a lot of pressure."
"It is a bit," says Ed.
"And yet," I say as I close the door on everyone. "I have every faith in your abilities."
When we emerge a fraction more than five minutes later and field the gentle teasing we deserve, everything feels as if it is now as it should be.
My Port Derrum family is secure and happy.
Jeanette says something to Ed and he tips his head back and laughs.
And me.
I am happy.
Chapter fifty
Bess
Itakeasipfrommy glass, but leave the binoculars where they are on the table. I don't feel the need to see how others might be living their lives today. Mine is good. I have no need for comparison.
