‘You two are so cute, it’s disgusting.’ Savannah darts back in through the sliding doors.
Nate hops out of the tub first, yelping as the soles of his feet hit the fresh layer of snow covering the decking. He yanks on his damp, snow dusted trousers and heads to the doors.
‘And you thought your family had no boundaries?’ My eyebrows shoot upwards of their own accord. ‘Sorry for the intrusion.’
‘Don’t be. I can’t wait to meet everyone. Once I get some proper clothes on, that is. I’ll grab you a towel.’
‘My hero.’ I flick him with the foam from the top of the tub.
‘You know it.’ Laughter crests his perfect lips.
I sink back under the heat, letting it roll over my shoulders while I wait. Nate returns thirty seconds later with a huge, fluffy white bath towel and my runners, saving my feet from the same freezing fate as his. By the time my brother makes it through to the living area, I’ve haphazardly thrown on the clothes I discarded earlier.
Conor’s charcoal-coloured suit is slightly crumpled from the journey, his crisp white shirt contrasting sparkling blue eyes the same shade as mine. He probably came here straight from a long hospital shift.
Clarissa enters the room right behind him, her ash blonde hair professionally blow-dried. She’s wearing an ecru woollen coat that nips in at the waist before kicking out into a flattering flare over her hips.
Conor exhales a low whistle as his eyes roam over Savannah’s villa: the open fire, the huge ornate kitchen. A deep rumbling laugh tumbles from his throat when they land on my ridiculously bright Christmas tree. ‘And you thought Mam was mad at you about the video? If she saw this multicoloured monstrosity, you’d be in real trouble.’ He strides across the room, his broad smile showcasing years of orthodontics.
‘How are you, sis?’ He plants a kiss on both my cheeks.
‘Never been better.’ I turn to Nate, who is lingering a foot behind me. ‘Conor, this is Nate. Nate, this is my brother, Conor.’
When Nate steps forward, Conor freezes like a rabbit in the headlights. ‘Wow.’
I wasn’t the only one with a Nate Jackson crush. The only difference is my brother’s man crush stemmed from Nate’s impressive stunts, instead of his impressive pecs.
‘Obviously, I’d heard you were here, but it’s so surreal seeing you in person. I’ve been watching your movies for years. You’re like a national hero.’
Nate extends a hand to Conor, who fumbles for a second before taking it. ‘You’re a cardiologist?’
‘Yes.’ Conor’s awe-struck face stares down at the hand shaking his. It’s too funny. I can only imagine my own expression when I met Nate that first night.
‘Well, then we all know who the real hero is.’ Nate shrugs good naturedly.
‘Hello?’ a man’s voice calls from the hallway.
‘Oh shit! I almost forgot about my dads! And the kids!’ Savannah’s hand flies to her temple.
Nate turns to me with a quizzical look. ‘Dads?’
‘Savannah’s adopted,’ I explain.
‘In here, Dad,’ Savannah calls, beckoning them in.
An hour later, I’m sitting on the rug in front of the fire, between Nate’s huge thighs, with my back resting on his chest. Savannah’s fathers managed to carry the twins in from the car without waking them, and they’re now fast asleep in one of the seven guest bedrooms. Ashley arrived half an hour ago, without Matt, who is apparently still preoccupied writing his novel. She’s kicked off her shoes and sprawled out on one of the crushed velvet armchairs.
I’ve lost track of the days while I’ve been cosying up to Nate each night, but school is officially closed until next year. Not that it matters to me now. I’ve decided not to go back.
Conor and Clarissa snuggle up on one end of the couch, while Savannah and her fathers are huddled at the opposite end.
Tootsie’s asleep, as ever, in her tartan bed beside Nate and me. His right hand strokes her fluffy fur every now and again as she snores softly.
‘I can’t believe the wedding is next week!’ Savannah gushes to Clarissa, who’s starry eyes turn to Conor, like he’s the movie star in the room. Even after being together for years, they’re so enamoured with each other, it’s outrageous.
‘Speaking of weddings, when are you going to settle down, young lady?’ Savannah’s dad, Steve, pipes up in a mocking tone.
Her other dad, Stuart, swipes his hand in front of the air. ‘Oh, cut her some slack. She’s an independent woman, isn’t that right, Sav?’
