I go downstairs and find Alex relaxing on the sofa. I start poking around the living room, leaning over the sofa, and I'm acutely aware of his eyes on me.
"I'm looking for Mr Snuggles."
"He's in my room," Alex replies. "She brought him there last night. You'll find him on the bed."
"Thanks," I say, brushing my hair out of my face. I look at him, and we both blush.
"When you're done, why don't you come finish your wine?" he asks.
I fidget with my dress, flattening it down. "I should get to bed. I want to wake up early and make the kids breakfast."
"You're doing well, Gemma," he says after a pause. "I can see you're trying hard."
"Thank you." My voice has gone quiet. Why can’t I speak like a normal person? Like the usual me?
I go upstairs to get Mr Snuggles before I read Eden a bedtime story.
Once I'm back in my room, I peel my clothes off. I can’t stop thinking about Alex. I have a strange feeling in my body. I feel wet between my legs, and I know my face is burning up thinking about him.
Lying down on the bed, I start to imagine what kissing him would be like? My breathing is getting faster. Placing my hands on my chest, I wonder if he’s thinking about me.
Chapter
Ten
GEMMA
After what feelslike the longest week, I wake up early on Saturday morning and the sun is shining. It’s a beautiful day, and I want to do something special. I don't just want to hang around the house all day.
Choosing a new long pink and green maxi dress, I pull it over my head. I pick out some brown wedges, sliding them on to finish the outfit. I grab my sunglasses and head downstairs.
The house is unusually quiet. Fern is busy today, and I still haven't spoken much to my family. They think I'm being silly. Being as stubborn as I am, I’m not apologising first, so that leaves me to my own devices. I do a Google search of local things to do, and I find something that piques my interest.
I switch apps and scroll through the local food delivery companies, finding one that makes picnics to order. After a little deliberation, I opt for sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and a fruit platter. They even have fresh orange juice and bottled spring water. I search through the house and find a picnic basket and a blue blanket—perfect for what I need.
I make coffee for Alex and prepare a light snack for breakfast for the kids, just a small bowl of cereal each. At least that's something I can't mess up. Alex comes downstairs as I'm bringing the groceries in.
"What's all this?" he asks.
"I thought we'd have a picnic," I say with a big smile. "Get out of the house for a bit."
Alex doesn't argue; he simply nods and drinks his coffee. He pulls a face, and I bite my lip.
"Too much coffee?" I inquire.
"It's fine," he says with a half-hearted smile. "You tried."
Alex drives us to the local park. It’s already busy, but we find a spot under a tree which gives us some shade.
“This is a great idea,” Alex says, he looks relaxed in his dark blue chino shorts and white t-shirt. This is the first time I have seen him dressed so casually. My hungry eyes trace the outline of his body. He is rather hot.
“I know,” I tell him.
Alex lays down the blanket, and Eden helps me unpack the picnic. She finds a cupcake and before I can stop her, she takes a huge bite.
“You’re meant to eat the snacks after your sandwich,” Alex tells her.
She has a cheeky smile on her face. Taking another huge bite, all I can see are the crumbs spilling out of her mouth.
