MARCUS
Pins and needles prickle my arm, dead under the weight of my wife who lies oblivious in a sexually induced coma. My face cracks into an almighty grin and flashbacks from last night blaze through my mind in a private orgasmic slideshow. When I wriggle my dead arm from beneath her silky flesh, she rolls over and straight into my chest.
‘Good morning.’
‘It certainly is.’ She blinks open her violet eyes as a lazy smile sprawls across her face.
My finger traces her jawline, before dropping to her collarbone. ‘We should fall out more often. I forgot how good making up is.’
‘Don’t even joke about it, Marcus. I’ve had enough drama for one lifetime lately. Between my insecurities about Maddy, yours about Ben and the dramatics of the show…’ She catches my wandering hand before it can slip any lower.
‘I thought you were enjoying the show?’ She has my attention now. Perhaps I’ve missed something while we’ve been fighting.
‘I’m enjoying the dancing. It’s been an interesting change but I’ve been away from home long enough to know the girls and you are more important than pursuing any interest of mine right now.’ She glances up at me from those enormous dark lashes. ‘If you say I told you so, I will actually murder you!’ She slaps my chest playfully.
‘You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. I miss you. The girls miss you. This house seems huge when you’re not in it.’ She snuggles in, pressing her cheek against my chest.
‘I’m sorry I’ve been such hard work since I retired. It was so hard to adapt to all the changes, but I think I’ve finally found my calling now.’
Her head jerks back so she can look at me again. ‘Oh god, Marcus. Should I be worried?’
‘No. I know I should have consulted you before buying the club with Callum and the others, and for that I’m sorry. That old place is where so many of us started, I couldn’t let it go down the shitter. Now, not only are we restoring it to more than its former glory – but we’re going to open a sports academy accessible to kids from all walks of life. It’ll be free to everyone, a registered charity. The main building will be used like a community centre. The lads suggested I coach the rugby side of things.’ I can’t keep the goofy smile spreading on my face. ‘I hope you won’t mind if I do a few days a week down there?’
‘It sounds like the perfect balance. I’m just glad there’s no more world tours or lengthy championships.’ Her lips purse into a grateful smile.
‘You know, I was thinking… maybe you’d like to teach Irish dancing there an afternoon or two each week?’
‘Oh, Marcus, that sounds absolutely wonderful. I’d love to. And maybe, finally, I could get our own two interested in it.’
‘I’d say there’s more chance of Emily joining my rugby training, but you might have some hope with Erin.’
A contented sigh slips from Shelly’s lips. ‘Everything is going to be ok, isn’t it, Marcus?’
‘Everything’s going to be fine, sweetheart. Never doubt me.’ Rolling over, I open the bedside locker and pull out the diamond necklace I bought her yesterday. With the events of last night, I didn’t get the chance to give it to her – well the necklace, at least!
Passing her the navy box, she wriggles into a sitting position, her back resting against the crushed velvet headboard.
‘What’s this?’
‘It’s an apology for being a dick.’ I press it into her palm. ‘Also, it’s an early anniversary present. How is it ten years since we got married? I know you have plans with the show, but perhaps we could go out afterwards? I’ll book something special.’
‘It will be late by the time the show’s over.’ Her eyes fill with an unspoken apology.
‘It doesn’t matter. We’ll go for a late dinner. Stay somewhere special. Ten years is no mean feat, Shelly. It needs to be marked.’
‘Huh! Who are you telling?’
She opens the navy box with the impatience of a kid on Christmas morning, discarding the lid and the tissue paper high into the air. When she sees the enormous stone, her fingers fly to her lips, half covering the delighted O that forms there.
‘Do you like it?’ I lift it out of the box and position it round her, clasping it at the base of her neck. The glittering diamond rests against her chest, glinting against her tanned skin. It’s stunning, but not nearly as much as her breasts below.
‘I love it, but it’s too much, Marcus.’ The pads of her fingers caress the stone.
‘Nothing is too much for my wife.’
‘You know, it’s so appropriate. I’ve always called you my rough diamond.’ Biting her lower lip, lust swims in her blackening eyes. When she reaches for me underneath the covers, once again I thank my lucky stars she picked me all those years ago.
* * *
