Scratching the back of my neck, I lean my forehead against Sloane’s, suddenly feeling needy. “I’m sorry if being with me is stressing you out, babe.”
I’m not saying it to garner sympathy. I really do feel shitty that Sloane is rearranging her life.
My hand gets pulled from the back of my neck and brought down to Sloane’s chest. “I’m not sorry at all, Eden. I’ve wanted this for a long time. After last night, I know I was right to wait. This means something, doesn’t it?”
Fuck yes, it does.
Capturing her lips, I inhale her. Our kisses are so familiar now. Like soaking in a warm bath after a cold day. Her lips breathe life into me.
“Last night was perfect. You’re perfect,” I breathe.
She smiles against me. “I’m not perfect, babe.”
“I beg to differ.”
“God, are you going to be much longer? I want to go to my room!”
Jenna is a walking, talking ad for the merits of living a child-free life, I swear to God.
Sloane laughs and pulls away. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Okay.”
Sloane slips out the door and I berate myself for not saying the words I should have said last night, or at least this morning, as she lay in my arms.
Bugger!
Turning, I pin Jenna with a look that could dissolve metal. It clearly has the desired effect because she holds up her hands in surrender and mutters an apology before scuttling past and up the stairs.
I know Sloane was already leaving, but we were having a fucking moment. I can’t wait for Jenna to bring her first girlfriend or boyfriend home. I’m going to have so much fun. Even if I’m away at college, I’ll find a way to repay all the times she’s been an arse.
Grinning like a madwoman, I re-enter the kitchen and slump back in my chair. Mum pushes a fresh coffee my way and settles opposite me. Her eyes are far too wide and full of excitement.
“So?” she says after a moment’s silence.
“Where’s Dad? He’s not doing yoga anymore.”
“I’m here,” he calls, crashing through the door armed with multiple shopping bags. “Don’t start without me!”
I didn’t even hear him leave the house. Too wrapped up in Sloane’s magnificence.
“It’s not an episode ofEastenders,Dad!”
Mum snorts and Dad grins. I sip my coffee while they store the food away. I knew they’d want to talk about last night. I just wasn’t expecting this level of enthusiasm.
“Right,” Mum says, sitting back down with Dad in tow. “We’re ready.”
I think my smile gives it away. Mum reaches over the table and takes my hand.
“We’re happy for you, E.”
“Sloane is a lovely young woman,” Dad adds on.
“I’m completely in love with her,” I blurt.
Mum rolls her eyes like I’ve just said the most obvious thing. Dad slings his arm around Mum’s shoulders. “Young love doesn’t mean temporary, Eden. Look at me and your mum.”
22
