FALLING FOR RYAN: PART TWO

Falling Series #2

TRACY LORRAINE

Copyright © 2016 by Tracy Lorraine

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Proofread by Pinpoint Editing

Formatted by Dandelion Cover Designs

Cover design by Dandelion Cover Designs

CONTENTS

Read Falling For Daniel for FREE!

Foreword

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Epilogue

Read Falling For Daniel for FREE!

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by Tracy Lorraine

To my bump, thank you for giving me some time to feel almost normal again so I could get this published. Better late than never!

READ FALLING FOR DANIEL FOR FREE!

Grab your FREE copy of Falling For Daniel now:

Click here to claim your copy

Make sure you have read Falling For Ryan: Part One before jumping into this one. You will miss out on all the build-up to their relationship, otherwise.

CHAPTER ONE

Ryan

The moment her bra leaves her body, I stop breathing. She has the most perfect breasts I’ve ever seen. I mean, I’ve always known this, but I’ve never properly seen them before. Her slightly tanned skin is flawless, and her pink, hard nipples are just begging for attention. My dick stands to attention and my heartbeat starts to race. She leans forward slightly so she can drop her knickers to the floor. My knees get a little weak at seeing her naked for the first time.

Looking over my shoulder, I keep my eyes on her as she walks up behind me. When her arms wrap around me and her delicate hands rest on my chest, fireworks ignite around my whole body. She pulls me so I’m standing then sneaks around in front of me. We just stand and stare at each other while the water showers over our bodies. Slowly, Molly rises onto her tiptoes and leans toward my ear, her breath making me shiver. Her breasts press against my chest and all I want to do is touch her…

But I can’t. First, I need to hear what she’s got to say.

“It wasn’t what you thought. I was trying to push him off. I’ve told him everything. It’s over. You’re the only man I want. Ever,” she whispers into my ear.

We both stay completely still, her waiting for my response, me trying to work it out. Eventually, my restraint snaps. I move my hands to her arse and lift her. Her legs automatically wrap around my waist and I press her back to the wall, pinning her there with my hips. Placing my hands on her cheeks, I stare into her eyes. All I see is her passion and love. “Ever?” I whisper, needing to make sure I heard her right.

“Forever,” she says firmly, a seductive smile spreading across her face. That does it. I lean forward and gently press my lips to hers, placing feather-light kisses before running my tongue along their seam, asking for entry. She slowly opens up for me. As soon as our tongues touch, the kiss turns from gentle to heated until we’re practically fucking each other’s mouths. My hands roam her body of their own accord while hers are gripping my hair, keeping our lips connected. As if I’d be going anywhere. My throbbing dick is lined up perfectly with her entrance, and it takes all my willpower not to plunge into her. I keep reminding myself that she wants to take this slow. I’m okay with that, because when we do get there, it will be earth-shattering.

Eventually, Molly moves her hands to cup my cheeks and pushes me back slightly. I reluctantly remove my lips from hers and look into her hungry eyes. We’re both panting hard, and her breath brushes over my face.

“I love you, Ryan.”

My breath catches. I’m in complete shock. I just stand still, staring at her.

“Ry?”

Allowing her words to wash through me, I feel a huge smile spread across my face. “I love you, too.” I lean into her, kissing and nipping down her neck while trying to turn the shower off. When I manage it, I put one arm under her arse and another around her waist, holding her tight, and walk us out of the shower. I grab the biggest towel I can find when I get to the rail and carefully wrap it around both of us before heading to the bedroom and laying her down.

Resting my forearms on either side of her head, I stare down at her. “I love you so much it actually scares me.” Her eyes fill with tears at my words. She nods in understanding. “I know we’re taking it slow, but I need you. I need to taste you right now. Is that okay?” Again, she nods, as if she’s completely lost in the moment.

Intending to take my time, I start with a long, passionate kiss before descending her body. I nibble on the skin of her neck before placing kisses across her chest. When I reach her breasts, I run my tongue along the underside, and she moans and arches off the bed. I continue licking my way around, teasing her until I get to her nipple. She cries out when I suck it into my mouth, her whole body flinching with the sensation I’ve created within her. She moans and writhes on the bed like she could come just from this alone. Switching to the other, I give it the same treatment.

She’s panting hard by the time I trail kisses across her stomach towards my final prize. My mouth waters just at the thought of what I’m about to do. I’ve dreamt about it for so long, and already the real thing is a million times better. When I reach the apex of her thighs, I kiss down the left one, slowly pushing it out and teasing my lips along her sensitive skin. I kiss across her pubic bone, sneaking my tongue out to taste her skin. Switching to the other leg, I leave her open and waiting for me. When I eventually pull back and look up, her hair is fanned out across my pillow, her eyes are shut, and she has pink cheeks and a small smile playing on her lips. Her chest heaves, making her hard nipples catch my attention.

Finally, I focus on what’s closest to me. She’s completely hair-free and fucking perfect. I can already see she’s turned on and ready for me. My mouth waters for a taste of her. Leaning forward, I blow across her, watching as she shivers.

“Ryan,” she moans. I wish I could tease her longer, but I can't wait. “No one’s ever—” I lean forward and lick from her entrance up to her clit.

“Holy fuck.”

Her taste explodes on my tongue as she arches off the bed. I move my arm and place it across her stomach to keep her still.

“You’ve only been with arseholes, baby. Just wait and see how a real man does it.”

With that, I go back to what I was doing. I run my tongue around her entrance before sliding one finger inside her while my mouth focuses on her clit, licking, sucking, and biting. In only a few minutes, she’s screaming my name and milking my finger for all it’s worth. I keep moving gently until she comes back down from her high.

That was so fucking sexy.

When she relaxes, I kiss my way back up her body before lying on my side next to her. She’s breathless with rosy cheeks from her intense release. I kiss across her jaw before sliding my tongue into her mouth. A low moan rumbles from the back of her throat as she tastes herself on me. When I pull away and stare into her eyes, they’re filled with such intensity. A lump of emotion clogs my throat and I have to fight to swallow.

“Wow,” she says with a huge smile. “They really were arseholes,” she laughs.

She brushes her hand across my cheek, down my neck and onto my chest before pushing me onto my back. “Time to return the favour,” she says, raising her eyebrow.

“No.”

Her head snaps up to me, her eyes narrowing like I’ve completely lost the plot. “No?” she questions.

“No repaying favours. You do it because you want to, not because you owe me. What have I told you about doing things for yourself?”

“I don’t think this—you—really counts, Ry.”

“Like fuck it doesn’t.” I slide my arm under her and pull her so she is half lying on me. “I’ve waited so long to have you like this, and I can wait forever for the other stuff. Tonight is about you, so enjoy it. You’re going to fall asleep in my arms like you will every night from now on. We’ll take all the other stuff one step at a time. I love you, Molly Carter. More than you could ever know.”

“I love you, too, Ryan.” She rests her head on my chest and snuggles into me. I breathe in her scent and hold her tight. There was a time I didn’t think this was ever going to happen, but here I am with her in my arms.

The love of my life.

Molly

I’m awoken by Ryan’s phone. When I try to move, I realise he still has me cuddled tightly into him. Our legs are tangled together and his arm is around my waist, keeping as much of us touching as possible.

My memories of last night have my body ready to continue what we started. I want to give him the immense pleasure he gave me. He’s still sleeping when I manage to untangle myself from his body, lying flat on his back with the duvet covering him from the waist down. I can’t help admiring his well-defined chest and abs. The beginning of his happy trail and V line are just above the duvet, and the sight makes my mouth water.

Crawling over to him, I place light kisses down the center of his chest, smiling at the soft moans he makes in his sleep. Before I reach his stomach, I run my tongue back up the way I came, prompting another moan. I lightly tease around each of his nipples. His chest starts moving faster; he’s going to wake up soon. I continue to his stomach and use my tongue to trace the lines of his six-pack.

“Molly,” Ryan moans quietly, but when I look up, he still seems to be asleep. I carefully pull the duvet lower, revealing more of his delicious V line and slim waist. Swallowing, I take a breath before revealing what I really want to see. I can’t help but bite down on my bottom lip when his cock is uncovered. It’s already as hard as steel and resting well up onto his stomach, and there’s a little moisture escaping from the end. I can’t really say I’ve ever thought of them as something nice to look at, but I’m starting to change my mind. Ryan’s dick is as gorgeous as the rest of him, and I can’t wait to show my appreciation.

I lower my head to the base of his cock and lick up the vein that runs the length of him. When my tongue touches the head of his dick, he startles. I lift my eyes to see him propped up on his elbows, staring down at me with hunger in his eyes and a smile playing on his lips.

“Well, good morning to you, too, Miss Molly,” he says, smiling wider. Moving the covers, I settle myself between Ryan’s legs to continue the job I started. Our eyes stay connected the whole time. Once I’m settled in place, I take the base of him in my hand. He sucks in a breath at my contact. The second my lips touch him, he lets out a loud groan. It spurs me on and I run my tongue over his head before taking him as far back as I can.

“Molly, shit,” he moans.

After working him in and out of my mouth a few times, I pull back so I can run my tongue up him and tease his thick head. When I see a bit of pre-cum at the tip, I lap it up.

“You look so hot doing that,” he breathes, his voice deep and rough, making the ache between my legs almost uncomfortable.

I love watching him come apart under my touch. It makes me feel like the most powerful woman in the world. He’s panting hard and I can see a bead of sweat accumulating on his brow. I quickly take him back in my mouth and work him hard and fast simultaneously with my mouth and hand.

“Fuck. Molly that feels…ahh…amazing. Don’t stop.”

I can tell he’s getting close, so I lift my other hand to play with his balls that are starting to draw up towards his body. “Molly…I’m going to…ahh fuck!” His whole body flinches as his orgasm hits him, before his cock twitches as he empties himself down my throat. I continue sucking him gently until he’s come back down to earth. Lifting myself off him, I place a quick kiss to the tip of his cock before crawling up his body so I can have his lips on mine. I stop when I’m straddling him and have my weight resting on my forearms on either side of his head.

I touch my nose to his and smile down at him. “Good morning, baby.”

“It’s a fucking great morning,” he says, grabbing the back of my head and crushing my lips to his. His arm wraps around my waist, making me fall onto his chest. Before I know what’s going on, I’m on my back with Ryan on top of me.

“Have I told you today yet how gorgeous you are?” he asks when his eyes meet mine again.

“No, you haven’t.” I answer cheekily.

“Well, you’re fucking gorgeous, Molly. I will never get bored of these sexy curves,” he says as he runs his hands up and down my sides.

“I don’t think looking at you will get old anytime soon, either,” I say before biting my bottom lip and running my finger down Ryan’s chest and stomach. A groan comes from the back of his throat before his twitching dick catches my eye. I raise an eyebrow at him in question.

He lowers himself on top of me and his lips go to my ear. “If you think one blowjob is going to stop me getting turned on by your body, then you’ve got another thing coming,” he whispers. A shiver runs down my spine and goosebumps prick my skin.

I’m still smiling when I walk into the kitchen feeling very satisfied quite a while later, but movement at next door’s window catches my eye. Tugging at the hem of Ryan’s t-shirt, I make sure I’m covered before pulling the blinds down that we left open last night. I don’t need her creepy stalker eyes on me.

I return a few minutes later with fresh drinks for us and my phone. After getting myself settled on the bed with my tea, I look up and see a scowl on Ryan’s face.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, concerned.

“Why are you still wearing that? Clothes are banned on this bed.” He tries to say it seriously, but I can see the corners of his mouth twitching.

“Hold this, then.” I hand him my mug before pulling his t-shirt back off again. “Better?”

“Sorry, what?” he says with a smirk.

“Tea, please.” Holding my hand out, I wait for him to pass it over. I take it from him and take a sip before grabbing my phone.

“What’s up?” I didn’t realise I groaned loud enough for Ryan to notice.

“I’ve got a message from Adam. I’m almost scared to open it.”

“If the one I had from Holly is anything to go by, I would open it.” I look up at him, confused, but he just nods towards my phone so I do as he suggested.

Adam: I guess I should thank you for leaving me last night. Holly’s awesome.

My eyes widen as I read the message. I can’t help but laugh out loud. It didn’t take him long to move on.

“What’s funny?” I turn my phone round so Ryan can see the message. He holds his up in return so I can see Holly’s.

Holly: OMG, thank you so much for storming off last night, and thanks to Molly for dumping Adam. He is incredible. I think I’m in love. Thank you, thank you, thank you xxx I hope everything works out with you and Molly.

CHAPTER TWO

Ryan

We’ve been lying in bed together chatting for almost an hour. The whole time, I’ve had some kind of contact with her. I can’t get enough. We’re talking about my plans for my week off when her stomach starts to rumble.

“I think it’s time I fed my woman,” I say, giving her a brief kiss on the lips before getting up and finding some clean boxers to put on. I watch her grab my t-shirt again and pull it over her head. As soon as she stands up, I move towards her and throw her over my shoulder. She squeals in surprise.

“Ryan, what are you doing?” I watch her hands come up to try to pull my t-shirt down to cover her arse. I slap them away.

“Stop that, you’ll ruin my view.” She eventually stops fighting me and wraps her arms around my waist, placing kisses to my lower back and squeezing my arse. When we get to the kitchen, I put her down on the kitchen worktop before turning around to open the fridge.

“There should be bacon in there. You could make bacon sandwiches,” she suggests from behind me. I’m just pulling it out when the home phone starts ringing. Grabbing it from the base, I pass it to Molly for her to answer it. I presume it will be my mum; hardly anyone else bothers ringing the home phone.

“Chris, hi. I’m so sorry…” I can hear him on the other end but not loud enough to make out what he’s saying.

“She said I was drunk and Ryan had to take me home?”

“No, that’s not exactly true.” I can’t stand being this close to her but not having my lips on her, so while she’s talking, I lower my head to her neck and place light kisses to her skin.

“Yes, we may have got our shit together.” I hear Chris squeal like a girl on the other end of the phone.

“We want to keep it quiet for a bit though, so please ca—ahh…can you keep it to yourselves? Shit.” While she’s talking, I drop to my knees, pull her to the edge of the worktop, and open her legs before planting kisses along the inside of her thigh, making my way to her pussy.

“No, I’m fine, sorry. Go on.” I can hear him talking while her eyes bore into mine. I stick my tongue out and touch it gently to her clit, hearing her suck in a breath.

“Y-yes, we h-had messages from t-them.”

“YESSS, I a-agree,” she shouts as I suck hard on her clit.

All of a sudden, I hear excitement coming from the phone. “Shane, get here now, I’m totally talking to Molly while Ryan is fucking her, you’ve got to listen.” I can hear him laughing on the other end.

“Fuck, Ryan is not…ahh. Shit, I’ve got to go. Bye.” She hangs up the phone and throws it down on the counter, leaning back on one hand to give me better access and holding me in place with her other in my hair. Seconds later, she screams my name and I can feel her pulsing against my mouth. Once she’s finished, I sit back on my heels and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand.

Her eyes are glassy from pleasure, I watch as her focus comes back before she shakes her head at me. “I can’t believe you just did that. They totally knew what you were doing.” I watch her cheeks redden slightly.

“I know, I heard Chris shout. They were wrong, though. I wasn’t fucking you.”

“Oh yes, because it would have been so much better if they knew you were eating my pussy while I tried to have a conversation with them!” she says, laughing. “I walked in on Chris giving Shane a blowjob once in the bathroom in the flat, so I guess it’s only fair they got a preview, too!”

Molly’s stood at the sink, washing up after we’ve finished eating. I can’t pull my eyes away from her. She’s still wearing my t-shirt, but because she’s so short, it comes to her mid-thighs. Her hair’s still a mess from a night’s sleep with wet hair and three orgasms, her face is make-up free, and she looks stunning. I walk up behind her, sweeping her hair around to one side before wrapping my arms around her waist.

“What’s the plan for the rest of the day, gorgeous?” I ask between kisses to her neck.

“I was just thinking we could chill out here together. I want you all to myself for the day.”

“Mmm, that sounds like a good idea.”

I wait until she’s finished washing up, which takes her longer than usual because apparently my hands roaming under the t-shirt she’s wearing are distracting, before I lift her into my arms and walk out of the room.

“Where are we going now?”

“I want to get you all hot and wet,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows at her as we head towards her room.

“It won’t take much,” she says, nibbling on my earlobe.

“I don’t doubt that for a second, but that wasn’t what I meant, you dirty bitch!” I walk us into her bathroom before sitting her down on the side of the bath, turning the taps on and pouring some bubbles in.

“Oh,” she says, looking embarrassed.

“Hey, stop the blushing. Saying that after I’ve given you three orgasms in just over twelve hours can’t possibly embarrass you.” Her cheeks redden even more. I just smile and shake my head at her. She can be so cute sometimes.

After checking the temperature of the water, I walk over to her. “Arms up, Miss Molly.” She does as she’s told and I pull my t-shirt from her body. I’m still in awe of her curves. “I didn’t tell you last night, but watching you strip in front of me when I was in the shower was one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen.”

“Really? I thought you were too pissed off to notice.”

“Never. There’s nothing in the world that could distract me from your body, Molly. The moment I realised you came after me, I forgot about being pissed, and when you started getting naked, I almost forgot what happened.”

She stands up and lifts her hand to cup my cheek, looking into my eyes. “I’m sorry. He just came at me. I was trying to get him to stop.”

“It’s okay. I know. I knew straight away, really. You never would have had your eyes open to see me if you were into it. I panicked. Please, can we just forget about it? I think the evening ended how we both wanted it to, so let’s just move on.”

“Oh, it ended better that I could have imagined.” She reaches up on her tiptoes and places a kiss against my lips. I take the opportunity to lift her up and gently lower her into the bath. Quickly removing my boxers, I slide in behind her so she can rest back against my chest.

“This would be much more comfortable if your dick wasn’t poking me in the back, you know.”

“You’re just going to have to get used to the fact that, if you’re naked, or just in the room, I will be hard.” I tighten my arms around her and smile.

She’s mine at last.

Molly

After Ryan washes every inch of my body, as well as shampooing and conditioning my hair, he gets out, much to my disappointment. I’m instructed to enjoy the rest of my bath and that he’ll meet me upstairs when I’m done.

While I’m lying here, thinking about what he could possibly be doing, it suddenly occurs to me that it’s his birthday soon—two weeks, I think. I need to come up with something amazing to show him how much I really do love him. After only a few minutes of thinking, it comes to me—and it’s brilliant. Something he’ll never forget.

Once I’m back in my bedroom, I smile to myself when I see that Ryan has left me his Oxford Brookes t-shirt, the same one he gave me to wear the first night I stayed here with him. I pull it over my head and slip on a pair of knickers. After towel-drying my hair, I grab my laptop and start looking into hiring the dance studio for an hour next Thursday evening.

Disappointment fills me when I get upstairs and find it empty. I grab myself a drink, settle on the sofa in front of the TV, and find some home improvement show to watch. It’s another forty minutes before I hear Ryan coming down the stairs. When he comes into the room, he takes one look at me and a wide smile breaks out across his face. My heart threatens to explode, seeing his happiness. Much to my delight, he’s still topless, but he’s put on a pair of jogging bottoms.

“What have you been up to?”

“Just arranging a surprise. Nice t-shirt, by the way.”

“Thanks, it’s my boyfriend’s!” I didn’t think it possible, but his smile gets even wider. He looks so happy.

“Say that again,” he says with his eyes twinkling.

As soon as the words leave my mouth, he’s on me. I’m wrestled so that I’m lying on the sofa with him between my legs, hovering above me with his hands on either side of my head.

“Again,” he demands, poking my nose with his.

“Boyfrie—” He crashes his lips to mine before I can even finish the word. His tongue delves into my mouth, kissing me deeply. When he pulls away, we’re both panting. Sitting back, he looks down at me. I rake my eyes across his naked skin, enjoying the view, and I raise my eyebrows at his tented trousers.

“Always,” he replies to my silent question. Tingles erupt in my stomach knowing I affect him so much just by being close. It makes me feel beautiful and sexy. I watch him put his hand in his pocket and pull my phone out before he places it on my chest. “This has been going crazy.”

Grabbing it, I see that I’ve got ten missed calls from Chris and three voicemails. I groan. Whatever’s on those voicemails isn’t going to be good, I just know it.

“What’s wrong?”

“Three voicemails from Chris. Are you ready?”

“Uh…” I press play and wait.

“Oh Ryan, oh yes,” Chris pants. “Oh yeah, just like that. Give it to me, Ryan.”

“Oh God,” I groan, rolling my eyes before reluctantly pressing play on the next one.

“Oh please, Ryan. Harder Ryan, harder. Fuck me harder,” Shane says in a breathy voice.

“Oh Ryan, that’s so good. Your cock feels so good inside me. Oh yeah, right there, yeah, right there. Oh, I’m gonna ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Chris shouts on the final message.

“I’m going to fucking kill those two.”

I realise Ryan hasn’t said anything while listening to the messages but, when I look up at him, it’s instantly obvious as to why. He’s too busy biting his lip, trying not to laugh. “Ryan!” I squeal at him and slap his arm.

“Sorry, sorry.” He can’t hold it in any longer and ends up clutching his stomach where he’s laughing so much. It’s infectious. When I’ve calmed down enough to speak, I grab my phone and put it to my ear.

Chris answers on the second ring. “Hey, what’s up?” he says, laughing.

“I was going to be nice, but after that, I’ve decided my speech at your wedding is going to include you getting caught at it on the hood of your car in the supermarket car park, having to be rescued after a sex swing and handcuff experiment gone wrong, and the time you had to have a butt plug removed at the hospital after Shane got too rough.” I watch as Ryan’s eyebrows go so high, they almost hit his hairline.

“Molly!” Chris shouts so loud I have to pull the phone away from my ear. “You can't do that. Not all of them are true!”

“Don’t care! I’ve still got a month, I’m sure I can make some others up.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Watch me, you fuckers,” I say, trying to keep the humour out of my voice. “I love you, even though you’re both little shits.”

“Love you, too, Molly. Enjoy your sexy man.”

I look up at Ryan after putting my phone back on the coffee table. He’s thinking so hard, I can almost see the cogs turning behind his eyes.

“Which ones are true?” he asks.

“I’ll let you think on that. Come here, I want to be in your arms.” Moving over, he pulls me into his side.

We spend the rest of the afternoon cuddling and watching TV. I’ve just got up to decide what to make for dinner when Ryan's iPad starts ringing on the coffee table. Thinking it’s probably either Abbi or Liv FaceTiming, he grabs it quickly so he doesn’t miss them.

I hear him groan behind me before he starts speaking. “Hi Mum.”

I also groan, but I’m careful to keep mine internal. Looking over my shoulder, I make sure I’m out of her sight.

“Ryan, for goodness’ sake, put some clothes on. You’ll give that girl the wrong idea if you’re walking around half-naked.” I can’t help but roll my eyes at her words.

“Mother!” Ryan admonishes. “Can we please have a conversation where you don’t say anything bad about Molly? I don’t know how many times I have to tell you how wonderful she is. You’ll love her, I know you will.”

“As you’ve said many times, she’s your friend, not mine. I just have to put up with her.”

I can’t help but wonder what she’ll say when she finds out we’re together. Will she tell Ryan to get rid of me? Shit, will she give him an ultimatum? And if she does, what would he do? I know how important his parents are to him.

“So…How’s dad?” Ryan asks to change the subject. I zone out of their conversation while I start to make dinner. I’m almost finished when something Ryan's mum says catches my attention.

“Have you met the guy Abbi is seeing? Doreen said she saw her with some bad boy type in town yesterday. She should know better than that.”

I quickly make my way around behind the iPad without being seen by Ryan’s mum and start waving my arms around, trying to tell Ryan not to say anything. I know for a fact that Abbi will not appreciate Ryan gossiping about her and Jax.

“Uh no, sorry, can’t help. Abbi’s a big girl now, she can make her own decisions. She won’t let history repeat itself. She’s learnt her lesson.”

“I hope you’re right, but Doreen said he had tattoos and everything.”

“Mum, will you stop? Abbi is her own woman and can make her own decisions,” he repeats. “I’m sorry, but I need to go. I’ll ring you when I have a bit more time in the week.”

“Oh, aren’t you coming up here for a few days?” From the sound of her voice, I would put money on her pouting as she said that, trying to guilt him into it.

“No, sorry. I’m busy most of the week.”

“With her?”

“If by that you mean Molly, then yes.” She huffs at that announcement. “Speak soon, Mum. Bye,” Ryan snaps.

“I love you, son. Bye.”

Ryan disconnects the call without saying anything else. Throwing himself back on the sofa, he runs his hands through his hair and leans his head back with his eyes shut. I walk over, sit down next to him, and place my hand on his thigh. He flinches at my contact and looks at me, looking frustrated and disappointed.

CHAPTER THREE

Ryan

We have Molly’s delicious chilli for dinner before spending the rest of the night in front of the TV, watching all kinds of rubbish. it’s just after ten when she starts yawning. Sending her up to my bed, I tidy our mess and lock up the house. I’m as quick as I can; knowing Molly’s waiting for me in my bed has my already twitching dick standing to attention. I take the stairs three at a time and join her. She looks so tiny curled up in my huge bed. There’s a sadness in her eyes when I come to stop next to her that makes my stomach drop. Quickly dropping my trousers, I slide under the covers and pull her body to mine.

“What’s wrong, gorgeous?”

She bites down on her bottom lip to stop it from trembling and shakes her head at me.

“No, something is wrong. Please tell me.”

“It’s nothing, I’m just being silly.”

“I don’t care how silly it is, if it makes you look like this, then it’s important. So, come on, out with it.”

She looks down before she opens her mouth. “What if your mum never accepts me? You’ll end up ditching me because I don’t fit in with your family and your mum’s wishes for you.”

My chin drops. Is that what she really thinks? Does she really not know how much she means to me? I roll her over onto her back so I can look down at her. She needs to see in my eyes how much I mean what I’m going to say. She refuses to look at me and moves her head to the side. Gently placing my hand on her cheek, I pull her head back so she has no choice.

“Molly,” I whisper. “Do you really think that, just because my mum doesn’t like you, I would dump you?” She shrugs her shoulders and swallows down her emotion. “You really have no idea how much I love you, do you?

“Shit, Molly, it’s all-consuming. I feel like my heart’s going to explode at any moment. When I’m with you, I want to be closer. When I’m not with you, you’re all I can think about, my body actually aches not being with you.” At some point during my little speech, I close my eyes. “I love you so much, Molly. Hell, those words don’t even begin to explain how I feel about you. No one is going to be able to get me to give you up. Not my mother, or anyone else who has an opinion about us. She will either learn to love you, or I won’t be seeing her very much. My sisters already love you, and I know my dad likes you, even though he has to put up with my mum. We’ll win her around and, if we don’t, then fuck her. This is my life, not hers, and I will spend my life with the woman I love.”

I’m suddenly on my back with Molly straddling me. I’ve no idea where such a little person gets all her strength from. She places her forehead against mine and looks into my eyes.

“I love you like that, too,” she whispers before dropping her lips to mine. It soon turns into something more passionate when she lowers herself and grinds her hotness against me. Grabbing her arse, I encourage her to keep moving. It feels so good. I’m dying to bury myself inside her. “Ryan,” she whispers when she pulls away from my mouth. “Make love to me.”

I think about it for a few seconds before making a decision I never in a million years thought I would.

“No.” It’s almost painful to say.

“No?” Her face drops. She looks hurt.

“I promised you we would take it slow, and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re not having our first time after my mother’s upset you. When we do, it’s going to be perfect, just like you.”

“Oh,” she says as I watch her lips quirk up to a smile. “Are you sure you’re okay waiting?”

“I would wait forever for you.”

She puts her face into the crook of my neck, lays her whole body on top of mine and holds me tightly as she places light kisses against my neck and shoulders. Rubbing my arms up and down her back slowly, it’s not long before I feel her breath even out. Once again, I drift off to sleep with a smile on my face because I have the most amazing woman in my arms.

I wake up the next morning and roll over in search of the body that should be pressed up against mine, but I can’t find her. Quickly jumping out of bed, I grab the trousers I took off last night, go into the bathroom to do my stuff, and then head out of my room to find her. As I get to the bottom of the first set of stairs, I hear music coming from her room below. I’m disappointed when I find it empty, but only for a few seconds because I realise there’s water running. She’s in the shower—perfect! I walk into her ensuite to find her stood under the spray of water with her back to me. I stand there for a moment, admiring the water running down her body and over her perky arse. Making my way over and removing my trousers as I go, I walk straight up behind her. She flinches when our skin connects. My hands grip on to her hips before she leans back into me.

“I missed waking up to you, gorgeous, but I’m thinking this might make up for it.”

Running one of my hands up her side, I pull her wet hair away from her neck so I can put my lips there. I nibble my way from her shoulder up to her ear while my hands roam around her body. The skin of her neck vibrates as she moans quietly. Finding her pert nipples, I pinch them between my thumb and forefinger, causing her hips to move and her arse to grind against my already throbbing dick. Her chest is starting to rise and fall faster under my hands. “You like that, gorgeous?”

“Hmm.”

“What about if I did this?” I say, as my right hand moves from her breast and down her stomach. Her muscles twitch as I run over them. “Will I find you ready for me?”

“Hmm,” she groans again.

When my hand reaches the apex of her thighs, I decide against going straight for what we both want in favour of teasing her a little more. Running my fingers gently over her folds, she moans. “Ryan, please,” she pants.

Unable to deny her, I slowly slide my finger where she needs it. Her hips buck the moment I find her clit. She falls back against me as I reach lower and plunge two fingers inside her. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I hold her tight as her knees buckle with the pleasure racing through her. I love how responsive she is to my touch. I continue the onslaught until she’s shaking in my arms. With the heel of my hand pressing down on her sensitive and swollen clit, I bend my fingers inside her, stretching her open until her walls start rippling, showing the beginnings of her release. She groans as I pick up the pace and suck on the sensitive skin of her neck. In seconds, she’s crying out my name as her orgasm takes over her.

She tilts her head back and looks at me with glazed eyes. Smiling down at her, I place my lips on hers. Turning in my arms, her fingers trail down my back, causing goosebumps to prick my skin before she grabs my arse. My cock presses against her stomach and she smiles against my lips.

Stepping back, she pushed me against the tiles before dragging her nails down my stomach and wrapping her hand around me. The sensation of her stroking me has my head falling back with a thud. Reaching up, she trails kisses down my neck and across my chest, while continuing to work my cock.

I watch, enthralled as she moves down my stomach before kneeling on the floor of the shower. Her lips trail kisses down my thighs and my muscles quiver with my need for more.

The sight of her on her knees in front of me already has my balls starting to tingle, ready for release, and her mouth hasn’t even touched me yet.

Pulling back, she looks up at me and licks her lips. My cock twitches with anticipation. Smiling when she sees the pre-cum on the tip, my whole length twitches as she gently licks it away. She smiles up at me, clearly knowing how much she affects me. Deciding she’s teased me long enough, she leans forward and wraps her hot lips around my length. My head once again falls back against the tiles as I focus on her movements. With my eyes firmly shut, my fingers thread in her hair and grip tightly as she works me.

Taking a deep breath, I prepare to look down again. The sight of her on her knees with my cock in her mouth and desire in her eyes takes my breath away.

I can’t help but wonder how I was so lucky to find such an amazing woman who loves me as much as I do her, after already having Hannah in my life. I’m the luckiest bastard in the world.

It only takes her a few minutes of working my dick before tingles run down my spine and my cock pulses in her mouth, shooting my load down her throat. A loud growl rips from me as she milks me for everything I’ve got.

When she’s finished, she leans back on her heels and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, looking up at me. A cheeky smile plays on her lips. Slowly, she stands, making sure to kiss a trail back up my body. Before she’s at full height, I lean down so my lips meet hers.

Grabbing her shampoo, I go about getting her washed for the day. Once her hair is done, I squeeze a large amount of her shower gel on my hands and run them over every inch of her body, taking my time over my favourite parts, making sure they’re extra clean. She gasps when my fingers run over her pussy, and I can’t help myself. I lower myself to my knees, throw one of her legs over my shoulder, and taste her until she’s screaming my name for the second time in thirty minutes.

Molly

“Wow, morning, Molly. You had a good weekend, by the look on your face,” Jax says when he arrives at work.

My cheeks heat. “It was good, thanks. How was yours?” I quickly head into the kitchen to make us a drink, mostly to avoid eye contact with him.

“It was brilliant, thank you.”

“You’ve really fallen for her, haven’t you?” I ask, happy to shift the focus to his blossoming relationship with Abbi.

“I have, yeah, but she only wants something casual. She’s so busy with uni and placements that she doesn’t want the added pressure of a relationship.” A wave of disappointment washes over his features.

“Oh.” I thought they were together, from the way he talks about her. “You’re…exclusively casual though, right?”

“We’re not shagging anyone else, if that’s what you mean.”

“If it helps, I know she really likes you. I reckon she’ll come round to the idea eventually. But she’s right—she is crazy busy, by the sound of it.”

“I just wish we could be official.”

I can’t help but feel sorry for Jax. He has such a big heart. “Everything happens for a reason, Jax. It will all work out as it’s meant to.”

“Yeah, I guess. So…your weekend?”

I go on to tell all about my weekend, explaining about Friday’s class and the stag do, leaving out any bits that involve Ryan and I kissing or being naked. When I’ve finished, he looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t quite understand why you look as happy as you do if that was your weekend, but I’ll let it go for now. Although I should warn you, my imagination is running on overdrive, thinking of all the reasons,” he says with a suggestive smirk. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep any secrets from Jax, but I’m glad he’s not pushing it. “Right, I’m heading out. I’m meeting a client.”

“Oh, who?” Guilt is written all over his face.

“Uh, Mrs. Jones.”

“I thought I was meeting her on Thursday?”

“Yeah, she, uh, called this morning to rearrange.” Narrowing my eyes at him, I wait for him to elaborate, but it never comes.

“Right…” He grabs a folder that contains the ideas I’ve been working on for another client I was going to see on Friday. “Why are you taking those?”

“Oh, he couldn’t make Friday, so I said I’d stop on the way back from Mrs. Jones later this morning. Right, bye.” He practically sprints out of the office, leaving me in his dust, completely confused.

I make the most of my time alone to ring one of Ryan’s mates to see if I can get him to help me arrange his birthday surprise next Thursday. I was relieved when I woke up before him this morning—it gave me the opportunity to get a couple of numbers off his phone.

I ring his colleague Will first, and I’m relieved when he says he’s willing to help me out and promises to keep his mouth zipped about the whole thing. I’ve met him a few times over the years and he seemed the most trustworthy of Ryan’s friends and colleagues.

Next, I make the call I’ve really been dreading, but I know I’ve got to start somewhere.

“Hi Karen, it’s Molly, Ryan’s friend. I wanted to speak to you about his birthday next week.”

“Molly, hello,” she says coldly. I’m still feeling slightly positive, because she didn’t put the phone down on me.

“Look, I’m not going to beat around the bush. Things between you and Ryan have been strained since I stayed at your house, and although he won’t admit it, he misses you. I know you were hoping to see him this week.”

“Where are you going with this?” she snaps.

The prospect of spending some time with her only son is obviously enough to endure me, because she soon agrees that she and Dave will come here this weekend. I think it helps that I explain I’m hoping Abbi and Liv will be here, too.

As soon as we say a clipped goodbye, I make a start on inviting everyone else to my celebratory plans.

Rounding the corner into the office after popping downstairs to grab some lunch, I stop dead in my tracks. There, sat on my desk, is a huge bunch of flowers, all in dusky pink like the bunch he got me for my birthday in the summer, only about four times the size. I quickly make my way over to them and pull the card out.

To my gorgeous girl,

I love you with all my heart xxx

All of a sudden, there’s a bang at the bottom of the stairs, then someone’s running up. My heart pounds in my chest, thinking it could be Ryan. I can’t help feeling disappointed when Jax appears.

“Fucking hell, look at the size of them.” His eyes are zeroed in on the flowers behind me. My cheeks heat when he focuses his gaze back on me. “I get that you’re not ready to talk about it yet, but let me just say this: I’m so fucking happy you managed to work everything out.”

“Thanks. It’s just early days, you know?” He nods, accepting my reasons to keep things quiet for now.

Getting the giant bunch of flowers into my tiny car is only the beginning of my challenge of getting home after the damn thing decides not to start. Thankfully, after a few failed attempts, the engine roars to life. I’m halfway home when it hits me that I need to stop and see someone.

Turning the car around, I head towards my new destination. It only takes ten minutes before I’m walking across the car park and down the little pathway before I come to a stop in front of her. As always, the flowers here are fresh. I guess Susan has been recently to replace them. Crouching in front of her, I read what it says for what must be the one-thousandth time in the last nine months.

In loving memory of

Hannah Susan Morrison

A perfect daughter, sister, and friend

14th July 1989 – 15th January 2014

I let out a huge sigh while I think about everything that’s happened since the last time I was here.

I once again wonder what she would make of all of this, but I’m more convinced than ever that she’d be happy.

All she ever wanted was for the people she loved to be happy.

I’m just about to walk away when tingles run down my back, and that can only mean one thing. Standing up, I turn around to see Ryan stood a few feet away with a small smile on his face. I rush over and throw my arms around him.

“You coming to see Hannah, too?”

“No. I actually came this morning. When you didn’t get home after you messaged to say you were leaving, I got worried, but something told me you’d be here. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Ryan, I’m more than okay, and you know what?” He quirks his eyebrow at me in question. “I’m pretty sure Hannah is, too.” I turn my head to look in her direction and smile.

CHAPTER FOUR

Ryan

I dropped Molly at work this morning so her car could stay here, and I’m now pacing the living room floor, waiting for the clock to tick around until it’s late enough for me to pick her up and explain what I have planned.

I know how much she hates surprises, and I can see how much it’s killing her, trying not to ask about it. I told Jax I would pick her up at three o'clock; he’s been in on it since I booked it on Sunday morning. He somehow managed to rearrange both of their meetings and clients for the end of the week without getting Molly too suspicious.

As soon as the clock hits two-thirty, I can’t wait any longer and set off running down the stairs and lock up the house. I try to drive slowly to her office to waste a little more time, but I still end up getting there early.

“What are you doing here?” Molly asks when I walk into their office.

“I’ve come to pick you up for your surprise. As soon as you’re finished, we can head off.” I’m not sure whether she looks excited or nervous.

“Are you going to tell me what it is?”

“I might give you some clues.”

“Hey, Ryan,” Jax says as he comes out of the kitchen. “Couldn’t wait any longer to whisk her away, then?”

“Nope.”

“Let me just shut my computer down and we can go.”

I help her tidy up and take her dirty mugs to the kitchen. “Ready?”

“Yes, lead the way.” I let Molly go ahead of me, then place my hand at the small of her back so I can have some contact with her.

“Why have you got so much stuff? And why have you brought my flowers?” She asks, looking from the car to me with confusion written all over her face. I can’t help myself.

“I didn’t want them to go to waste at home while we were away.”

“You’re taking me away?”

“Yes, just the two of us, for four whole days,” I say before shutting her door and jogging round to the driver’s side.

“Where are we going?”

“I’m not telling you. Now, put some of that music on you love so much and sit back and relax.”

“Oh my God. Are we staying here?” Molly squeals next to me as I bring the car to a stop.

“Yes, we are.”

“How do you find the most perfect places? First the beach hut, and now this cute little log cabin in the middle of the forest!”

“Just lucky, I guess. I first thought about going abroad, to Paris or something, but when I got upstairs after leaving you in the bath I realised I had no idea if your passport was in date. So, I just went on Google and stumbled across this.” I’ve barely got my last word out before Molly is getting out of the car and rushing toward the cabin.

“Come on. I want to see inside.” She stands by the front door with her hands crossed over her chest, looking impatient as she waits for me to catch up. I walk slowly just to watch her reaction. “For fuck’s sake, Ryan, hurry up!”

When I get there, I give her a sweet kiss before putting the key in the lock, opening the door, and gesturing for her to enter. “Oh my God, this is so cute,” she calls back to me.

Once she’s explored every inch of the place, she heads towards me, launching her tiny body at me. I stumble back against the door and she wraps her legs around my waist, arms around my shoulders, and kisses me until we’re both breathless.

When she pulls back and looks at me, the love and lust I see in her eyes make my mouth water.

“You know, if you really want inside me that badly, you could have just asked nicely. I’d probably given it up. You didn’t need to do something like this.” I can’t help but smile at her.

“That isn’t what this is about. I told you I would wait as long as you want, and I meant it. This,” I gesture around the cabin with one arm while holding her to me with the other, “is about us spending time together. Just the two of us. So, phones are going on silent, and we’re disappearing from the rest of the world for a few days.”

It feels like it takes forever to get all our bags in, but that’s probably because all I want to do is wrap my arms around Molly and relax. Once we’re done, I concentrate on putting all the food away in the kitchen whilst Molly sorts out the bedroom and bathroom. I’m bent over, putting the last few things in the fridge, when I feel her behind me. Standing up, I look over my shoulder to see her leaning her hip against the worktop, her teeth digging into her bottom lip.

“Enjoying the view?” I ask.

“Oh yeah. It’s just a shame you’re wearing too many clothes.”

“I did consider not packing any for either of us and having a naked holiday, but something told me you wouldn’t be up for that.”

“You’re right. There are some times that clothes are a necessity, like when cooking or sitting on someone else’s sofa,” she says, flicking a glance behind her.

“I’m just going to put dinner in, then I’ve got something for you.”

“Oh, from the present bag?” When Molly went to pull the ‘present bag’ from the car, I snatched it out of her hands, much to her shock. I wanted to make this weekend special, so I came up with a few different things I knew she’d love to surprise her with.

“Yes, now go and get comfortable. I made a lasagne this morning, so it only needs to heat up.” I watch her eyes go as wide as saucers.

“You made a lasagne this morning?” I grab it from behind me to show her. “Wow, I have the best boyfriend ever!” she squeals, before heading into the bedroom.

Ten minutes later, I’m sat on the sofa with the couple of the presents I’ve got for her, a bottle of champagne, and two glasses, in the hope that we’re about to celebrate. I look up when the bedroom door opens, and my body heats up a few degrees. She’s in her usual at-home attire of lounge trousers, a vest, and a zip-up hoodie. Her face is make-up free and her hair is piled in a mess on top of her head. My perusal of her curves has her rooted to the spot, so I get up and walk to her. When I’m inches from her, I place my hands on her hips and look down into her eyes.

“You’re always so fucking gorgeous, but you couldn’t be any more perfect to me than when you’re like this.” She looks down, a little embarrassed. Lifting my hand, I tip her head back and capture her lips with mine. I pull back before I want to, take her hand, and drag her over to the sofa. There will be enough time for that later. I sit her down next to me, then turn myself so our knees are touching, and I look her in the eyes.

“Ry, are you okay? You look nervous.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I have something to ask you.” I grab the first present I want to give her and hand it over. She looks at me in question.

“Open it, then.” I watch as she slides the lid off and looks at the contents, confused.

“A key?” She looks from me back down to the dusky pink key in the box. I grab her free hand in mine to get her attention.

“Molly, will you move in with me?” I watch her eyebrows draw together in confusion.

“I already live with you.”

“No, currently you’re my housemate. I’m asking you to move in as my girlfriend.” She stares at me with a completely blank expression. Panic starts to erupt within me.

“Molly?” My voice snaps her out of it because, before I know it, I’ve been pushed back against the sofa and she’s straddling me, kissing the life out of me. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her to me so there’s no space between us. She eventually moves away from my lips and starts kissing along my jaw and down my neck.

“I. Love. You. So. Much,” she says between kisses. “I. Didn’t. Think. It. Was. Possible. To. Be. This. Happy.” I move my hands and gently grab her cheeks, pushing her face back up so I can see her.

“This is only the beginning,” I say before crashing our lips back together.

When my hips start grinding into her warmth, I realise it’s probably time we stop before we can’t. “Molly,” I whisper into her ear as she nibbles on my neck. Placing my hands on her shoulders, I encourage her to sit up.

“What?” she pouts, making me smile.

“I’ve got more plans for tonight.”

“Oh, but you’re all ready and raring to go,” she says, rubbing herself against my very hard dick.

“I always am when I’m around you. It will be worth the wait, gorgeous.”

“Wait. You’re serious? You’re going to leave me in this state?” I slide my eyes down her body. I removed her hoodie during our little make-out session, which means her heaving chest and pert nipples are very obvious. I sit myself forward and take one into my mouth through the fabric of her top, making her moan, before paying the other one the same attention.

“Yes, that was the plan,” I say, just as the buzzer on the oven starts going off. “Dinner’s ready. You get the table laid and I’ll dish up.” I pick her up and place her on her feet, listening to her grumble something about getting laid as she walks off to the kitchen while I rearrange myself in my jeans.

Molly

We’ve just finished eating, and I can’t wait to be lying in his arms while the log burner crackles in front of us, or in the gigantic bath surrounded by bubbles and candles. I’m going to have to see if there’s a shop so we can get some, because I doubt he thought about them when he was packing.

“Molly?” Ryan asks, pulling me from my musings.

“Sorry, was in my own little world.”

“What were you thinking about?”

“How perfect you are.” My cheeks blush a little at my admission, but the smile he rewards me with is worth it.

“So, you never actually answered my earlier question.”

“What, you mean me throwing myself at you wasn’t enough?”

“It gave me a clue,” he teases.

“Yes, I would love to move in with you.” I get up and perch myself on his lap so I can place a kiss to his lips. “Dinner was delicious, thank you.”

“I learnt from the best.”

“So…there’s a second present on the coffee table. Do I get that one?”

“Yes.” He laughs as I jump off his lap and rush towards it. “I should warn you, it’s not as meaningful as the last one. I just thought you would like it.” I pick it up, surprised by the weight of it. I carry it back to the table so I can open it with him.

“Oh my God, I was just thinking we needed some of these for when we make use of that huge bath.” I can’t believe my eyes when I pull the lid off the box and see a selection of different sizes of my favourite vanilla scented candles.

“I know how addicted you are to them.”

“Thank you so much. I love you.” Moving behind him, I wrap my arms around his shoulders. “Fancy testing that bath out?”

“Maybe later. I thought you might want to do something else first.”

“Um, can’t think of anything, unless you’re going to continue what we started on the sofa earlier.” He shifts in his seat at the thought.

“Oh, we will continue, but that wasn’t what I was thinking. Pull the curtain back.” I’m confused by the request but do as he says.

“We have a hot tub!” He walks up behind me before engulfing me in his arms.

“Yes, we do. Fancy trying it out?”

“Hell yes!” Rushing towards the door, Ryan follows me out. He removes the lid and turns the underwater lights on.

“You get ready while I tidy up the kitchen and pour us some bubbly.”

“Okay.” Racing off into the bedroom, I rummage through my stuff to find a bikini. I don’t remember seeing one when I unpacked, but Ryan seems to have thought of everything.

After a few minutes of hunting, I give up. “Ryan,” I shout. Moments later, he’s in the doorway.

“What’s up, gorgeous?”

“I can’t find a bikini. Did you pack one?”

“Oh, damn, I must have forgotten,” he says with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Whoops.” I place my hands on my hips and glare at him.

“Whoops?” I question.

“Guess we’ll just have to go in naked,” he shrugs, trying to play it cool.

“Yeah, I guess we will.” I pull my top over my head and his eyes darken as he takes in my topless state. I quickly remove my trousers and knickers before grabbing a robe hanging in our wardrobe and draping it over my arm. “Are you just going to stand there staring, or are you going to join me?” I walk past him and out to the decking, making sure my hips swing seductively.

When I get out to the hot tub, he’s already put the bottle of champagne on the side in a cooler, and two glasses, along with a couple of cans of beer. I hang my robe up and ease my body into the soothing warm water. I sigh as my muscles relax almost instantly.

I just get settled in one of the moulded seats when Ryan appears in the doorway of the bedroom, completely naked. He stands and stares at me with a smirk on his face. I can’t help myself—I move over to the edge of the tub and rest my chin on my hands on the side, appreciating the work of art in front of me. I slowly take him in from head to toe…and maybe back up again. His hair is a total mess from where I was running my hands through it earlier. My eyes skim over his broad shoulders, over his sculpted torso, towards his slim waist. Moisture fills my mouth at sight of his very obvious excitement, before I make my way down his strong thighs and to his feet. My heart’s pounding and my clit throbs as I make my way back up and commit it to memory. When I get to his eyes, they’re dark with lust, his teeth attacking his bottom lip.

“Finished?” His lips quirk up in a smirk.

“Never. But I think I need to use my hands to ensure what I’m seeing is real.” His eyebrow lifts and he slowly starts making his way in my direction. The closer he gets, the faster my heart beats. “You’re perfect.”

“Not as perfect as you,” he says, before bending down and placing his lips against mine, stopping me from responding.

Once he releases me, I move back and he lowers his body into the water. He pours us both a glass of champagne, then hands me one.

“To us,” he says, clinking his glass against mine and taking a sip. I follow suit.

“This is gorgeous. I’m guessing it’s not a cheap bottle.”

“Only the best for my girl.” My heart flips at his words. I put my now empty glass down and look at him.

“The last time we were on holiday, you promised me that my Prince Charming would come when I least expected it. Well, I can honestly say I never expected it to be you.” I squeak when he grabs me and places me across his lap.

His lips drop to mine in the sweetest, most passionate kiss I have ever experienced. Goosebumps break out across my skin, my heart pounds harder, and heat pools between my legs. I gasp in shock when he pinches my nipple, putting an end to our kiss. He moves to trail kisses up my neck instead.

“Have you ever had sex underwater?” he whispers in my ear.

I shake my head at him. “No, I haven’t.”

“One day we will.”

“Why not today?” I pant out.

“As amazing as it would be to bury myself inside you right now, I’ve promised you a perfect first time, and doing it in the hot tub is not that.” I don’t know whether I’m excited or disappointed by this. “Have you ever had an orgasm underwater?”

“Yes.” He pulls back, looking a little shocked by my announcement. “I do it in the bath,” I admit after a few seconds.

Ryan groans loudly. “I would pay to see that, Miss Molly,” he says, before sucking on my neck as his hand descends towards my centre. “I like firsts with you.” His fingers run though my wetness, making my whole body twitch.

“You look so fucking hot when you come for me, Molly. I’ll never get bored of watching you,” he says, taking my nipple in his mouth as my body comes down from its high. “I love your body. It’s so fucking sexy.”

“That’s weird, because I thought your type was slim blondes,” I say, shrugging. I try to keep a straight face, but I can feel my lips twitching.

“I used to think that, but there’s only one woman who’s my type, and that one woman is you,” he says, placing me back in the seat and hovering his body above mine while he kisses me. Reaching out, I grab his length, slowly stroking him up and down. His growl vibrates against my lips as I tease him.

“Sit on the edge,” I say against his lips.

“I’m fine here.”

“I know, but you’ll be even better on the edge.” I watch as he follows my instruction. I settle myself in front of him and take him back in my hand while he looks down at me with hooded eyes. “Have you ever had a blowjob in a hot tub, Ryan?” He shakes his head. “Good, I like firsts with you, too,” I say with a smile.

I begin teasing him, putting my lips everywhere but where he wants them the most. I cover his thighs and lower stomach in kisses while my hand continues to work him slowly. The more I tease him, the more his body begins to tremble.

“Molly, take me in your mouth.” I really wish I could deny him, but hearing his deep, gravelly voice leaves me with no choice. I move my hand and run my tongue from the base of him up to the head, before sucking on the tip and lapping up his pre-cum. I love the noises he’s making as he watches my every move. His fingers tangle in my hair, encouraging me forward. I slowly let my lips slide down the length of him until I feel him hit the back of my throat.

“Oh, fucking hell, Molly,” he groans out. “Yes,” he hisses as I start a punishing rhythm. I run my other hand up as high as I can on his stomach, feeling his muscles twitch at my contact before pulling it back down, letting my nails gently scratch his skin. “Argh…shit…yes,” he shouts out, just before I feel the first drop of his salty goodness hit the back of my mouth. I continue sucking him until he’s dry. He then slides his body back into the water and wraps his arms tightly around me while he catches his breath.

CHAPTER FIVE

Ryan

When Molly starts falling asleep in the hot tub, I decide it’s probably time to get out. She’s pretty tipsy, having finished off the bottle of champagne herself. We were too busy chatting away to pay much attention to how much we’d drunk or how much time had passed. It’s only now when I start to get out that I realise how pruned my skin is.

Scooping Molly up in my arms, I hold her tight against me as I carry her into the huge walk-in shower. I turn it on and wait a few seconds before standing us both under the spray. Molly’s eyes stay shut the entire time, even when I place her down on her feet so I can wash the chlorine off us properly.

She starts snoring the moment her head hits the pillow, and I cover her up and head out to the deck to tidy up and cover the hot tub back up for the night. Once I’ve locked us in, I slide into bed next to her and she immediately lays her head on my chest and wraps an arm and leg around me tightly. Her wet hair is dripping water down my side and arm, but I don’t care; she’s in my arms, and that’s all that matters. She mumbles something I can’t make out before she says something that makes my heart hurt for her.

“I have someone at last who loves me.” My hold on her tightens and I kiss the top of her head.

“You do. I love you more than you could ever know, and I’m going to show you how amazing you are every single day.”

I wake the next morning with Molly still wrapped around my body. I can’t help smiling; it’s the first time since we got together that she hasn’t been up before me. I hold her tightly and enjoy the feeling of her body cuddled against mine, listening to the sound of her breathing. I lie there as long as I can, but eventually I have to go to the toilet. I carefully unhook Molly from around me and slide out of bed. She groans but doesn’t wake up.

“Where did you go?” she asks, pouting when I slide up against her.

“Sorry, I needed a wee. I brought you tea, though, to make up for leaving.”

“Hmm, good boyfriend,” she says, smiling. She opens her eyes and looks at me, causing her smile to widen. “Morning, baby.”

“Morning, gorgeous,” I say as she moves herself so she’s sat up against me and I drop a kiss to the end of her nose.

“Did I see a present in your hand?”

“You don’t miss a trick, do you?” She smiles up at me sweetly. “You have a present every day we’re here, and seeing as the weather’s shit, this is today’s.” I hand her the gift box full of a range of girly chick flicks for us to spend the day watching.

Molly

I’m woken up the next morning when a large box is placed on my stomach. I prop myself up on my elbows and look between the box and Ryan, who is perched on the edge of the bed, anxiously waiting for me to open it.

“Why do you look nervous about this one?”

“It’s just different. I’m not sure if it’s something you’ve ever done before, or want to do.”

“Okay, interesting.” I pull on the tails of the big bow tied around the box before cautiously lifting the lid and looking in. On the top is a thick, knitted bobble hat. I pull it out and look at Ryan curiously.

“Keep going,” he says, nodding towards the box.

By the time all the items are out, I’m pretty sure I know what we’re doing today. Lying across the bed now is a pair of walking boots in my size, some thick walking socks, a scarf to match the hat, and some gloves.

“Going hiking, are we?” I ask, looking over at Ryan.

“I thought it would be fun. We won’t if you’re not up for it, though.”

“Of course I’m up for it. I can’t read a map for shit, though, so you’re going to have to do that bit. I’ll just do as I’m told!”

“No problem. I’ve helped the kids at school out with their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions; it can’t be that hard. I’ll go make us breakfast, then we can head out. It’s nice and sunny so it should be fun.”

Hiking isn’t something I would choose to do myself, but seeing how excited Ryan is about it makes me think it could be fun. He’s obviously done it before.

Once we’re both stuffed full with Ryan’s fry-up, we wrap up warm, tie our boots, and head out. It might be sunny out, but it’s bloody freezing.

“So, the guys who own this place left some maps in the welcome pack,” he says, waving one in my face. “This one is five miles, so it should take us two hours at the most.” Five miles sounds like a long way to me, but two hours seems doable. We walk around all day, after all. I watch as Ryan studies the map and decides which direction we should be heading before falling into step next to him.

“Ryan?”

“Yes, gorgeous?”

“You do know we’ve been walking for two and a half hours, right?”

“Yeah, I guess we’ve been going slower than I thought we would. According to the map, we should be nearly back now.” I look over at him, once again studying that map, but unlike earlier, I have absolutely no confidence that he has any clue what he’s doing. I’m sure we’re walking in circles. “I hope you’re right, because I’m dying for a wee and I’ve got blisters.”

“Of course I’m right. Come on, keep going,” he says, linking his arm around mine and pulling me forward.

“Molly, come on, get up. We will never find our way back if you just sit down,” Ryan says grumpily when he turns around to find me sat on the ground.

“I know that, smartarse, but we have been walking for nearly four hours. I’ve resorted to weeing in a bush while God-knows-what bit my arse, and my blisters have blisters. I just want to sit down for a few minutes. Maybe it will give you time to figure out how to read a fucking map and get us out of this forest before it gets dark.”

Yes, I know I sound like a whiny bitch, but I’m exhausted, sweating even though it’s like, minus ten out here, and I’m dying of thirst. And don’t even get me started on my feet. I’m sure they’re never going to fit in my pretty little heels again.

“Don’t get moody with me. It’s not my fault the map is wrong.”

“Yes, because that is the problem here.”

“Fine, blame it all on me. How about you try to figure it out?” he says, shoving the map under my nose.

“I told you before we left I couldn’t read a map. It’s a shame you didn’t realise you couldn’t, either. I knew we should have just done the walk marked with the little coloured posts designed for kids.”

“Your attitude isn’t going to get us out of here, so suck it up and help me figure it out.”

I grumble to myself before heaving my aching body off the frozen ground to peer at the map, which is hardly even legible after the surprise rain shower we had earlier.

“Ryan, you can’t even see the track clearly now that all the ink has run. You might as well not bother looking at it. Let’s just keep going. It won’t be long before the sun starts going down. We need to get out of here.” Ryan screws the map up and shoves it in his pocket before catching up with me where I’ve started hobbling my way down the track.

“Look over there—headlights. It must be a road. Come on,” I say, grabbing Ryan’s hand and practically running in that direction. We’ve been walking for just over five hours now. The sun has just gone down, and it’s drizzling. All I want is a hot bath and a glass of wine…or two. I never want to step foot in a forest ever again. I’m just about to start making my way up the small hill to where I think the road is when I come to an abrupt stop. “Oh, for fuck’s sake!” I squeal.

“What’s wrong…oh.” Ryan says when he comes to a stop next to me in front of the rather large stream. “Um, I’ll jump across, then I’ll catch you when you jump,” he says sceptically.

“You think I can jump that with my little legs?”

“We haven’t got much choice, really, have we?”

With that said, he backs up a couple of steps before launching himself across the stream and just making it to the other side. He looks up at me encouragingly. “Your turn.”

I walk back a little, muttering about my hatred of hiking and forests and anything related to the two, before I run a couple of steps, shut my eyes, and hope and pray I make it to the other side. My leading foot hits something before I feel Ryan’s arms come around me. Cracking my eye open, I look up to him. He’s laughing at me but I don’t care, because I’m not on my arse in the freezing cold stream.

“You caught me,” I say, smiling at him.

“I’ll always catch you, gorgeous,” he says, kissing my forehead. “Come on, let’s find that road.”

We walk a few more minutes before we step foot on the first bit of tarmac we’ve seen for hours. I sigh in relief, knowing that this road will somehow join up to one we want. When I look up, I can’t believe my eyes.

“Oh my God, is that the cabin?” Ryan appears from the trees behind me and looks in the direction I’m pointing.

“Oh, thank fuck for that. I was beginning to think we’d be stuck in the forest forever.”

“I knew you believed me and were lying about it all being fine,” I say, as we start marching in the direction of our cabin. In only a matter of minutes, Ryan is unlocking the door and I’m pushing past him to lie face-down on the bed. After a few seconds, he crashes around in the kitchen, and I hear the kettle click.

Oh, a cup of tea may go some way to making me feel normal again.

It’s not long before I hear his footsteps getting closer. I still haven’t moved from my face-down position.

“Molly?” I hear him laugh behind me.

“Go away, I’m dying!” I grumble back at him.

“I’ve brought you a cup of tea. Roll over.” I shake my head at him. It doesn’t deter him, though, because his hands are soon on my waist as he flips me over himself. I groan as my muscles pull with the movement. I know he’s looking down at me, I can feel his stare burning into my skin, but I refuse to open my eyes. He sighs before he moves and walks out of the room. I worry that I might have pissed him off, but then I hear the most amazing sound: the bath running.

“I thought that might cheer you up,” he says when he comes back in and sees the smile on my face. “Now, let’s get you out of these wet clothes. You’re soaking the bed.” He goes to my feet and undoes my boots. I hiss through my teeth when he pulls them off. “Shit, sorry, gorgeous.” He carefully pulls off the walking socks, but they feel like they’ve fused to my skin when he peels them from my blisters. “Bloody hell, no wonder you were complaining. Your blisters really do have blisters.”

He stands up and pulls my leggings down, being careful of my feet as he passes. He then grabs my hands and pulls me so that I’m sitting so he can remove my coat, hoodie, and t-shirt. When I’m left in just my underwear, he stands back and has a good look.

“You look fucking hot.”

“Shut up. I’m sweaty, my hair is frizzy from the rain, and my feet are about to fall off. There isn’t an inch of my body that is looking hot right now.”

“You clearly aren’t seeing what I am, then, because to me, you’ve never looked more perfect.”

“You’re right. What I’m seeing is my boyfriend, who just got me lost in a forest for hours, stood in front of me with way too many clothes on.” His eyes run the length of my body once more before he reaches behind him and pulls his t-shirt over his head and drops it on the floor, pushes his joggers from his hips and steps out of them. Crawling onto the bed between my legs, he places his hands on my waist and lifts me higher so I’m resting back against the headboard. He leans over and passes me my cup of tea.

“Drink this, then we’re having a bath.” He quickly scoots off the bed and walks towards the bathroom. I can’t help but watch his perfect arse walk away. “I know you’re staring,” he says, before looking over his shoulder and giving me a cheeky smile. I shrug at him. I love his body; there’s no way I’ll stop looking at it.

Once he has the bath ready, he returns to our room to drink his coffee with me.

“Right, gorgeous girl, bath time.” Putting his mug down, he leans forward, pressing his lips to mine. His tongue delves into my mouth and I join in. I sigh as his hands tickle down my arms and around my ribs so he can pull my bra from by body. His kisses a trail down my neck and across my breasts, goosebumps erupting in his wake as a throb begins between my legs. Sucking my nipples into his mouth when he reaches them, I moan in pleasure as sparks shoot off around my body. He continues kissing down my body until he’s at the bottom of the bed. His fingers hook around the sides of my knickers before he gently pulls them down my legs and lets them drop on the floor. His hands delve behind my knees and I squeal in surprise when he suddenly pulls me down the bed until he can grab onto my arse and lift me. I wrap my legs around his waist and hold on to his neck, revelling in the feeling of his hot skin against mine. When we’re in front of the bath, he looks down at me and smiles, his eyes dark with desire.

“What?”

“I’m still wearing too many clothes.”

“Put me on my feet and I’ll take them off for you,” I whisper seductively in his ear. He slowly lowers me and I continue my descent, kissing down his chest, following the waistband of his boxers when I get to them. Gripping the elastic, I pull them down his legs, releasing his hard dick. His eyes are simmering with desire as he stares at me on my knees in front of him. Taking him in my hand, I slowly suck him into my mouth. I give him one long, hard suck before standing back up and smiling at him.

“Fucking tease,” he mutters, before grabbing me around the waist and lowering us both into the hot, bubbly water. My blisters sting like a bitch for a few seconds but it soon eases. We get ourselves comfortable with me lying between Ryan’s legs and my back against his chest. When I say comfortable, I mean as comfortable as I can be with his cock poking me in the back.

We lie in silence for quite a while, just enjoying the warmth of the water and each other, along with the scent the candles are giving off. I’m just starting to doze off when he speaks.

“I had a message on my phone when we got back from Will, telling me to meet him and the guys at the strip club for drinks on Thursday night for my birthday. I’d rather just spend it with you, if I’m honest, so I’m going to tell him I’ve already got plans.” I’m suddenly really glad I have my back to him, because he would be able to see right through me if we were having this conversation face to face.

“Don’t be silly, Ry. Go out and have fun. I’ve booked you in for the weekend. One night apart won’t hurt.”

“It’s not just being away from you, though. Why would I want to go to watch half-naked women dancing when I’ve got the sexiest woman on the planet at home, waiting for me?”

“You’re going to have a laugh with your mates, not to look at strippers. Well, I hope so anyway,” I say, laughing. “Plus, I’ll be waiting for you naked in our bed when you get home.”

“Hmmm, that does make it more appealing.”

CHAPTER SIX

Ryan

The last full day of our break has come around too fast. Once we got out of the bath last night, I found an Indian takeaway leaflet in the welcome pack and we ordered ourselves enough food to feed a small family for a week. After walking for so long, we were hungry, but our eyes were definitely bigger than our bellies. We lazed around in front of the TV but ended up going to bed pretty early. We were both exhausted from our excursion. I’m fairly sure Molly will never let me forget about my diabolical map reading skills.

Even though we went to sleep early, we still woke up late this morning and spent until lunchtime cuddled together and rolling around under the duvet. I love having Molly make me come with her hand, and especially her mouth, but I can’t help the desire to bury myself in her growing every day. I promised her I would wait, and I will, but it’s all I can think about.

We eventually got up and had sandwiches for lunch before jumping in the hot tub and chilling out some more. I haven’t told Molly yet, but I’ve booked us a table at a restaurant in the local village tonight, so we’re going to have to get out soon and get ready. Although, having spent all day looking at her naked body, I’m having second thoughts about letting her get dressed. I’ve got a taxi booked for seven so we can both have a drink.

Leaning over, I grab her hips and pull her over onto my lap.

“Hey,” she says, smiling up at me.

“Hey, gorgeous. You ready for today’s surprise?”

“Oh yes, what is it?”

“We need to get out and showered, then you can have it.”

She narrows her eyes at me and pouts. “Can’t I have it now?”

“Nope, come on.” I lift her tiny body up and carry her out of the hot tub, through the cabin, and into the shower. I let us get blasted with cold water for a few seconds before it warms up.

“Fuck, that’s freezing,” she shouts, trying to move from under the spray, but I hold her tight to me. It’s the first innocent shower we’ve had together. It’s hard, pun intended, to stop Molly’s attempts, but I intend to enjoy her later after our meal.

Once we’re done, I get her to sit on the edge of the bed wrapped in her towel while I go and get the biggest giftbox I brought with me.

As we walk back into our bedroom, she looks at me with hungry eyes. I’m not sure if they’re for me because I only have a towel wrapped around my waist, or if they’re for the box I’m carrying.

“Oh my God, it’s huge,” she squeals, clapping her hands together.

“That’s what I’ve been told,” I deadpan, but she just looks at me with raised eyebrows.

“Oh, of course, that, too,” she says. “I’ve got no complaints yet.”

“You won’t ever have any complaints, Miss Molly. Especially if your past experiences are anything to go by.” I can’t help feeling smug.

“That’s true. If you want to turn it in to a competition, you’ve won hands-down already. The only other person to give me as many orgasms as you have is me!”

“And how I’d love to watch you do that,” Just the thought of watching Molly pleasure herself makes my dick twitch under my towel.

“Hmm. Can I open the box now?” she asks excitedly.

As I place it down next to her, she quickly turns so she’s sat on her knees, looking down at it, excitement filling her eyes. She slowly pulls the bow open and lifts the lid off. Painfully slowly, she moves the tissue paper to the side and reveals the first items in the box. When she looks up at me, she’s got a naughty smile on her lips. My heart pounds and my dick twitches again. The moment I saw the lingerie set in the shop, I just knew it would look stunning on her. She reaches into the box and pulls the bra out. It’s a dusky pink, my favourite colour for her, with silver detailing and a bow at the cleavage, and there’s a matching thong in the box, too.

“These are gorgeous, and the right size.”

“They will look gorgeous on you, you mean. Of course they’re the right size. I’m not likely to forget any detail of those perfect tits any time soon.”

She places both items on the bed before turning her attention back to the box to unwrap some more. She gasps before pulling out the dress I’ve chosen for her. She has to get up onto her knees so she can see all of it.

“Did you choose this yourself?”

“Yes, do you like it?”

“I love it.” She turns the dress around, holds it against herself and looks down. It’s a soft grey colour and has a deep V in the front that’s going to do wonders for her cleavage—and my view tonight. It’s tight around her waist before it flows loosely to her knees. “Ryan, are you okay? You look a little flushed.” I have to clear my throat before answering.

“Yeah, sorry, just imagining what it will look like on the floor later.”

“A bit presumptuous, aren’t you?”

“Nah, you’re a sure thing.”

She thinks about it for a few seconds before flashing me a smile. “Yeah, I guess I am where you’re concerned.”

“There’s something else in the box.” I nod towards it and she dives in.

“Oh my God. Ryan!” she screams, then jumps at me from the bed. She hits me with such force, I fall back with her on top of me. She doesn’t pay any attention to the loud thud that was my arse hitting the carpet, because she’s too busy shoving her tongue down my throat. Not that I’m complaining.

Once the shock’s worn off, I roll us over so she’s on her back and I’m between her legs without breaking our kiss. My fingers automatically go the towel still wrapped around her and pull it open so I can get my hands on her sexy body. She has similar thoughts because she reaches down and pulls my mine open. When she relaxes back down, my throbbing dick lines up perfectly with her very ready entrance. She sucks in a breath when she feels the head of my cock brush her sensitive skin. I can’t help but thrust my hips slightly so I’m rubbing against her. It feels so good, and the desire to slide right into her is almost painful.

“Ryan,” she moans against my lips.

I pull back and look at her. She’s fucking stunning. Her chest is heaving with her increased breathing, her cheeks are flushed, her eyes are bright with lust, and her drying chocolate hair is fanned out around her head on the cream carpet. I can’t help but think she looks like an angel. I sit back on my heels and admire her.

“So, you like them?”

“Ryan, they’re Louboutins. I fucking love them. They’re so expensive, though.”

“Only the best for my girl,” I repeat my words from the other night. When she moved in and insisted on paying more than I wanted her to, I promised myself I would somehow give it back, so this is me doing that. She’s always helping everyone else out and doing thoughtful things for them. It’s now her turn to be well and truly spoilt.

She frowns at me, but I just shake my head at her. “Come on, gorgeous girl, we need to get ready. I want to see if you look as hot as I imagined in the shop in that outfit. The taxi’s picking us up at seven, so you’ve got an hour and no more.” I kiss the end of her nose, then get up and go into the bathroom so I can shave and finish getting ready while she faffs about.

“Where are we going?” she shouts through to me.

“Wait and see.”

Fifty minutes later, I’m sitting in the living room, catching up with what’s been going on in the world while we’ve been hiding out here. I can’t for the life of me understand why it could possibly take Molly so long; she was perfect before she started. I’ve been sitting here fully dressed and ready to go for over twenty minutes now, trying to figure it out.

I look down at myself. I’m wearing a light blue shirt because it’s Molly’s favourite—apparently, it brings out my eyes—a black pair of smart trousers, and black lace-up shoes. I hate dressing up. I’d much rather go in jeans and a t-shirt, but I don’t think they’d let me in the restaurant dressed like that. I do, however, refuse to wear a tie.

“Are you nearly ready, Molls? The taxi will be here in a minute.”

Two seconds after I finish speaking, she appears in the bedroom doorway, and I swear to God I actually stop breathing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful sight. My eyes run down her body from head to toe, taking it all in. She’s styled her hair in loose curls that hang around her shoulders. The underwear and dress do unbelievably awesome things to her tits. The dress emphasises her tiny waist before the fabric hangs loosely around her thighs, then shows off her toned calves and her shoes. Fuck me, the shoes are pure gold. I may never let her take them off.

“Do I look okay?” she asks hesitantly, a small smile playing on her lips.

I can’t do anything because I’m frozen to the spot. The only things that are moving are my eyes, roaming all over her body, my heart that is beating two million miles an hour, and my dick that is straining so painfully against my trousers that I’m sure it’s going to burst through any moment.

“Ryan?” She’s staring back at me, concern filling her eyes. Eventually, she hobbles over and crouches in front of me, placing her hands on my knees. “Are you okay?” she whispers.

“I…um…you…” I let out a big breath I didn’t realise I was holding and try again. “You just took my breath away. You look stunning, Molly. I can’t believe how lucky I am.”

“Thank you. And thank you for choosing it for me. I love it and it all fits perfectly. I’m the lucky one.”

“I love you, gorgeous.” Just as I say that, my phone goes off to alert us that the taxi’s outside. “Come on, let’s grab our coats.”

I look back when Molly isn’t right behind me, to see her hobbling my way. “I thought you said everything fit perfectly. You can barely walk in those shoes.”

“The shoes are perfect, Ry. It’s the bloody blisters!” I hold Molly’s coat out for her when she gets close enough before pulling mine on. Turning back to her, I sweep her up in my arms and walk over to the front door.

“Ryan,” she squeals. “What are you doing?”

“Carrying you out to the taxi. You can barely walk on a flat surface let alone the stones out there. Can you open the door, please?” She wraps one arm around my neck and reaches the other out to open the door for us. Once we’re out, she double-checks it’s locked behind us before I walk us quickly to the waiting taxi.

The restaurant I’ve chosen is just over thirty minutes away. I knew the instant I opened their website that Molly would love it. It’s an old thatched building with white rendering and black beams. The photos on the website show it looking really romantic inside, and the reviews of the food are outstanding. I’m looking forward to seeing her face when she takes it all in. She’s still demanding I tell her where we’re going, but so far I’ve managed to refuse. I know we’re nearly there now, though, and she’s about to find out. I look over at her to find her looking down at her lap.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, my stomach just feels a bit weird. Probably just hungry.” She just shrugs it off like it’s nothing, so I think no more of it, especially as I feel the taxi coming to a stop in front of the restaurant. “Oh, please tell me we’re going in there,” Molly says excitedly.

I knew she’d love it.

Twenty minutes later, we’re sat at a little table in the back corner of the restaurant, sipping on glasses of champagne after ordering our starters and main courses. Molly’s eyes are still as wide as when we pulled up outside, taking everything in.

“I love this place. It’s so cute.”

“I knew you’d love it the minute I saw it online.”

“Did you see the sign as we came in saying it’s in the top ten of the most romantic restaurants in the country?” Of course, I know this, but I don’t want to dampen her excitement.

“Is it?” I ask, and she tells me all about it. My heart bursts at her happiness over something as simple as a nice restaurant.

“What’s the matter, Ry? You look serious all of a sudden.”

“Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

“It’s nothing, really.”

“No, go on. You always make me spill.”

“I was thinking about how just bringing you to a nice restaurant has made you so happy. It’s like no one has done it for you before.”

“No one has done it before,” she replies sadly. “No one has ever done anything like you have done for me this weekend. I’ve never been spoilt as much as I have in the last few days.”

“I hate that no one has, but I also love it, because it means I get to do it now.”

“I love that you get to do it, too. It wouldn’t be the same if it were anyone else.”

“Are you going to tell me yet what you’ve got planned for my birthday?”

“Um…nope. You’ll have to wait and see. I think you’ll be surprised, though.”

Before I have a chance to try to convince her to tell me, our starters arrive, looking too good to eat. But as soon as the smell hits my nose, my stomach grumbles, reminding me how long it’s been since we ate.

Apparently, Molly’s is good, if the noises she’s making are anything to go by. It’s like I’ve been transported back to the summer in the pub in Cornwall where she was doing the same thing while unknowingly giving me the bluest balls known to man. At least this time I know that she’ll see to my excitement when we get back later. I’m also glad the tables are spaced farther apart here so that every other bloke in the place isn’t enjoying her like the last time.

“Oh my God, that was so good,” she eventually says when she’s cleared her plate and come up for air.

“Yeah, I got that idea. You didn’t look up once!”

“Ugh, you must think I’m a right pig.”

“No, I love that you enjoy your food. I often wonder why you aren’t the size of a horse, though,” I say, laughing.

“Yeah, nice. Thanks, Ry.”

I just shrug at her as the waitress comes to clear our plates.

Molly eventually stops grilling me about suggesting she should be fat just before the main courses arrive.

Both our dishes are out of this world, and we hardly say a word as we enjoy the incredible flavours.

When our plates have been cleared and we’ve ordered our desserts, I pluck up the courage to ask her the question that’s been eating me for a while. If my thoughts on the subject are correct, I really hope I’m not about to ruin our evening.

“Molly, can I ask you a question?”

Molly

“Uh, yeah sure,” I say sceptically.

“Other than your earrings, you never really wear any jewellery. Why is that?”

“Wow, never in a million years did I see that question coming.” I can’t help but laugh at him a little.

“It’s just that I’ve spent my life surrounded by women: my mum and sisters, and then Hannah, and they all had sentimental bits of jewellery that they never took off because it meant so much to them, but you don’t seem to have anything.”

“You know the earrings are Hannah’s, right?”

“I thought they were familiar.”

“They’re the only things of hers I took after she died. I wanted a piece of her with me at all times. Susan and Pete bought them for her twenty-first birthday.” I’m trying desperately hard to keep myself together. I don’t want to ruin an amazing evening.

“Oh,” is all he says.

“I don’t wear anything else because I haven’t got any meaningful pieces.”

“That’s kind of what I thought. You know, you really have spent time with some worthless shits,” he says, gracing me with his mega-watt smile before leaning around and reaching for his coat.

“Oh, you haven’t, have you?” Smiling slyly, he turns back around and hands me a cream square box with a dusky pink ribbon around it. “What is it with you and dusky pink?”

“I remember it being the main colour in the photo of that interior design magazine you showed me when you tried to explain shabby chic to me,” he says, shrugging.

“Ry, you have already spent so much money on me with what I’m wearing. I can’t accept anymore.”

“You haven’t got a choice, Molly. Open it.”

I let out a resigned sigh. I know he earns decent money, but I don’t want him to spend it all on me. I pull the bow open, then slide the lid off. My breath catches in my throat at the sight of it.

“Oh, it’s beautiful.” My eyes sting and a lump clogs my throat as I stare at it.

“Hey, it’s not meant to upset you,” Ryan says softly.

“It’s just too much. You’ve completely overwhelmed me.” My chin wobbles as I fight to contain my emotions.

“I just want to show you how much I love you, Molls.”

I nod at him, too emotional to speak.

“Do you want to know why I chose it?” I nod again and look up at him through my tear-filled eyes. “It’s a heart because you own my heart…” I can’t help the happy sob that erupts from my throat at his words. “And it has a little forget-me-not at the end. Look.” He points at the necklace. “To remind us of who brought us together.”

I cover my face with my hands to try to hide from the other customers around us. Ryan comes up next to me and pulls me into his side. He rubs his hand up and down my back soothingly. “Shh, it’s okay,” he whispers in my ear. Once I’ve composed myself, I pull back and look into his eyes.

“Thank you. It’s the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me.”

“Really?”

“Really. I can’t believe you found something so perfect.”

“Nor could I. It was in the first shop I went in, like a sign from above or something.” I smile at the thought of Hannah sorting him out. “Can I?” he asks, gesturing towards the necklace. I nod, lift my hair, and turn away from him so he can put it on me. “It’s platinum, so it won’t tarnish easily.”

“This must have cost you a bloody fortune, Ryan,” I scold.

“Stop going on about money. You’re worth every penny I’ve spent this weekend. Just seeing that smile on your face makes it more than worth it.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I’d just about pulled myself together by the time the waitress returned with our desserts. Just like everything else I had eaten tonight, it was out of this world.

We enjoy coffees at the end of the meal before getting a taxi back to the cabin.

We’re about ten minutes away, and I can’t stop smiling and playing with my new piece of jewellery. Ryan’s hand hasn’t moved from my thigh and he keeps looking at me every couple of minutes, laughing because I’m still doing the same thing and have the same dopey look on my face. I can’t help it; it’s just perfect. He’s just perfect.

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t even notice Ryan pay the driver, then get out of the car. It’s not until he opens my door that I’m pulled from my daydream.

“Did you go somewhere nice?” Ryan says, laughing at me.

“Hmm,” is all I say as he lifts me out of the taxi so I don’t have to attempt walking. He really is the sweetest guy in the world, and he’s all mine. Halfway to the cabin, my stomach growls loudly.

“Is your stomach still feeling weird?”

“Yeah, a little, but I have consumed a lot of food and wine today. I’ll be fine.”

“Good, because I’m dying to peel that dress from your body.”

I take the key from Ryan and unlock the door for us. He only stops long enough for me to lock it again before he’s whisking me off to the bedroom. Once there, he drops me to my feet and backs me up to the wall. He stares right into my eyes before his hands go to the buttons on my coat. His face is so intense, my knees feel a little weak.

Within seconds, my coat is pulled off my arms and thrown across the room. His lips are immediately on mine and he’s kissing me like I’m the air he needs to breathe. The love and desire he pours into it makes me feel like a million dollars, and I pray to God he feels the same depth of emotion in my returning kiss. He breaks away before I’m ready for it to end and starts trailing kisses along my jaw and down my neck. When he gets to the sweet spot under my ear, he grazes his teeth over it, making me shiver with pleasure. He continues his journey down my collarbone and follows the edge of my dress over my cleavage, before dipping his tongue in between my breasts, making me moan. He repeats the actions up the other side of my dress before his hands go to my back and find my zip. When his fingers find the tiny bit of metal, he pulls down so slowly whilst sucking on my neck that I want to scream at him.

Eventually, he has my dress completely undone. He pulls his head back at the same time his hands go to my shoulders and gently push the straps off, and he watches as the fabric floats down to a puddle around my feet. My body heats up as his eyes slowly make their way over my curves and take in the underwear he bought for me. His hands run slowly down my arms, making goosebumps pop up in their wake. Entwining our fingers, he gently tugs me so I step forward, away from the wall and out of my dress.

He stands at arm’s length and has another perusal of my body. My thong is soaking wet already, just from having his eyes on me, and my breath is coming out in pants. He lets go of one of my hands, then lifts my other above my head and gestures for me to turn around, which I do willingly. Having my body on show like this should embarrass me, but it’s not at all—I’m just totally turned on and I can tell by his straining trousers that he is as well. He growls when he takes in my thong-clad arse, and tingles of excitement run down my spine. Thongs aren’t my usual choice, but hearing how much he seems to love it makes me want to throw out all my old underwear and just wear them for him. When we’re face to face once again, I’m shocked by the colour of his eyes. They’re darker than I’ve ever seen them.

Reaching my hands up, I start to undo the buttons on his shirt. I lean forward and kiss the bit of skin I reveal each time I open another one, until I hit his waistband. Standing back up, I tug his shirt off his shoulders, watching it fall like he did with my dress.

The moment his shirt hits the floor, his patience snaps. He grabs me roughly and throws me on the bed. I can’t help the squeal of shock that rips from my throat when my back hits the mattress. Lifting my head up, I watch as Ryan pulls his shoes and socks off, then his trousers and boxers, before crawling up my body and searching out my lips. We make out like teenagers for what feels like hours, just kissing and exploring each other’s bodies. I couldn’t imagine anything more perfect. Eventually, Ryan gets fed up with the barriers between us and pulls me on top of him so that he can reach back and undo my bra. As the fabric slides down my arms, I shiver again.

“You’re perfect, Molly.” I realise neither of us has said anything since we’ve been inside the cabin.

“So are you,” I whisper while I run my hands over the muscles of his stomach and chest before finding his lips again. This time, though, I’m straddling him. I slowly grind myself against his length. I can tell it’s getting him close, because he’s breathing faster and faster. I can’t say I’m too far away, either.

“Molly,” he pants. “If you don’t stop, I’m going to blow all over my stomach.” I take that as my cue to move, so I back up down his legs and settle myself on my knees. I waste no time in grabbing him and sucking him straight to the back of my mouth. Feeling brave, I go a little further than I usually would. “Fucking hell, Molly,” he growls, giving me the encouragement I need to continue. It only takes seconds before he twitches in my hand and I feel his cum sliding down my throat while he groans out my name.

When he’s finished, I pull back and look at him. He’s panting hard and looks completely spent. “That. Was. Amazing,” he says between breaths.

Standing in front of him, he reaches out and grabs my hips, kissing and licking my stomach. When he kisses the patch of skin just above the fabric of my thong, a huge rush of heat pools between my legs and my clit throbs harder. I squeeze my thighs together, but it does nothing to relieve it. I need him now.

“Ryan, please.”

“If you insist, gorgeous,” he says, gently pulling my underwear down my legs. He taps my ankles to indicate that I need to step out.

“You’re keeping the shoes on, though.” I wasn’t intending on taking them off. I saw the way he stared at them earlier. I still cannot believe he bought me Louboutins. They’re dusky pink—obviously—platform peep-toe sling-backs, and I fucking love them.

When I’m stood in nothing but my shoes, he leans himself back on his elbows and looks me up and down with a hungry look on his face.

“Come up here,” he demands. I crawl up his body until I’m straddling him again and lower my head down towards his. “As much as I love your face, that wasn’t what I meant,” he says, smiling cheekily at me. “I want to taste you. Now.” A rush of butterflies flutters in my stomach at his words and I continue crawling up his body until I’m straddling his face.

“That’s more like it,” he growls, before licking from my entrance up to my clit in one long sweep, making my whole body flinch. His hands come up to grab my hips and he pulls me down a little more, holding me in place as he starts eating me like he hasn’t had a meal in weeks. Feeling too weak to hold myself up, I lean forward and rest my hands on his chest. He releases one of my hips so he can reach up and palm my breasts before pinching my nipples, making me whimper and my entire body shake with my impending release. He pushes his tongue into me as deep as it will go and moves his hand from my breasts to my clit. He pinches it between his thumb and forefinger, and it pushes me over the cliff.

“Ryan!” I scream into the cabin as wave after wave of pleasure crashes through my body. I’m just coming down from my high when my stomach turns over. “Oh God, I’m going to be sick,” I say, quickly jumping up and running to the toilet where I empty my stomach. Ryan isn’t far behind me. He holds my hair and rubs my back until I have nothing left to throw up. I slump against the wall next to the toilet, too scared to go too far as Ryan wets a flannel for me and wipes my sweaty forehead.

“I’m so sorry, I’ve totally ruined our night.”

“Shut up, Molls, you can’t help being ill. You said your stomach's not been right all night. Maybe we shouldn’t have…you know,” he says, tilting his head in the direction of the bedroom.

“No, that was awesome.”

“Yeah, it really was.” Ryan walks off then returns a couple of minutes later with a glass of water. He sits down on the bathroom floor with me and passes it over. I take a few sips but regret it instantly as it comes straight back up. When I’ve finished, I cuddle into Ryan’s side and close my eyes, hoping the sick feeling will subside. I must fall asleep there because, the next thing I know, I wake up in Ryan’s arms as he carries me to bed.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Ryan

I lie awake, watching Molly sleep for hours. I’d hate to fall asleep and for her to be ill again and I’m not there for her. I feel awful. I should have insisted we just go to bed when we got in after she said her stomach still didn’t feel right, but I was selfish.

She looks so beautiful sleeping, so peaceful and relaxed. At some point I must drift off, because the next thing I know I’m being awoken by the sound of Molly heaving again. Quickly getting up, I go to her. She’s once again hunched over the toilet as I hold her hair and rub her back like I did last night. I’m not really sure what else to do.

“It’s okay, you go back to bed,” she says once she’s stopped being sick.

She’s kidding, right?

“Don’t be stupid, I’m staying with you. Even if that means we sleep on the bathroom floor.” She smiles sweetly at me for a few seconds before she returns to having her head down the toilet. The rest of the night continues the same. Needless to say, neither of us gets much sleep.

By nine in the morning, she’s been asleep for a solid three hours without getting up to be sick. I hate the thought of having to wake her, but we’re meant to be out of here by ten at the latest. I decide to go and see if the owners are in to ask if they can give us any longer. I leave a note on my pillow in case Molly wakes up and can’t find me, then head out towards the main house.

When I get back ten minutes later, she’s in the exact same position she was when I left her, which is a relief. The owners agreed to let us stay until twelve, but we have to be out then as they have another couple coming this afternoon. They were really lovely and even offered us their guest room if Molly is still too unwell to travel. I hope that isn’t the case, because I know she would rather be at home than in a stranger’s house.

I start packing and loading everything into the car that I can without waking her. I have everything done bar our suitcases and, at eleven o’clock, I decide I can’t wait any longer. I take her in a glass of water and a cup of tea just in case she wants either. Sitting up against the headboard, I softly repeat her name until she starts to move. I would normally gently shake her, but I don’t want to do anything to upset her stomach.

“Molly,” I say one last time just before her eyes open and she looks up at me. She’s always going to be beautiful to me, but even I can see that she looks pretty rough this morning.

“Morning, gorgeous. How are you feeling?” She groans in response, so I take that as not good. “I managed to get us a couple more hours here, but we need to be out by twelve. The owners said if you’re too unwell to travel, we could stay in one of their guest rooms.

“No, I’ll be okay. I’d rather get home. What time is it now?” Molly’s voice is all gravelly. Her throat must be killing her.

“It’s just gone eleven. I brought you water and tea. Would you like to try either?” She sits herself up carefully and waits to see if anything is going to happen.

“Water, please.” I hand it over and watch as she takes tiny little sips every minute or so.

“You stay there. I’m going to pack up the rest of our stuff.”

“No, I’ll help.”

“Like hell you will. You’re ill, stay in bed,” I say a little more firmly than intended. “Sorry, that came out a little harsh.” I walk over and give her a kiss on the forehead and the end of her nose to make up for it.

“It’s okay, I know you’re only looking after me.”

Her eyes follow me around the bedroom and in and out of the bathroom as I pack our things. I leave some comfortable clothes out for her to put on when she gets up, but other than that, everything is away. I help Molly get up and dressed even though she insists she’s fine. Once she’s had a quick wash and brushed her teeth, I zip up the case and carry it out to the car.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay travelling?”

“There’s only one way to find out.”

I do one last check of the cabin to make sure we have everything before helping Molly to the car. She puts her chair back a little, leans her head back, and closes her eyes. It only takes ten minutes before I hear her snoring lightly next to me. To my relief, she sleeps all the way home. She wakes up just as we’re pulling into the drive.

“Did I sleep all the way here?” she asks, a little confused.

“You sure did. That’s a hell of a lot better than puking all the way here, though,” I say with a laugh.

I get Molly upstairs and settled on the sofa under the blanket. She’s not happy about not helping again, but she doesn’t have a choice. I put the TV on for her, then go about unloading the car.

It’s mid-afternoon by the time I’ve got everything sorted, and my stomach is growling.

“Molls, do you want to try eating something?”

“Yeah, okay,” she says back over the sofa.

I make her toast with a little bit of butter on, then melt some cheese on mine. I’m just walking back to the living room when I pass the dining table and remember the present I organised for Molly today. Placing our plates on the coffee table in front of her, I go back and grab the present.

“What’s that?” she asks when she sees it in my hand.

“Today’s present.”

“Oh.”

I hand it over to her and she pokes at the wrapping paper, looking a little perplexed.

“Open it, then.” I’m looking forward to seeing what’s inside as much as she is. She rips open the paper then turns it over.

“Oh my God,” she gasps, then covers her smiling mouth in shock. I look down at what’s in her hand and take in the multipicture frame I bought before we went away, full with the photos I took of us while we were in the cabin. There are a couple of us in the hot tub—no, not showing any nudity. Some out on our walk, just chilling on the sofa, in bed, and finally at the restaurant last night. It’s exactly what I wanted.

“How did you get this done?” she asks.

“I bought the frame last week, then I sent Holly all the photos I took while we were there and she printed them and dropped this off here this morning for you.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet. I love it.”

“I realised we don’t have many photos of us together, so I thought this would be a good start.”

“It’s awesome,” she says, putting it down on the sofa next to her.

“Here, try eating some of this,” I say, handing over her toast.

The toast stays down for exactly twenty minutes before she starts throwing up again. We both spend the rest of the day lounging in bed so she’s close to the toilet. Luckily for both of us, it seems to have subsided by the time evening rolls around. We both fall asleep early as we hardly slept the night before and she was only up twice in the night.

I feel awful going to work the next day and leaving her at home, ill, but I phone Susan on my way to work and ask if she can go around and check on Molly. Obviously, she agrees; she loves looking after people.

Molly seems to be back to normal by Tuesday morning, so it was obviously just a forty-eight-hour bug she picked up somewhere, but I convince her to stay home again just in case. By Wednesday, she’s chomping at the bit to get back to the office after almost a week away.

The evening of my birthday is here before I know it. I’m sat at the bar in the strip club waiting for everyone else to arrive. Will didn’t say who was coming, but I’m sure there will be a few of us. There usually is when we go out.

But I’ve now been here for ten minutes and there’s no sign of anyone. I feel like a right pervert, sat here on my own with a beer. My heart jumps into my throat as I feel someone come up behind me and wrap something around my eyes.

“What the fuck?” I shout, flinging my arms around, trying to hit whoever just blindfolded me.

“It’s Will. Chill out, man.”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Just because I now know it is Will, it doesn’t mean I’m any less pissed off about being blindfolded.

“I’ve got a birthday surprise for you—come on.” He tugs on my arm and there’s nothing I can really do but allow myself to be dragged along behind him, much to my displeasure.

“I swear to God, if you’ve organised some stripper to rub herself over me, I’m going to be seriously pissed, Will.”

“Oh, stop worrying, you pussy.”

“Don’t call me a fucking pussy. You’re not the one blindfolded and being pulled fuck knows where in a strip club. Anything could be about to happen.”

“Oh, you have no idea, mate.”

Brilliant.

“Stairs,” Will says as we start climbing. “Left.” We keep walking for another few minutes although it feels like fucking hours because I can’t see a bloody thing.

“Right, sit there and don’t move. Don’t even think about trying to remove the blindfold before someone does it for you. You will be punished if you do it yourself, and it will fucking hurt,” Will says before I hear him leave, laughing to himself. “Right, he’s all yours. Have fun,” I hear him say to someone.

I sit there for what feels like forever with nothing happening. The longer I sit, the faster my heart beats, and the more I’m sweating. I hate not being about to see what’s about to happen to me.

For the longest time, the only sound I can hear is that of my own increased breathing. As the time stretches on, so does my patience. I didn’t really want to come here tonight as it was. I really had no intention of being locked in a room, blindfolded, waiting for a stripper to come and give me a special birthday present.

I should just leave. What’s Will really going to do about it?

I shift in my seat, ready to pull the fabric from my eyes and to make my escape when movement somewhere in the room fills my ears. A Rihanna song begins and then the click of heels has my heart pounding and my fists clenching.

I don’t want this. I don’t need this.

She moves behind me, and although I can’t see shit, I follow the sound of her movements.

My entire body flinches when fingertips run across my shoulder and down my arms.

This is bullshit.

Going to stand, she grabs my upper arms, her nails digging in, and I’m forced to stay put.

Every single muscle in my body’s pull tight as she presses herself against me.

I tell myself that all I need to do is sit here. It’ll be over before I know it, and I’ll avoid the inevitable wrath from my mates if I were to walk out right now.

Her hands run down my arms, making all my hairs stand on end in discomfort. I don’t want some random woman touching me. There’s only one woman’s hands I want on me, and she’s at home, waiting for me to return.

Flinching once again when she entwines our fingers, I try pulling away but she’s too fast. My arms are pulled back before my hands land on the warm skin of her arse.

“No,” I grunt, and I swear her body shakes with laughter.

Her fingers dig into the tense muscles across my shoulders, but it does nothing to relax me.

Thankfully, she releases my hands and I suck in a giant breath—until she throws one leg over my lap and straddles me. Her arse grinds into me. If she’s expecting some excitement from me, she’s going to be very disappointed. I’m about as far away from being turned on as physically possible right now.

Her hands run up from my stomach and over my chest. Her sweet scent fills my nose and my body screams that it’s all wrong. This isn’t who I want entwined with my body.

“Fuck,” I shout, trying to jump away from her when she grabs my junk.

“That’s disappointing,” she moans in my ear before her lips land on my neck. I feel dirty.

The relief that fills me when she climbs from my lap is unbelievable.

“Take off the blindfold,” she orders. I sigh, thinking it’s over.

Very slowly and reluctantly, my hands rise to my head and I slip the fabric off. I keep my eyes shut for a few seconds as I pluck up the courage to see what—or who—is in front of me.

“I’m disappointed in your observational skills, Mr. Evans.”

Molly

The look on Ryan’s face when he eventually drags his eyelids open is priceless.

“That was you?” he says, eventually gesturing around his body with his hands. “It didn’t smell like you.”

“That would have made it too easy, now, wouldn’t it? Now shut up and enjoy the show. And I seriously hope that by the time I get back over there you’re in a…uh…harder state than you were earlier. I’ve got plans for you tonight, Mr. Evans.”

Clad in only the lingerie he bought for me when we were away, I manage to dance for fifteen minutes before the pained look on Ryan’s face is too much to bear. I have to go to him. Untwisting my legs from the pole, I get myself back on my feet and slowly saunter over to him, watching as his lips curl up at the corners as I get closer.

“Are you going to willingly touch me this time?”

“Fuck yes,” he growls, but before I can get to him he stands and comes to me, quickly lifting me and walking me backwards until I’m up against the wall. I wrap my legs around his waist and groan when his erection rubs my sweet spot through his jeans and my flimsy thong. I was so focused on my moves that I hadn’t realised how worked up I was, watching him watching me.

He continues to grind into me and his lips crash down to mine. His hands are all over me like he doesn’t know what to touch first. Needing to catch his breath, he moves to kiss my neck.

“Molly,” he pants, “that was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I almost came just watching you.”

I can’t help but moan at his words. I’m so close. He must realise because he leans back a little, sliding one hand down between us and into the fabric of my thong until his fingers are circling my clit. Within seconds, I’m screaming my release into the room.

While I ride out the waves of my orgasm, Ryan goes back to kissing down my neck and across my chest. Once my tremors subside, he removes his hand and sucks his fingers into his mouth.

“You taste so sweet, gorgeous.”

Dropping my legs from around his waist, I let go of his shoulders. He lets me go and I slide down the wall until I’m sat on my haunches in front of him. Palming him through his jeans, I listen to him moan at my touch.

“That’s much better,” I say with a smile. Leaning his forearms against the wall, he looks down on me with hungry, impatient eyes.

“Only for you, gorgeous girl.”

I make quick work of undoing his jeans and push them and his boxers down his thighs just enough to release his cock. I waste no time and slide my lips around him while wrapping my fingers around the base. He’s as close as I was just from dry humping me against the wall, so I know this is going to be quick. Pulling back, I run my tongue around the head of his dick before slowly sucking him back into my mouth. It only takes me to repeat this a couple of times before I feel the tell-tale signs that he’s about to come. I stroke his balls with my other hand and suck hard.

“Argh, Molly,” he groans as his orgasm washes through his body. When he’s finished, I sit back and wipe my mouth, feeling pleased with how tonight’s turning out.

“Come on, let’s get out of here. I’ve got more plans for you at home, birthday boy.” I stand, grab his hand, and drag him over to the door.

“You can’t go out there like that,” he says in a panic.

“I’ve got a coat hanging up by the door, you muppet!”

“Thank fuck for that, I don’t want anyone else seeing you like that.” The possessive tone to his voice has tingles racing to my core. “Hey, what happened to Will?”

“He went home. He was only here to help me get you up here. I rightly thought you wouldn’t come willingly.”

“Damn right, I wouldn’t have.”

We make our way out of the club and go to get in my car to head home. I’m just pulling out of the car park when Ryan looks over at me, smiling.

“What’s up with you?”

“Just so you know, that’s the best birthday present I’ve ever had.”

“It’s not over yet, baby.”

He smiles again before sitting back in his seat. He’s quiet for a while before he speaks, making me jump a little.

“You need to get a new car. I hate the thought of you driving this when it’s icy outside. If you have an accident, there’s nothing to protect you.”

“I’ve been thinking about getting something bigger.” This makes Ryan laugh, so I raise my eyebrow at him in question.

“Well, you could hardly get something smaller!”

“Yeah, yeah, you carry on taking the piss. This little car has done me good, and it’s cheap as chips to run.”

When we pull up to the house, I’m pleased to see that everything seems to be going to plan.

“Don’t go upstairs yet,” I call to him when I see him disappear inside. Quickly following him in, I dump my bag by the front door and shrug out of my coat. Ryan’s eyes go wide again like he’d forgotten I only had my underwear underneath. I grab his hand and pull him up the stairs behind me. I can feel his eyes burning into my arse as we climb towards the first floor, looking back to make sure I’m right—which I am, of course.

“Enjoying the view?”

“Very much,” he replies, without moving his eyes.

He moves like he is going to go into the living room, but I continue pulling him up the next set of stairs. When we get outside our closed bedroom door, I can’t help but smile at how Holly did exactly as I asked when I set all this up. Turning around before I get to the door, I put my hands to Ryan’s chest and, to his surprise, slam him back into the wall.

He looks down at me with wide eyes.

Running my hands under his t-shirt, I push it up and he gets the hint to remove it. I give him a quick kiss on the lips before moving to his jaw and kissing across his neck and chest, making sure to run my tongue around his nipples. I’ve noticed it makes him shiver. My fingers skim over his stomach and start undoing his jeans before pushing them down his legs. He takes over by toeing his shoes off and pulling his socks and jeans off.

“Much better. You were way too overdressed.” He raises his eyebrow to me in question, but I just grab his hand and pull him towards the door.

He comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist as I go to grab the handle. When the door swings open, we both gasp in surprise. Him, because he wasn’t expecting it. Me, because it looks more beautiful than I could have imagined.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Ryan

I can’t believe my eyes. Our bedroom is glowing with what looks like a hundred candles and there are dusky pink rose petals covering the floor and the bed. Molly leans to the side so she can look up at me, but I can’t take my eyes away from the room. It looks like something from a film. I have the sudden urge to get down on one knee or something. I quickly shake that thought out of my head. One thing at a time, Evans.

“Are you ready for this?” Molly asks me. I take my gaze away from the room and glance down at her, looking nervously up at me.

“You…um…we…” Oh, for fuck’s sake, pull yourself together, man.

“Is it perfect enough?”

“You’re kidding, right? As long as I’m with you, it’s perfect.”

Leaning down, I place my lips to hers for a sweet kiss. She turns in my arms, grabs my arms and pulls me into the room. I kick the door shut behind me; I want only this room and us to exist.

Now we’ve moved into the room, I see there’s a bottle of champagne on ice. I laugh to myself when I see a few cans of beer in the ice bucket and a picnic basket next to it.

“Are we having a picnic?”

“If we have time,” she says, smiling seductively and walking over to pour us both a glass of bubbly. Handing me a glass, she raises hers for a toast.

“To a very memorable birthday,” she says, touching her glass to mine.

“Oh, it’s definitely that, gorgeous.”

We both have a sip of champagne before she takes my glass from me and places it on the bedside table with hers. Turning back, she grabs my hand once again.

“Are you okay?” she asks, looking a little worried.

I don’t know why I’m suddenly nervous. I’ve had sex plenty of times. I know what I’m doing, and I know I’m good. It’s just that it’s Molly I’m about to have sex with, and it means everything. I love her so damn much it hurts, and I want every second of it to be perfect. “Yeah. It’s crazy, I know, but I’m a little nervous.”

“So am I,” she whispers. “I’ve never made love to anyone before.”

That does it. I snap out of it, grab Molly, and lift her so she has to wrap her legs around my waist. Her arms instinctively go around my neck, her fingers threading into my hair as she crashes our lips together. I walk us forwards until my legs hit the bed, before I reach up and undo her bra, gently lowering her down. I let go of her and drop her bra on the floor before leaning back over her body and taking her lips on mine. I’ve been waiting for his moment for what feels like forever and, now it’s here, I can’t quite believe it.

“I’m going to worship every inch of your body, Molly. When I’ve finished, it will be like I was the only one here, ever.” She groans at my words. We both want to wash away her bad memories. I feel like we’ve already banished a few, but tonight I’m going to rid her of a few more. I’m going to show her how this should be done and make her feel more loved than she ever thought possible. Putting my lips back to hers, I pour every ounce of love I have for her into it before I trail kisses across her cheek and nibble on her earlobe. Her nails dig into my back, and I haven’t even done anything yet. I begin kissing down her neck and listen as her breath comes out in fast pants.

“Ryan, I don’t think I can wait for you to take your time,” she pants impatiently.

“Well, you’re going to have to, gorgeous, because I promised you a perfect first time, and that’s exactly what you’re going to get.”

She groans loudly, turning me on more than I thought possible. I continue down her body, grazing my teeth across her collarbones, then kissing down across her breasts. I run my tongue along the underside, causing her to groan and her hips to buck off the bed before sucking her nipple into my mouth while pinching the other with my thumb and finger.

“You’re so beautiful when you’re falling apart beneath my hands, Molly. I could watch you all day,” I say before sucking her other pink nipple into my mouth and giving it the same treatment.

I move lower still, running my teeth over her ribs, sucking on the tight skin across her stomach, before dipping my tongue into her bellybutton. She flinches and giggles.

“Oh God, Ryan, please,” she begs as she grabs onto my hair and tries pushing me lower.

“Good things come to those who wait, my gorgeous girl.” She just growls at me.

Standing up from the bed, I remove my boxers. I can’t cope with the restriction any longer. The prospect of pushing myself deep inside Molly has my dick harder than I think it has ever been in my life. It’s actually getting quite painful. I’m torturing myself here just as much as I am Molly, but it’ll be worth it. I wrap my fingers in the waistband of her thong and slowly drag it down her legs before I put my hands under her arse and push her tiny body up the bed. Settling myself on my knees between her legs, my dick is resting dangerously close to her entrance. The slight contact makes her whimper. Lifting one of her legs in the air, I work my way down slowly, kissing and licking every bit of skin I can.

“Oh my God, Ryan, you’re killing me,” she moans, making me smile.

“You and me both, baby,” I say, smiling against her thigh.

“Just get on with it.”

“Oh, it’ll be worth it, you mark my words,” I say before putting her left leg down and repeating my actions on the other one while Molly chants for more, getting louder and more demanding.

I think she realises I’m running out of places to kiss by the time I get to the top of her second thigh, because she’s panting even harder and I can see a light sheen of sweat starting to cover her body in anticipation.

“Ryan, please, I need your mouth on me. Please.”

This time, I do as she asks. I slide down so I am on my front with my face right in front of her pussy. Running a finger through her folds, she almost jumps off the bed, she’s so sensitive.

“Fucking hell, Molly, you’re soaked.”

“That’s because I want you so bad,” she pants. “Ry, please, I need you now.”

With those words said, I slide my hands around under her thighs and grab onto her hips to keep her in place before lowering my mouth down on to her. She cries out when my tongue touches her clit. I tease her and open her up, then tease her some more until she’s crying out and writhing on the bed.

I let go of one of her hips and slide two fingers inside her, then I go back to focusing my tongue’s effort on her clit. In seconds, she’s screaming my name and clutching my hair so tight, I’m worried she’s going to pull it out. When she’s finished pulsing around my fingers, I slide them out of her, sit up, and wipe my hand across my mouth. Shifting forward, I line myself up with her, but, before I do anything, I lean my body down over hers and kiss her. She moans when she tastes herself on my lips.

“See how sweet you are?” I ask when I pull away. Her cheeks heat and she nods. “Are you ready for this?” I ask, just to make sure.

“More than you’ll ever know. Make love to me, Ryan.”

Not needing to be asked twice, I sit back up and take myself in my hand, but I stop at the last minute.

“Condom?” I whisper, trying not to ruin the moment. Molly shakes her head and I take it that she’s covered, so I go back to the task in hand. I slowly slide myself into her, but I’ve only got the head in when she gasps and her muscles tense around me.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just been a while. Take it slow for a bit, okay?”

“Of course. Just relax.”

She nods her head and lets out a deep breath. Leaning down, I kiss her as a distraction as I slide the rest of the way in.

“Fuck, Molly, you feel fucking incredible.” I’m glad she needs me to take this slow, because I wouldn’t last very long otherwise.

She smiles at me and grinds her hips, telling me she’s okay. Pulling out slowly, I quickly thrust back in. Her back arches and a loud moan escapes from the back of her throat. “You okay?”

“Fuck yes,” she pants.

I do as I’m told and continue to thrust in and out of her slowly, taking it a bit deeper each time until she’s completely filled with me. Molly’s panting so hard she’s forced to break our kiss, so I sit up a little, taking her at a different angle. Her cries fill the room. “I’m really close Ry, I want you to come with me.”

“No, just let go, Molly.” Reaching down, I circle my thumb around her clit.

“Oh my God,” she shouts as her muscles tighten around me.

I thrust, harder and deeper, and she snaps. She screams my name as her body convulses around me, her orgasm crashing through her. The tightness as her muscles contract around me is out of this world and almost pushes me over the edge, but I’m determined to give her another before I finish inside her perfect pussy.

Once she’s finished twitching around me, I grab her waist and flip us over so she can ride me. And fuck me if the view from down here isn’t the best thing in the fucking world. Watching her flushed cheeks, her satisfied smile, and her tits bouncing as she rides my cock is breath-taking. If I were to die right now, I would go one very happy man. Holding onto her hips, I give her a helping hand.

“Molly…fuck. I love you so much,” I manage to get out through gritted teeth as she grinds down on me.

My orgasm is fast approaching. I need to make sure she gets off again before I let it take me under.

“I love you, too, baby.” It’s like she can read my mind, because as soon as she finishes speaking, she runs her hand down her stomach and starts playing with her clit.

“Fuck, I didn’t think my view could get any better, but clearly I was wrong. Fuck, you look so hot.”

It’s not long before her muscles start to tighten again. Luckily, at the same time, tingles run down my spine.

“Come with me, gorgeous.”

“I’m there, Ry.”

She sits herself down one more time and we both go off together, her screaming my name and me growling hers as we ride out our orgasms.

When she’s finished, she flops forward and lies on me, completely spent, out of breath and sweaty. I wrap my arms around her and just enjoy the feeling racing around my body. I’m still buried deep inside her, she’s still twitching around me.

“You were right, Ry.”

“What’s that, gorgeous?”

“It was worth the wait.”

We lie in each other’s arms while our heartrate’s return to normal, enjoying being close.

Molly

If I didn’t know so before, I most definitely do now that all my previous experiences were utter shit. That, with Ryan, was fucking mind-blowingly awesome. I can’t even describe what that was, but I do know that I want to do it again—a lot, and soon.

I move so my palms are over his chest and rest my chin on them. “Hey.”

“Hey, gorgeous. You okay?”

“Amazing. You?”

“What you said,” he says, a wide smile stretching across his face.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” He looks at me sceptically. “In a really manly, sexy way, of course.”

“Of course,” he says, quirking at eyebrow up at me. “You, on the other hand, are fucking gorgeous. Even more so when you’re riding my cock.” I feel his semi-hard dick twitch inside me as he says that.

“Feels like you’re getting yourself ready for round two down there.”

“I’m always ready to go when you’re around.” I smile down at him, enjoying the feel of him laughing beneath me.

“Fancy a shower?”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.” He rolls us over so my back is on the bed before pulling out of me. A weird sense of loss and emptiness washes through me, but watching his hot arse walking into the bathroom makes up for it, and the rose petals that were on the bed now stuck to his back makes me smile.

“Come on, gorgeous, I don’t intend on showering alone.” I jump off the bed and rush to join him.

Ryan’s already standing under the spray of the shower when I get there. He’s facing away from me and the sight of the water pouring down over his broad shoulders, his muscular back, before running over his arse, stops me in my tracks. Just before I start drooling, he looks over his shoulder at me, smirking.

“You going to just stand there looking at my arse, or are you going to join me?”

“Uh.” He turns around as I say this, and fuck me. If the back of him was heaven to look at, I can’t even describe the front. He lifts his hand up to push his hair off his forehead and I run my eyes down his body, following the trails of water pouring over him. My mouth goes dry. “Do you have any clue how hot you look right now?”

His answer is just to walk out of the shower, pick me up, and carry me in there with him. He places me down right under the spray before crashing his lips to mine and pulling my body tight against his, so I can feel his hardness pressing into my stomach. When he moves his lips away from mine, he’s smiling wide as he grinds his length into my belly.

“You ready to go again, birthday boy?”

“You have no idea.”

“Oh, I think I do.” He looks down at me with one eyebrow lifted. “You should know I’ve never experienced anything like that before. It was out of this world.”

“It was,” he says, lowering his lips to my neck and running his hands over my body. Suddenly, I’m backed up against the cold, tiled wall, and lifted so that I have to wrap my legs around his waist. It reminds me of our first time together in this shower nearly two weeks ago. I feel the tip of his dick brushing against my entrance and my hips start to grind against it involuntarily.

We eventually drag our exhausted bodies from the shower once we’ve actually washed before getting ourselves comfortable on the bed with the picnic basket between us. I filled it with traditional picnic food, little sandwiches, sausages rolls, scotch eggs, et cetera, and for pudding…strawberries and chocolate sauce.

“I can safely say this has been the best birthday I think I’ve ever had.”

“Don’t you be thinking the celebrations are over. I have the whole weekend planned out for you.”

“Well, I sincerely hope it’s that we stay in bed all weekend so I can have you whenever I want.”

“Christ, Ry, I’m not your sex slave. Although the job would have its advantages.”

“Oh yeah, like what?”

“Looking at your sexy body all day and the multiple orgasms you’ll give me while you’re at it.”

“See, I said you wouldn’t have any complaints.” He really does have magic fingers…and a magic mouth and cock, come to think of it.

I wake to the sound of Ryan’s alarm clock early the next morning. Groaning, I hold on to him tighter to try to stop him from getting up.

“I’m sorry, gorgeous, but I’ve got to go to work,” he says in a sexy husky voice from where he’s just woken up. “You can have your way with me all weekend, though,” he says with a cheeky smile.

I smile back at him, but I’m suddenly regretting what I have planned for the weekend, because it’s going to seriously reduce our alone time.

Eventually, Ryan removes himself from my grip and sits himself on the edge of the bed, looking down at me. “I love you so much, Molly. Thank you for last night. It was perfect.” The smile he graces me with melts my heart.

“Yeah, it sort of was, wasn’t it? I love you, too.” I stretch my body out as he stands, and I can’t help the grunt that escapes my lips.

“You okay? Did I hurt you?” he asks, looking concerned.

“Oh, I’m sore, but in a very good way.” I love the smirk that stretches across his lips as I say this. I guess going three rounds with Ryan last night after months of celibacy shocked my poor body.

“Good. That means you’ll have to think about me every time you move today.”

“I’ll think about you all day, whether I’m sore from our lovemaking or not. You don’t need to ever worry about me forgetting about you, Ry.” The wide smile I get in response makes my heart skip a beat.

I stay in bed while Ryan gets ready for work, enjoying the view of him getting dressed. He brings me a cup of tea before he leaves and gives me a knee-weakening kiss, leaving me a little breathless. I’ve got no time to sit about and think back over our night together, because I’ve taken the day off to get the house ready for our guests this weekend. Ryan doesn’t know it, but he’s actually going out with his work colleagues after school so that everyone, bar Will, who will drive him back here, will be waiting for him.

I spend all day cleaning every inch of the house, making all the beds and decorating with birthday banners and balloons. I also spend hours making dishes for tomorrow night’s dinner. Never before in my life have I really cared about others’ opinions of me, so it’s weird to now have a huge desire for Ryan’s mum to like and accept me. I want to show her that I can be a good little wife for his son.

CHAPTER NINE

Ryan

Today’s been the longest day of my life. I’ve only had two lessons, which should be great because it gives me a chance to get caught up on other stuff I need to do, but every time I sit down to do something, my thoughts drift back to last night. So, other than being present in two lessons (to describe it as teaching would be a push), I have done absolutely nothing but think about Molly. I’m currently staring at a GCSE folder but not really seeing it, instead reliving my private pole dance from last night, when someone calling my name from behind me distracts me.

“Ryan…Ryan?” I spin in my chair to see Will looking at me with raised eyebrows.

“Sorry, was in a world of my own.” His lips twitch at the corners and a knowing look fills his eyes.

“Was last night that good?”

“Mate, you have no idea.”

“Glad to hear it. Now, seeing as we didn’t get any birthday drinks, we’re going after school. You will be at the Red Lion by four o’clock at the latest, and no excuses will work, Mr. Evans. I don’t care how much you want to get back to your girl. She had you last night; it’s our turn.”

I groan in response but nod my head, knowing I won’t be able to get out of it. “Fine, but I won’t be getting drunk, and I will be going home at a decent hour.”

Will holds his hands up in surrender. “Whatever you say.”

It’s a few minutes after four when I walk into the pub, because I had to get in the middle of a fight on the playground as I tried to escape to my car. Our usual drinking group is already sat around a large table in the back of the bar. Will looks up as I approach. “Mr. Evans, you’re late.”

“Sorry, the year eleven boys were fighting again. I can’t wait for that bunch of dicks to leave. I’m fed up with pulling them off each other.” I look at the table. “What’s this?”

“This…” Will says, waving his hand. “Is your punishment for being late. And also your birthday present from us.” I look up to his face, then back down to the multiple shots of what looks like Jägermeister in front of an empty seat. “Bottoms up, Mr. Evans!”

“What happened to me saying I wasn’t getting drunk? I need to be able to drive home.”

“I’ve got it covered, mate, no worries. I’ll drive you home, then Ana’s going to pick me up from yours. We’ll collect my car tomorrow or something. Now, drink up.”

Knowing that I’ll be able to get home to Molly sometime tonight makes me feel happier, so I grab the first glass and knock it back. I can’t help the face I make as it goes down. I really don’t like Jäger, but it’s too late to complain now.

After a couple of hours, Will puts his phone in his pocket and surprises me by saying he’s going to take me home. I was sure this was going to end up being a long night, but I’m more than happy to go home to my gorgeous girl. I sway slightly as we make our way to my car, thanks to the shots and couple of pints I’ve had in quite a short space of time. I throw Will the keys to my Honda and jump in the passenger seat.

I’m surprised to see the house in darkness when Will pulls up. Molly didn’t say she was going out, but I can’t see her car, unless she parked it around back. It looks like Ana also isn’t here yet, so I ask Will to come up for a drink while he waits for her.

I let us in and, after removing our coats and shoes, we make our way up the stairs. When I flick the light on in the living area, I think I actually have a small heart attack.

“SURPRISE!” everyone shouts. My hand flies to cover my racing heart in the hope that it will help calm it down as I try to catch my breath.

“Happy birthday, bro,” Abbi says as she and Liv come over and each give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

I look around the room. Jax, Holly, Adam, Emma, Ana and, of course, Molly are all smiling back at me. I’m grateful, I am, but the only person I really want to spend my night with is busying herself in the kitchen. It’s not until I round the counter after greeting everyone that I fully appreciate what she’s wearing. Her make-up is light and her hair is wavy but pulled away from her face. Her smoking hot body is covered in a high-neck leather dress, fitted into the waist, with a loose skirt that stops mid-thigh. I continue my journey down her toned legs to take in the sky-high bright red heels. I swallow hard and clench my fists at my sides to stop me from walking over and lying her down on the work surface and taking her in front of our closest friends and family. Shaking my head slightly, I walk over and wrap my arms around her. I’m aware that she still wants to keep what’s going on between us quiet, but there’s no way I can’t touch her.

When my lips are next to her ear, I whisper, “I’m fucking you with those shoes on later.”

She groans and her body goes limp in my arms. When she’s composed herself, she turns and grabs a glass of water sitting on the side.

“Here, you might want to dilute those shots before you have any more. We’ve already ordered Indian. It should be here any minute. I got you your favourite. I hope that’s okay.”

We have a brilliant night. Everyone gets on really well and it turns out Adam’s a really cool guy now that he isn’t dating the love of my life. We got on like a house on fire. I love having everyone close to me together in one room.

At just after midnight, Will and Ana say their goodbyes, swiftly followed by Emma. She seems more like her old self tonight, which is great to see after so long. The only part of the night I really don’t enjoy is that I’m not able to touch Molly as openly as I would like to. That said, I did give it a good go at the dining table while everyone was tucking into their food.

Abbi, Jax, and Liv disappear up to bed, and Molly has headed down with the understanding that she doesn’t touch an item of clothing she has on until I’m there to help. I faff around until I’m confident no one will realise I go downstairs instead of up.

When I walk through her bedroom door, my breath catches in my throat. All the lights are off and she’s stood at the French doors, looking at the stars. The light from the moon is shining on her, making her look like an angel. I quietly shut the door behind me. She notices and glances over her shoulder with a small smile on her lips. Walking up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist and rest my chin on her shoulder.

“Thank you for tonight.”

“You’re welcome, baby. It was good fun.”

I nuzzle my nose against her neck, murmuring, “What’s the plan for the rest of the weekend?”

“I’m more concerned with the rest of our night than worrying about tomorrow,” she says suggestively, rubbing her arse into my groin, making me groan.

“God, I want to be inside you so badly,” I say between light bites to her neck and ear. “You’ve been teasing me all night.”

She turns in my arms and looks up at me with heated eyes. “No one’s stopping you,” she says, smirking, then peppers kisses along my jaw.

I step us backwards until her back hits the doors. She gasps and I make the most of the opportunity by crashing my lips to hers and teasing her tongue with mine. Her hands find their way to the bottom of my t-shirt before running up my sides, making my muscles twitch.

“Off,” she demands without breaking our kiss. I oblige. Her lips go to my neck, sucking and biting, while her hands attack my back like she’s trying to get us closer, even though every part of our bodies is touching. She trails her lips down to my chest and runs her tongue around my nipples, making me shiver, while her hands travel down my stomach and slide straight into my jogging bottoms and inside my boxers. I have to reach my hands up to the door to steady myself when her hot fingers wrap around my length. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this feeling.

“I want you now, Ry. I can’t wait.” She pushes my trousers and underwear down so they pool around my ankles, and I run my hands up the outside of her thighs and grab on to the sides of her knickers. “Ryan, please,” she moans as I slide them down her legs. Lifting one of her legs under her knee, I wrap it around my hip so that she can feel me against her.

“God, I can already feel how wet you are for me, Molly.” I put my hands under her arse and lift her against the door before plunging into her. I groan as her head drops back against the glass, showing me she’s as affected by this as I am. Her legs clamp around my waist as I start pounding into her with punishing blows. I’ll make love to her gently later—right now, I need to fuck her.

Molly

I’m totally spent by the time Ryan has finished with me. After three powerful orgasms, I’m lying in his arms, smiling to myself. His breathing has just evened out, so I turn my head and watch him. He looks so peaceful and perfect in his sleep. His lips are slightly parted and his eyes are fluttering like he’s dreaming already. All of a sudden, he makes a groaning noise at the back of his throat, making me jump. Then, he whispers something that makes me melt. “Molly…I love you so much.”

A lump forms in my throat as I think of what he could be dreaming about. I return his words before asking him quietly if he’s awake. He makes no further noise so I’m guessing he isn’t. I lie there for hours, trying to fall asleep, but my heart is pounding like it could explode any minute. That feeling only lasts so long, because banging and shouting filter down from from upstairs. I try to strain to hear who it is and what’s going on, but they’re too far away. It’s not until heavy footsteps descend the stairs that I get an idea as to what’s going on.

“Jax, that isn’t what I meant…” Abbi yells, which makes Ryan start to stir beside me.

Jax shouts back, sounding livid, before Abbi starts begging for him to hear her out. He’s not having any of it.

His shouting wakes Ryan up and, before I know what’s happening, he’s out of bed and grabbing my dressing gown to cover himself up before pulling the door wide open to face the arguing couple in our hallway.

“We do have something good here. Jax, please don’t do this,” Abbi pleads.

“You should have thought about that before you said what you did upstairs. Goodbye.”

Seconds later, our front door slams so hard it makes me jump.

“Abbi…” Ryan says in a soothing voice.

“Don’t…just fucking don’t.” She says it with such venom that Ryan steps back like she slapped him. “Oh, and if you actually want to try to keep the fact that you’re fucking Molly a secret, I suggest you at least try to keep it in your trousers when you have guests,” she snaps before running up the stairs, leaving the sounds of her sobs in her wake.

Ryan looks back at me with a shocked look on his face. “Should I go and check on her?”

“No. I think she needs to be alone for a while.”

I lift the covers so that he can slide back under with me, enough that he gets a peek at my naked body. His eyes run along the length of me before he smiles and drops my pink fluffy dressing gown on the floor, diving in with me.

“I must say…you look pretty cute in pink.” He bites down on my nipple in response. “Ow!”

He looks up at me with wild eyes and a cheeky smile.

“Ry, I don’t think I can go again.” He raises his eyebrow at me in question, then goes about proving me wrong.

Luckily, I remembered to set an alarm for this morning because after all our ‘activities’ last night, there was no chance either of us would have been awake before Ryan’s parents turned up. He still doesn’t know they’re coming today.

“Really?” Ryan groans when the alarm wakes him up.

“Yep. Plans, remember?”

“Yeah, although I have no idea what they are.”

“That’s why they’re called surprises. Now, get that sexy arse out of bed and get dressed. We’ve got guests who will expect breakfast.”

Ryan pouts at me, making me laugh. “What?”

He peaks down under the covers before glancing at me with a look I’m getting very familiar with in his eyes.

“Uh no, I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be walking funny already.”

Liv is already waiting for the kettle to boil when I get upstairs. “Morning. Did you sleep okay?”

“Yeah, like a baby, thanks. Do you want tea?”

“Yes, please. Have you seen Abbi this morning?”

“I knocked on her door before I came down but she just grunted at me to fuck off. Did something happen?”

“You mean you didn’t hear the blazing row her and Jax had in the middle of the night?”

“No…I fell asleep with my head under my pillow because I couldn’t bear to listen to them fucking any longer. I was almost tempted to come down to your room just to get away from all the shouts for God!”

My cheeks heat at the thought of her finding the same shouts coming from my room a lot last night. I turn to get a couple of mugs out so she doesn’t notice.

“But once I was out, I didn’t know anything until my alarm went off a few minutes ago.”

“Morning, sis,” Ryan says, joining us in the kitchen and giving Liv a kiss on the cheek. “Morning, Molls,” he quickly adds, flashing me a cheeky smile and a wink.

“Coffee?”

“Of course. Has anyone seen Abbi yet?”

“No. I’m going to take her a cup of tea as a peace offering.”

It’s over an hour later before Liv comes back down, fully dressed and pulling a depressed-looking Abbi behind her. I immediately get up from the sofa where I was chatting with Ryan to pull her in for a hug. She instantly starts sobbing on my shoulder and saying how stupid she was.

“It’ll be okay, Abs. If it’s meant to be, then it will all work out,” I say, rubbing her back. “You want some breakfast?”

She shakes her head against me. “No, I can’t eat anything.” She releases me, wipes her eyes and turns to look at Ryan. He’s sitting on the sofa looking sheepish on the sofa like he doesn’t know what to do with his sobbing sister. “I’m sorry, Ry,” Abbi whispers. “I was angry. I didn’t mean it.” She gives him a small smile, turning back to me and giving my hand a squeeze before she leaves the room to get dressed.

I look over at Ryan and he just lifts a shoulder at me. I guess that was Abbi’s way of saying she’ll keep quiet.

Liv and I are tidying up our mess from breakfast when the doorbell rings. “Ry, could you get that, please?” I say over my shoulder, knowing exactly who it is as it’s bang on eleven o’clock.

“Sure, are you expecting someone?”

“Just go answer it!” I say with a laugh.

Abbi reappears, looking a little better than before, just after Ryan leaves the room. Her make-up mostly covers the dark circles under her eyes from her lack of sleep, but they’re still red and bloodshot from crying. Something tells me her mum will zone straight in on that and presume the tattooed bad boy has broken her heart.

“Oh my God!” we hear Ryan say from downstairs, making us laugh.

“Happy birthday, son!” Karen and Dave say at the same time. “Are you going to invite us in or just stand there, staring?”

I’m glad Ryan’s surprised and that I actually managed to keep all of this a secret from him. A couple of seconds later, we hear them climbing the stairs to join us. I quickly fill the kettle again and put it on as Dave and Karen turn the corner and greet their daughters. Ryan walks around them, comes straight to me and engulfs me in a huge hug.

“You spoke to my mum and organised this?” he asks, a look of disbelief on his face.

“Yeah, I phoned her and she didn’t hang up on me,” I say quietly with a laugh. “I thought it was time to put what happened in the summer behind us. I know you’ve missed them, so I wanted you to be able to spend some time with them. The five of you can do whatever you want this afternoon, but you need to be back by seven for dinner. Tomorrow, we’re meeting the Morrisons at the Fat Dog. Susan wanted to still cook a roast but, after a lot of convincing, I managed to get her to change her mind. I thought her cooking for ten was crazy!”

Ryan leans back into me and whispers, “I love you so much. Thank you.” He gives me an innocent kiss on the cheek, but I can tell by the look in his eyes he wants to do so much more.

“Molly,” Dave says, walking over to us with his arms out. He embraces me before thanking me for inviting them to spend the weekend with their kids. Karen isn’t quite so forthcoming. She gives me a reluctant kiss on the cheek.

I make them all tea and coffee and put out biscuits for them while they catch up and decide what to do. I excuse myself and head downstairs. I don’t want to get in the way of their family bonding time.

CHAPTER TEN

Ryan

I watch Molly leave out of the corner of my eye and my heart drops at how she feels like she isn’t a part of this family, and that she feels like she has to leave us alone. I want to follow her and drag her back up here, but I also want to accept her wishes for us to stay quiet. I guess she wants to try to win my mum around as my friend before I introduce her as my girlfriend.

My parents have only been here once before and it was the week I got the keys, so it was pretty much empty. I’m really glad they are now seeing it as my home, not just a house.

We eventually decide that, as the weather is nice, we’ll drive into the city and have a wander around. Dad wants to see the university and a couple of our well-known sights in Oxford, whereas Mum, Abbi, and Liv would like to hit the high street. Personally, I’m not bothered what we do; it will just be nice to spend a day together.

I’m hopeful I can convince Molly to join us, so I head down to see her. To my surprise, she’s already wearing her coat and is sitting on her bed, pulling her boots on.

“You going out?”

“Yeah, I thought I would go and check on Jax. He sounded pretty upset last night.”

“Oh, I was hoping you’d come out with us,” I say, sitting down next to her and grabbing her hand.

“No, your mum is already having to put up with me here. I don’t want to crash your family day. I’m cooking us all dinner tonight so we can be together then.”

“You’re my family too, Molly.” I watch as her eyes fill with moisture as I say this. “She will never know how amazing you are if she doesn’t get to spend any time with you.” I rest my forehead against hers when she turns to look at me.

“We will have enough time together before they go back tomorrow. Plus, I think she’ll appreciate me giving you guys time.” She looks at me with sad eyes. I know she’s dying to be part of my family and to be accepted by my mum. I’m just praying that it happens, and soon. I want all the people I love to get on and be able to spend time together.

“Okay,” I say, giving in to her. I guess she’s right.

“Okay,” is all she says in response, but she keeps eye contact with me. “Make sure you’re all back by seven. I’m hoping to impress your mum with my cooking skills.”

“Aw, you trying to show her what a good wife you’ll be?” I say with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

“Something like that,” she replies sadly. She gives me a quick kiss on the lips before standing, saying that she’ll see me later and to enjoy my day.

“Molly?”

She turns to look at me with raised eyebrows.

“You don’t think you’re getting away with that, do you?” I say as I start walking towards her.

“Wha—”

I cut her off when my lips hit hers. Lifting my hand to the back of her neck, I tilt my head to the side to deepen our kiss. She groans when my tongue slides against hers, and her hands go to my hair, holding tightly. When her hips start grinding against mine, I reluctantly pull away and rest my forehead back against hers while we catch our breaths.

When we’ve just about got ourselves back together, I give her a quick kiss on her nose before walking to the door. I can’t help myself; I have to look back at her before I leave the room. She’s leaning against the wall, her chest still heaving, and her eyes are glazed as she stares back at me.

“Tell Jax I say hi and that my sister’s an idiot. See you later,” I say, taking the stairs two at a time to gather everyone up for our afternoon out.

I get a knowing look off Abbi when I re-enter the living area, but I ignore her probing eyes.

“Where have you been?” Mum asks as I start tidying up their dirty mugs.

“I was just telling Molly our plans for the day.”

“Oh, she’s coming with us?” Mum says, sounding disappointed.

“No, she’s not, and if I’m honest, I don’t blame her. It’s taken a lot for her to organise this weekend for me. You could at least try to be nice to her. She didn’t have to invite you to spend time here. She would like us back before seven because she’s cooking dinner for us all.”

“Molly is a brilliant cook, Mum. She told me she’s doing Italian,” Abbi says, trying to fight for her. “So, what’s Molly doing today?”

“She’s going to see a friend. His girlfriend just broke up with him and she wants to go and see if he’s okay,” I say, narrowing my eyes at Abbi.

“Oh,” is her only response before she darts out of the room to get her shoes.

Suddenly, Mum pipes up again. “Does she have a lot of male friends?” If she carries on like this, I’m going to be asking them to leave before tomorrow gets here.

“No, not really. Jax is her friend, but also her colleague. He’s a really good guy and he’s hurting. Molly would do anything for the people who are important to her, as you may have noticed. Now, this may be my house, but she lives here too, and if you can’t be nice, you’ll need to find somewhere else to stay tonight.”

Mum scoffs but doesn’t say any more, so I’m hoping I may have got through to her.

We spend hours walking around, looking at the different architecture and chatting about our lives. Abbi keeps trying to get me alone, but I avoid it. The last thing I need is her asking me questions about Molly, and having Mum overhear. She’ll have to wait until we’re completely alone. Then, I will tell her whatever she wants to know. Abbi and I don’t keep secrets. I’m pretty sure Liv resents how close we are, but she never lets on.

We eventually end up on the high street and the girls drag Dad and me around, shop after shop. We sit together on the stools in various fitting rooms and hope that we make the correct noises when they each appear in different outfits.

We end up in Debenhams. Abbi and Liv promise that this is the last stop, then we can head home. Mum, Liv, and Dad are looking around the jewellery counters, looking for something to go with the dress she just bought, while I’m with Abbi, giving her my opinion on various perfumes.

She glances over to check the others are far enough away before she starts. “So…how long has it been going on?”

I follow her gaze, just to check for myself, and seeing as they’re on the other side of the store, I answer her. “A couple of weeks.” I can’t stop the huge grin breaking across my face.

“At fucking last, bro,” she laughs. “Oh, what about this one?” she says, shoving another little bit of card under my nose. The smell makes goosebumps break out on my skin and I instantly think of Molly.

I look up to see the others walking our way. Before they get too close, I turn back towards Abbi. “It’s perfect. Buy that one for me. I’ll give you the cash later.”

She smiles warmly and nods. “It’s so good to see you happy, Ryan. Mum will come around, you’ll see.”

“I know you’re going to hate me for saying it, but you should listen to your own advice there, Abs. Jax is a great guy, and Mum will see that eventually, too.”

“I know he is, but do you really think Mum would be able to see past what happened? You know what she’s like.”

“The only way you’ll ever find out is to give it a chance.” The cashier comes over and interrupts our conversation.

“What did you buy, Abbi?” Mum asks when she joins us.

“Just some perfume.” She grabs the bag off the desk then heads towards the exit. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving. Shall we head back so Molly can feed us?”

Everyone agrees and we go in search of the cars. Abbi comes with me and questions me all the way home. I can’t wipe the smile off my face the whole way back. Just thinking about Molly makes me so happy. Abbi agrees to keep quiet about us until we decide to tell everyone. I try to convince her to talk to Jax, but I’m pretty sure it falls on deaf ears. My sister can be a stubborn bitch when she wants to be.

The house smells amazing when we let ourselves in. Whatever Molly is cooking upstairs makes my stomach growl.

When I walk into the living area, I can’t help a small laugh escaping my throat. Molly is prancing around the kitchen, looking like the perfect little housewife. She’s wearing a cute floral dress with an apron over the top, and the dusky pink shoes I bought her. There’s food covering all the work surfaces, and the table is laid to look like a restaurant.

“Ah, good, you’re all back. When you’re ready, come and sit at the table and I’ll dish up the starters.”

I turn to look back at the others just as Mum’s eyebrows lift. I’m not sure if that’s because she is impressed or surprised. I’m hoping the former.

Molly

“I never thought I’d say this, Molly, but I think your tiramisu is better than my wife’s,” Dave says as he scrapes out the bottom of his bowl of seconds.

Liv gasps next to me, making me look up from mumbling a thank you to the compliments I received about my dinner. I can’t help but think that if looks could kill…well, poor Dave would be six feet under by now from the death glare he’s receiving from his wife. He just shrugs at her and continues to lick his spoon. I continue watching their exchange until Karen lets out a huge sigh and rolls her eyes at him.

“It was all amazing, Molly. Thank you,” Ryan adds with a cheeky thigh squeeze under the table. He has been remarkably well-behaved at the dinner table compared to last night, when he was constantly trying to touch me up. I guess his stuck-up mother has put him off a little.

“Yes, well…credit where credit’s due. That was a delicious meal, Molly,” Karen says, almost convincingly.

“Thank you. I’m glad you all enjoyed it.”

“Please, could I have the recipe for the ravioli?” Karen asks, shocking the life out of me. My surprise must be written all over my face because she continues with, “If you don’t mind, of course.”

“No, of course not. It was one of my gran’s. I’ve typed them all up because her writing had started to fade. I’ll print you one out after I’ve cleaned up this lot.”

“Oh, I love old recipes. I’d love to have a look at them all.”

Wow. Something Karen and I could have in common, after all.

“Sure.” I go to stand but Ryan immediately grabs my forearm to stop me.

“Molly, there’s no way you’re cleaning. You’ve done enough already. You go relax. I’ll do this. Abbi and Liv can help me.”

“Can we, now?” Abbi says sarcastically.

“No, Ry, it’s your weekend. You enjoy your family being here and leave it to me.”

“Molly, shut up and listen to my brother. Go sit down and chill out.”

I’m now getting serious looks from all the Evans siblings, so I cave and have another sip of my wine.

“They’re right. Let them get on with it, and you can show me these recipes.”

I hesitantly grab my glass and stand up with Karen, pointing her in the direction of my room. As I descend the stairs behind her, a weird feeling settles over me that I can’t quite put my finger on. I try to shake it off. I should be pleased that I have something to talk to Karen about. A little bonding over some old school recipes might be just what we need.

“Have a seat,” I say, gesturing to the chair. “I’ll just boot up my laptop.” I place my computer on the coffee table and settle myself on my knees on the floor while I wait.

Karen lets out a breath that makes me shudder in apprehension.

“Molly…my son keeps telling me how wonderful you are and…he’s usually a pretty good judge of character. But something about you doesn’t sit right with me…”

I go to speak, but she continues.

“I have a feeling that something is going on between the two of you. You seem…closer. Plus, a mother never misses those little looks and touches when you think no one is watching…

“What Ryan needs is a nice woman who’s going to treat him right and be by his side all the way. He’s already had enough heartache to last a lifetime. After poor Hannah, I do not want him to go through any more. And Molly…” She lets out another breath before continuing with what I fear is coming. “You are going to cause him some serious heartache when you decide he just isn’t exciting enough for you. I know about your past. I know you’re a little…what shall we say…free. I can see it in your eyes that this…” She waves her hands around, gesturing to the house. “…and him are not what you want long-term. You want the buzz and the excitement.”

What the actual fuck?

I sit there on my bedroom floor and just stare at her in complete amazement. I open and close my mouth a number of times because I just can’t find the words.

“I think it’s best for both of you if you just end this now before too many feelings are involved.” I watch as she leans to the side slightly and pulls a piece of paper out of her jeans pocket. She slides the offending piece of paper over to me before she stands up. I have to lean back to be able to look at her, making me feel like I’m at a great disadvantage in this exchange.

“You will take that, and you will find somewhere else to live. You will get out of my son’s life. For good.” She walks over to the door and looks back over her shoulder. “Needless to say, Ryan doesn’t need to know about this. You wouldn’t want to break up his family. After all, you know how much it means to him. I’ll tell everyone you had a headache. Goodbye, Molly.” I stare after her in shock as she disappears back upstairs.

I sit in the same position, looking at the little piece of paper on the coffee table for the longest time. Eventually, my legs go completely dead and I have to move. I scoot over to sit in the chair Karen was in not so long ago, continuing to stare at the paper. I know I need to move, because if I know Ryan at all, he will come down to check on me as soon as he can.

I’ve just plucked up the courage to look at what’s on the paper when I hear him at the top of the stairs. “Grab me another beer, I just want to make sure she’s okay.”

“Shit.” I grab the paper, dive onto my bed, and shove it under my pillow. I lie so I’m facing away from the door and pretend to be asleep.

“Molly?” he whispers before the bed dips. Leaning forward, he moves a strand of hair from my face before placing a kiss to my temple.

I have to really concentrate on keeping my breathing slow because in reality all I want to do is wrap my arms around him and tell him what a massive bitch his mother is. But her words keep repeating in my head.

You wouldn’t want to break up his family. After all, you know how much it means to him.

And she’s right; I would do anything to keep his family together and around him. I know what it is like not to have one, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, even a fully grown man. Everyone needs their mum sometimes.

“I love you, gorgeous. I’ll be upstairs if you need me,” he says softly before getting up and leaving the room.

I let out a huge breath when I hear him get to the top of the stairs. My first tear drops as I contemplate what I’m going to do. Is Karen right? Am I not good enough for him? I’ve certainly thought it enough over the past few months, but Ryan has always made me feel stupid for thinking such things. What if he isn’t aware, though? What if she is right? What if I’m not cut out for this serious relationship thing? It’s not like I’ve done it before.

I turn my head into the pillow when the sobs hit to try to muffle the sound. I don’t want to be heard and have people asking questions.

I must cry myself to sleep eventually, because I come around when I feel myself lifted from the bed before being placed back down and the covers pulled over me.

When I wake up the next morning, it’s still dark outside. I turn over and see Ryan fast asleep next to me, looking peaceful and content. If only he knew what his mother was up to. I’ve no idea what time he came to bed last night, but I have a feeling it was late. I get myself comfortable so I can watch him sleep for a while. It’s not until I slide my hand under my pillow and hit the piece of paper that my memories from last night resurface. I grab it and gently climb out of bed, collecting a change of clothes on my way to the bathroom.

It’s a bitterly cold, sunny November morning, so I’m really glad I thought to pick up my hat, scarf, and gloves before I snuck out of the house while everyone was still asleep. Once I was dressed, I left a note in the kitchen to say that the table is booked for one o’clock at the Fat Dog, and that I would meet them there. I know that as soon as I see Ryan, he’ll be questioning me about where I went, but honestly I had more important things to think about than leaving a plausible note.

I sit myself down in front of Hannah’s gravestone after taking the dead flowers to the bin and fiddle with the new ones I brought.

“So…what should I do about Karen, then, Han?” My voice sounds defeated even to my own ears.

I pull the piece of paper I’ve still refused to look at out of my pocket, let out a massive sigh, then turn it over.

My eyes almost pop out of my head when I see what is written on it. Five thousand fucking pounds. I don’t really know what I expected, but I was thinking she’d try to pay me off with a couple hundred. She must really mean business if she’s cracked out a four-figure pay-off. I laugh to myself, even though it’s anything but funny.

I spend hours talking myself around in circles about what to do with this situation. I know that, no matter what I do, it’s going to hurt Ryan. His mum is right about one thing: he has had enough heartache losing Hannah than anyone should have to deal with at such a young age. I guess the question in the end comes down to whether I rip his heart out and do what his mother thinks is best for him, and in turn rip my own out…or tell everything to Ryan about what his mum really thinks of me and rip his family apart.

“Hey, it’s me. Can I come up?” A groan comes down the line before I’m buzzed in. I’m hoping the groan is a result of the horrendous hangover he must have rather than my visit.

When I get to the top of the stairs, Jax is nowhere to be seen, but his door is slightly open so I can let myself in. When I get to his living room doorway, I can’t help but smile. He’s lying on his back on the sofa in only his boxers with a cushion over his head. I’m guessing it’s muffling any sound or light entering.

“Jax?” I whisper as I walk over and sit on the edge of the sofa next to him. He groans again, so I gently pry the cushion away from his face.

When he eventually lets go enough that I can get a look at him, I’m shocked. I’ve never seen him anything less than perfect, but here he is with dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, looking a little green. He looks up at me, compassion filling his features, reminding me that I probably look a little like him from the crying I’ve been doing.

“Molly?” he questions quietly. His concern makes a sob escape my throat and more tears fill my eyes. “Come here,” he says, slowly lifting himself up and wrapping his arms around me. I do the same in return, and I can’t help laughing when he jumps from how cold my hands are. Well, I have been sat in a cemetery for most of the morning.

We sit there for ages, comforting each other. Jax is taking this breakup with Abbi much worse than he did when he caught Lucy planning how to rinse him dry. Little does he know that the root of our problems is the same bloody woman.

When he eventually pulls back, I notice the clock on the wall showing it’s just gone midday. “Shit, I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to go. I’ll explain everything if you can do me a huge favour in a couple of hours.”

“Of course. Anything.”

After giving Jax his instructions and attempting to sort my make-up out, I leave to meet everyone at the pub. I check my phone and see that I have multiple calls and texts from Ryan and a couple from Abbi, which doesn’t surprise me. From the tone of his texts, I think he’s a bit concerned about my disappearing act.

I’m the first one to arrive so I grab myself a drink, sit down at our table, and try to pull myself together enough to get through the next couple of hours. Luckily for me, the Morrisons arrive before the Evans and distract me.

I know the moment Ryan arrives, because his eyes burn into my skin. I look up to see him storming our way with everyone following. I’m sat with Emma on one side and Lilly on the other, so he can’t get to me easily, which I think pisses him off further.

“I’m sorry, can I just borrow Molly for a couple of minutes?” is the first thing he says to the Morrisons.

“Oh…of course, angel. Everything okay?” Susan asks, concerned.

“I just need to ask her something quickly.”

Ryan practically drags my chair out from under me before grabbing my arm and pulling me back out the way he came in, past a surprised looking Abbi, Liv, and Dave. Karen, on the other hand, just looks smug, and I want to punch her in the face for doing this to us.

Ryan waits until the door’s shut before he starts. “What the fuck, Molly? I wake up to find you gone and a vague note, then you ignore all my calls and texts all morning. Where the fuck have you been? I’ve been going crazy.”

“Sorry, I, uh…had to go into work. I forgot to do something urgent for this week. I left my phone in the car, sorry…” I trail off.

Ryan reaches his hand out to cup my cheek and pulls my face so I have to look at him. Concern crinkles the corners of his eyes, but he doesn’t question me.

“We’ll talk about this later. For now, I’m just glad you’re okay. Let’s go and enjoy our afternoon, yeah?” I mumble my agreement before following him back into the pub.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ryan

The food, as always, is amazing and everyone’s getting on really well. Susan and Pete haven’t seen my parents since a couple of days after Hannah’s funeral, so they have plenty to talk about. Unfortunately, I have to sit at the other end of the table from Molly, but I keep a very good eye on her and notice that she’s hardly talking to anyone and just playing with her food. I think Mum knows where my focus is and does everything she can to distract me with another mind-numbing conversation about something her friend Doreen said.

Eventually, though, she does start a conversation up that gets Molly’s attention. “Ryan and Abbi, you will never believe who has moved back to Liverpool…” We both just look at her, waiting to fill in the blanks. With our mother, it could be anyone. “Beth and Caleb. Their father’s contract in America came to an end and they decided to come back.” Beth and Caleb are the same ages as Abbi and I, and we went through school together. Well, that was until their family moved when Beth was sixteen and Caleb was eleven. They lived a couple of houses down from us and we all spent a lot of time together, Beth and I especially. I was gutted when they had to move. For a while I thought she was the one, and I know Abbi was much younger, but she adored Caleb.

“Oh really, that’s, uh…good, I guess.” I don’t really know what to say to this news. It’s been so long that I’m sure none of us would have anything in common now.

Mum’s eyes light up before she speaks. “Beth asked for your number so you two could catch up. She’s single, from what I gather.” My blood boils at the thought of her trying to set me up in front of Molly.

“I guess it will be good to speak to her again, but don’t get any ideas, Mum, and definitely do not get involved,” I beg, and she just gives me a look.

Throughout this whole conversation, I’ve watched Molly’s eyes move back and forth between me and my mum like she’s trying to figure something out. Surely, she can see what my mum is doing, but I’m not liking the look on Molly’s face. She looks kind of resigned and that worries me. A lot.

Everyone continues to chat apart from Molly again, who’s staring down at her hands. Suddenly, everyone’s conversations are interrupted when her phone starts ringing. She grabs it quickly, apologises, and then hurries away from the table. I watch her talk briefly with whoever is on the other end before she returns, looking regretful.

“I’m sorry, guys, but I’m going to have to go. That was my brother. Something’s going on with his in-laws and they need me to look after my nieces,” she explains as she grabs her bag and coat. “The bill’s been settled, but if you want any more drinks or anything, then please go for it. They’ve got my card details. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.” She turns to my parents and sisters. “Have a safe trip back, and I’ll see you all soon.”

“I’ll walk you out,” I say, going to stand up.

“No, I’ll see you later. Enjoy the time with your family.” Abbi and Liv give her quick hugs but then she’s out the door before I can blink. We all look at each other, completely bemused, but slowly everyone gets back to their earlier conversations.

Apart from me, because I’m now more concerned than ever about what’s going on. I need to get everyone out of here so I can hunt down where her brother lives.

Molly

The look on Ryan’s face as I announced I was leaving broke my heart, but it didn’t stop me from practically running out of there and away from his interfering mother. I can’t believe she’s trying to set him up with an old friend. Wait, no, I totally can, especially if she lives in Liverpool. All Karen’s dreams could come true at once: Ryan could have a ‘nice’ girlfriend and move back home. I get a little choked up at the thought. Shaking my head, I focus on driving before I get so distracted, I end up in a ditch.

I pull back up outside Jax’s apartment building and let myself in with the keys he gave me earlier. When I get in, Jax is still laid out on the same sofa as he was earlier, but he’s wearing a different pair of boxers and his hair’s a little damp. At least he’s managed a shower.

I take my coat and boots off before throwing myself at the other sofa and lying in the same position as Jax. His living room is laid out with two sofas facing each other with a coffee table in the middle.

“How’d it go?” he asks, looking over at me, getting comfortable.

“Shit. He’s so angry with me, and hurt, but I just don’t know what to do for the best.” Jax raises his eyebrows at me, so I go on to explain all about Karen and her little scheme to get rid of me.

“Wow, what a bitch. You’ve got to tell him, Molls. He deserves to know what she’s really like,” he says once I’ve finished.

“I don’t disagree. He does deserve to know, but I just don’t know if I can do it to him. His family is so important to him. I don’t want to be the one to break it. I’d give anything to have a caring and supportive family like his, even if his mum is a…little misguided.”

“Don’t you think that’s up to him to decide? I would say that you’re just as important to him as his family, if not more, Molly. And really, you’d give anything to have a family like that? Have you looked at the people you have around you lately? The Morrisons, your brothers, Megan, Ryan, me,” he says, pointing at himself. “Just to name a few. Just because we aren’t all blood related doesn’t make us care for or support each other any less.”

I think for a few minutes about all the people he’s just mentioned. “Yeah, you’re right. I need to focus on what I have got and not what I haven’t, because what I have got is really fucking good. Thank you, Jax.”

“You’re still not going to tell him though, are you?”

“I don’t know. I mean, what if she’s right and I’m just not good enough for him? What if I’m not cut out for the committed relationship thing and I’m just going to hurt him anyway? Better to do it sooner rather than later, don’t you think?”

“What if you don’t hurt him?”

I watch the cogs turning in Jax’s head before he jumps up. “I need a drink.”

“What about the hangover?”

“The hangover isn’t numbing the pain. Alcohol will, though. You with me?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” I follow Jax into his kitchen where he pulls out a bottle of wine, a couple of beers and a bottle of vodka. He turns and grabs a wine glass and a couple of shot glasses before filling them and handing me my drinks.

“To interfering mother-in-laws who need to keep their fucking noses out of our business and love lives,” he says, raising his shot glass.

“To being fucked over by your mother-in-law,” I agree, before necking the shot at the same time as Jax.

“So where does Ryan think you’ve gone? Because I’m thinking that if he knew you were here, he would have broken the door down by now, trying to get to you,” Jax asks, starting to slur his words slightly.

It’s been hours since I left the pub. It’s dark out and I’m waiting for that bang on the door. I know that everyone would have headed home by now, and I’m sure Ryan set straight about finding me. I’m not stupid enough to think he won’t figure it out.

“I told him Steven needed me to babysit the girls. I’m sure it won’t be long before he figures out where I am.”

“He doesn’t know where I live, though, does he?”

“I don’t think so, but I’m sure Abbi will soon tell him.” Jax groans and downs another shot at the sound of her name.

“If she means that much to you, you’ve got to fight for her.”

“What, like you’re doing for Ryan?” he asks with a quirked eyebrow.

“Shit.” I squeal, putting the wine glass and bottle down before trying to wipe off my t-shirt and jeans. If I can’t successfully fill my glass back up, it means I’m drunker than I thought. Jax watches me and laughs. “Have you got anything I can change into? These are soaked.”

“Yeah, come on,” he says, holding his hand out to pull me up. “I’m guessing you’re sleeping here tonight?”

“Uh…yeah, I guess. Is that okay?”

“Of course. Here, take this,” he says, handing me a t-shirt. “You can have a shower if you like.”

“Thank you, Jax,” I say, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. “You’re a really good guy, you know that? Abbi is stupid to let you go.” He lets out a breath at my words before plodding back towards the living room, leaving me in his bedroom.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Ryan

“And you haven’t spoken to her all day?”

“No. Ryan, I’m sorry, but she really isn’t here,” Steven repeats for about the tenth time since I’ve been on the phone with him. At first, I thought he was covering for her, but now I’m starting to believe him. “Will you call me when you find her, though? You’ve got me worried.”

“So, she’s not there, then?” Abbi confirms when I end the call.

“No, and he hasn’t spoken to her all day.” It’s just gone nine in the evening and I’ve not heard anything from Molly since her disappearance from the pub earlier this afternoon. My parents and Liv left not long after we got back. Abbi is still here, even though she has to drive back to Manchester tonight. “You need to get going, you’ve got a long drive.”

“No, I’ve told you I’ll stay. I can ring in sick tomorrow if need be. I want to make sure Molly is okay.”

“I’m sure she’s fine,” I try to say in a reassuring voice, but it comes out sounding anything but. “She’ll just be at a friend’s. I don’t want you missing uni because of us. You go, and I promise I’ll call you when I’ve found her.”

“You promise?”

“Yes, I promise. Now, get going. It’s a long drive in the dark on your own.”

“Yes, Mum, calm down!”

I carry Abbi’s bag downstairs for her and put it in her car before giving her a hug and sending on her way; not before I’ve promised again to ring her when I’ve found Molly.

I head back inside and plonk myself on the sofa, trying to decide what to do for the best. She’s not at Steven’s, which I think I pretty much knew to be the case because I could tell she was lying when she left the pub. Where is she most likely to go to hide?

The office.

Grabbing my keys, I jump in my car before speeding into the city to see if she’s there. I’m quite hopeful, because every time she’s run before, this is where she’s come. As I drive down the road to Cocoa’s, butterflies erupt in my stomach, but my heart drops when I see the empty parking spaces around the back.

I can’t leave without making sure, so I grab the keys from my glove box and jog up to the door, letting myself inside to see for myself that she isn’t here.

Feeling defeated, I get back in the car and rest my forehead against the wheel while I think about where she could be. If she’s not here alone, then it means she has gone to someone. Who would she go to?

Megan.

I shove the key in the ignition and back out of the space.

“Hi, angel. Is everything okay?” Susan asks when she pulls her front door open. It’s gone ten o’clock, which is late for Susan and Pete. She’s stood there in her dressing gown, looking worried by my late night visit.

“Um…is Molly here, by any chance?”

“No, I haven’t seen her since she left the pub. Is everything okay?” she asks as she opens the door wider for me to enter.

Susan looks even more concerned after I finish explaining her weird actions today. She knows as well as I do that it isn’t like Molly.

“I was hoping you could give me Megan’s phone number. I’m guessing she’s most likely gone there.”

“Megan had the weekend off, so I don’t even know if she’s about.”

“Still worth a try,” I say as I follow Susan into her office.

After a very brief conversation with Megan, I discover she’s out of town for the weekend and hasn’t heard anything from Molly.

I run my hands through my hair. “Where the hell is she?”

“Which other friends is she likely to go to?” Susan asks.

Susan makes me a coffee while I ring Chris to see if either him or Shane have heard from her, but no such luck. The only thing I’m achieving is getting them worried, which really isn’t helping the feeling I have in the pit of my stomach.

“Here you go, angel,” Susan says as she passes me a steaming mug. “Any luck?”

“No, no one’s heard from her all day. She’s been so weird today, but I just can’t put my finger on it. She went downstairs with Mum last night and…”

“What is it, Ryan?”

“Jax…she’s with Jax. My mum said something to her and she’s gone to Jax because he’s having the same problem with Abbi, and he’ll know how she’s feeling.” I pace the Morrisons’ kitchen floor as all the pieces fall into place.

“What could your mum have said to upset her so much?” Susan asks, looking bemused by the idea.

“Oh, trust me, my mum could have said plenty. She can be vicious.”

“Oh,” Susan says, looking a bit confused. I guess when you’re the world’s perfect mum, it’s hard to imagine saying something nasty to one of your children’s friends. Especially when they know how much they mean to them. “Well, what are you hanging around here for? Go find out,” she says, as she stands and gestures towards the door.

“I…I don’t know where he lives.”

“Well, get on the bloody phone to your sister and find out.” Wow, Susan must be more worried by this than I thought if she’s throwing swear words around.

I’ve tried Abbi five times but no answer; she must be driving. This both pleases and frustrates me in equal measures. I’m glad she isn’t on the phone while driving, but I’m also desperate for Jax’s address. I need to find out what the fuck has happened.

It’s a long twenty minutes later when Abbi eventually returns my call. She’s very apologetic because she didn’t realise her phone was on silent, and it wasn’t until she stopped at some services for a caffeine fix that she saw my missed calls.

I quickly say goodbye to Susan, then I’m back in my car and speeding towards the address Abbi has just relayed to me.

Jax lives in the middle of the city, so it’s another thirty minutes before I’m pulling up outside his apartment building. I know she’s here, because her car’s here. I’m just about to press the buzzer to his flat when a drunken couple comes stumbling up to the entrance. I let them go ahead of me but catch the door before it closes. I watch as they enter the lift before turning and taking the stairs two at a time until I’m on the top floor.

I begin hammering on Jax’s front door loudly enough that it would wake him if he’s asleep. I continue banging for a good few minutes before I hear any movement inside, and a male voice grumbles that he’s coming.

“I know she’s here. I saw her car,” I say, shoving the door after he’s cracked it open so hard it ricochets off the wall behind it as I march into Jax’s flat.

“Come in, why don’t you?” Jax says with a smirk from behind me.

“Where the fuck is she?”

“I think you need to calm down, mate.”

“Don’t fucking tell me what to do,” I say as I poke my head into the kitchen, then the living room, before making my way down the hall towards what I presume is the bedroom. What I see makes my blood boil. “How about instead you explain to me what the fuck is going on?” I shout as I shove his shoulders until I have him backed up against the wall of his bedroom. It doesn’t even occur to me that Molly hasn’t so much as stirred at my shouting and crashing about.

When Jax doesn’t say anything, I get right in his face. “Well?”

Molly

Turning over, I cuddle into the duvet before willing myself back to sleep so I don’t have to feel my head pounding and stomach churning. Eventually, I give in, and decide I’m going to have to go in search of painkillers instead.

I gently ease my eyes open and my breath catches in my throat at the sight in front of me. Ryan’s staring down at me, looking anguished. I break my stare with him to quickly take in my surroundings, and I’m totally confused when I realise I’m in his bedroom. The last thing I remember was drinking on Jax’s sofa. How and when did I get here?

I look back into his concerned eyes. “Ry…” I try speaking, but my throat is so dry that I have to swallow and try again. “Ryan?”

“There are painkillers and water on the side if you need them,” he says coldly.

“Thank you,” I whisper, slowly pulling my body up enough so that I can take them without upsetting my dodgy stomach.

Once I’m done, I lie myself back down and look over Ryan’s features. His eyes are bloodshot with dark circles around them, and his hair is more of a mess than usual. I let my eyes roam down his body, noting that he’s still wearing the same clothes as yesterday. “Ryan, what…” I start to ask the first of the many questions that I have, but he interrupts me.

“No, Molly. You need to go first. You have the most explaining to do.”

I’m reminded of everything that happened over the last two days, and it makes me want to dive under the covers and hide. I never got to make a decision as to whether I wanted to tell Ryan the truth, but it doesn’t look like I have much of a choice now. He must see the internal battle I’m having with myself, because he prompts me to start talking. There never really was a decision to make—I made it a long time ago.

I roll onto my back so I don’t have to look at him and let out a huge breath before saying very quietly, “Your mum tried paying me off.”

The silence in the room is almost painful as Ryan takes in what I’ve just said. “So, yesterday was you leaving me?” he asks, making my head snap back to his.

“What? No…Ryan, that wasn’t it at all.”

“But you ran. You did what my mum wanted and left me.” His face is pulled tight with anger. “Was that it? If I didn’t find you last night, would we be over now?”

The pain in his voice causes me to scramble out of bed and crawl over to him until I’m on my knees by his feet and holding his trembling hands in mine. “No,” I repeat.

“So, what was it?”

“Your mum got me alone under the pretence of looking at some old recipes, but what she actually wanted to do was sit in front of me and tell me all my greatest fears. To hear them spoken back to me and to know someone else thinks the same things about me that I do freaked me out. She warned me about breaking up your family, and I know how much they mean to you, and I didn’t—I don’t—want to be the one who causes issues between you all. Family is too important. I ran, but only because I needed to get my head together. I spent most of the morning with Hannah, but she wasn’t much use on the advice front.” I quirk the corner of my mouth up when I see a small smile creep onto Ryan’s face at my inappropriate joke. “I love you, and I shouldn’t care what your mum thinks of me. The only person’s opinions I should care about are yours, and I’m just as important to you as your family, if not…more so…” I tail off at the end, just in case I’ve got this all wrong.

Ryan doesn’t say or do anything for a few minutes. I search his blue eyes for any clues as to what he’s thinking when he suddenly moves, making me jump. He leans forward, wrapping his fingers around my waist and launches us both to the bed. The sudden movement isn’t great for my stomach, but I manage to keep it under control and all is forgotten when Ryan rolls me on my back and presses his lips to mine. He places a few featherlight kisses to my lips before he runs the tip of his tongue along the join, asking for me to open up, which I do instantly. My hands automatically go into his hair so I can hold him closer to me. When I feel the hand on my hip start to move up my waist, I pull away from him and open my eyes. I can’t help but laugh at his pouty face. I run the pad of my finger along his bottom lip before kissing his nose.

“Now, Mr. Evans, can you please explain to me how I woke up in your bed?” I lift an eyebrow at him in question.

He leans forward and places his forehead against mine, letting out a breath that tickles down my neck and causes goosebumps.

He closes his eyes before he starts. “You were totally out of it in Jax’s bed when I found you. I scooped you up and brought you home with me. I’m sorry, but there was no way you were spending the night in another man’s bed, even if you’re just friends with him.”

His feelings for me shine brightly in his eyes as he stares down at me. How could I ever doubt him?

“I’m sorry. I should have told you right away.”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

“She just said all that stuff, and it’s exactly what I worry about. I just freaked. I’m so sorry. I love you so much, Ryan. I’m sorry you thought I left you. I’m sorry for running. I’m j-just s-sorry,” I stutter, my emotions getting the better of me. Ryan wraps his arms around me until I’ve got myself back under control.

He kisses my nose before pulling back and looking into my eyes. “You’re it for me, Molly. You need to realise that.” He rolls onto his back as he says this, and I cuddle into his side.

The next thing I know, I’m being gently pryed from Ryan’s body as he tries to sneak out from under me. I groan and go to grab his arm to pull him back.

“I’m sorry, gorgeous, my phone’s ringing. I’ll be back soon with tea, I promise.” This makes me feel better, so I nuzzle into his pillow and breathe in his scent while he’s gone.

I listen to his footsteps as he heads towards the living room before his voice makes me jump. “How fucking dare you? I told you not to stick your nose in…no, no, you do not get to explain. I know exactly what you did, and I’ve had enough. I don’t give a flying fuck what you think. I am in love with her and she is the most important thing in my life, and nothing you do will change how I feel about her.” Everything goes silent and the only thing I can hear is my heart beating loudly in my chest. I can just imagine her crying and begging for forgiveness on the other end of the phone. “No, I don’t care. You say you know her, but what you’ve done is enough proof that you don’t. If you knew Molly at all, you would know she could never be bought off. Her world doesn’t revolve around money.” It goes quiet again before Ryan raises his voice even louder, shouting that he’s done and for her not to contact either one of us for the foreseeable future.

The following silence is almost painful as I consider whether I should go to him or give him some space. All of a sudden, there’s a bang, and a loud “Fuck!” I’m just about to put my feet on the floor when his footsteps pound up the stairs.

“Ryan, are you…” The look on his face stops me. He’s murderous. His fists are clenched at his sides, his chest is heaving, and I can see the vein in his neck pulsing.

“I’m going for a run.” He manages to get out before marching over to his chest of drawers, changing into his running clothes and storming out of the house.

So much for my tea. I sit in bed a while longer, thinking about everything that’s happened in the last few minutes, before heading for a shower. It’s not until I’m washing my hair that I realise it’s Monday, and that both of us should be at work. I quickly finish up and go in search of my phone to call Jax.

Once he’s convinced me that he’s got everything covered at the office, I agree with his suggestion to stay at home and sort things out properly with Ryan. After hanging up, I make my way down to the kitchen to make us some lunch.

I end up waiting for Ryan to return for so long that I eat my half of the sandwiches. I was intending on taking Jax’s advice, but seeing as he’s disappeared, I decide to get some work done instead.

My phone rings just after twelve-thirty, and I quickly answer when I see Abbi’s name. She’s going full throttle trying to convince me—and herself—why being with Jax is a bad idea, when I hear the front door slam shut, making me jump.

I’m suddenly nervous about the mood Ryan might be in when he appears. After everything both me and his mother have put him through the last two days, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s seriously pissed off. When he does round the doorway, my breath catches at the sight of him. My eyes take him in, head to toe. His hair is wet and sticking up in all directions. His skin is covered in a sheen of sweat, making his already tight t-shirt stick to and show off all his well-defined muscles. What really catches my attention, though, are his eyes. The sight of them has me clamping my thighs together, because he only ever has eyes that dark when he’s really turned on.

Abbi is still jabbering on in my ear, but I haven’t heard a word of it since my eyes landed on Ryan. He throws his water bottle on the kitchen worktop before running his hand through his hair, his eyes never once leaving me. My pulse rate increases with every move he makes, and when he starts slowly sauntering towards me, the pounding in my chest is accompanied by a throbbing lower in my body. When he’s in front of where I’m sitting on the sofa, I rise so that my breasts run up his chest. His scent hits me and heat pools between my legs. Ryan slowly reaches his hand up, and I think he’s going to cup my cheek, but, to my surprise, he pulls the phone out of my hand and I hear Abbi’s voice get quieter as he puts it to his ear.

Our eyes stay locked, but his mouth opening distracts me. “Molly will ring you back later,” Ryan says into the phone before throwing it on the sofa behind me.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ryan

It may have been two weeks since I discovered that my mum was trying to control my life, but the anger is still burning within me.

I realised soon after leaving the house that day for a run that the only thing I really needed was Molly. I needed her to know that she truly was the only one I wanted. I needed her, beneath me, writhing and screaming my name. I needed to own her. And that was exactly what I did once I got her up to my bedroom.

The lead-up to Chris and Shane’s wedding has thankfully been drama free. No one else has stuck their noses in where they’re not wanted.

Every day, I get a phone call from my mum, and every day I ignore it and let it go to voicemail. I listened to the first few messages that consisted of her crying, apologising, and telling me how much she loved me, but I soon got bored, so I’ve since deleted them as soon as she’s left them. She doesn’t know Molly, and if she doesn’t sort herself out, she never will.

I’ve decided to stay in Oxford for Christmas and spend it with Molly and the Morrisons. Molly and I are throwing a New Year’s Eve party, so I’ll get to see my sisters then. Mum put pay to me worrying about not spending the holiday with them when she started meddling in my life.

“I hope the wedding breakfast is as good as the meal last night,” Emma says, bringing me out of my daydreams. We’ve been sitting at the bar in the hotel for well over half an hour, waiting for Shane and Molly to appear. The ceremony is due to start in about fifteen minutes, but with no groom—or groomsmaid, as they’ve insisted on calling her—to give out instructions, we are all just loitering around. Suddenly, the level of noise in the room lowers and I see Emma look over my shoulder. “About time,” she mumbles and waves.

I turn around to see Shane stood in his navy suit like I was expecting. What I wasn’t quite expecting though, although I don’t know why, is Molly next to him, looking like sex on legs.

“Holy shit,” I mumble quietly to myself as I run my eyes all over her. She’s wearing a skin-tight black dress, which has a low-cut square neckline showing off her cleavage perfectly. It makes me want to run over and stick my tongue in it and, from look of the other men in the room, it’s what they want to do as well.

The dress stops just below her knees, showing off her muscular calves which are topped off with some crazily high black strappy shoes which, to be honest, would look right at home with a pair of handcuffs and a blindfold. I shake my head slightly, stopping my inappropriate thoughts, and take in the rest of her. Her hair has been left down but curled loosely, and she has a little top hat perched on the side of her head along with a bowtie around her neck. She’d told me about this outfit, but seeing it is another story. She looks fucking unbelievable. I have to grip on to the inside of my trouser pockets to stop from walking straight over to her and carrying her back upstairs.

I jump when I feel a hand touch my arm. I’d completely forgotten that I was stood with Emma. “Calm down. I can practically see your dirty thoughts running through your mind.”

I turn to look at her and she just smiles sweetly back at me, like she didn’t just say what she did. “I need a drink,” I mutter, turning back to the bar and ordering a Jack Daniels…neat. It’s going to be a long day.

Molly

It’s been a beautiful day. Everything has gone exactly to plan—not that I expected otherwise. Shane and Chris have looked on top of the world all day. The moment Shane looked back to see Chris walking in was so intense, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. The same can be said for when they both said ‘I do’ and slid each other’s rings on the their fingers.

Shane looks stunning in his fitted navy suit with a white shirt and red tie, and Chris looks amazing with his matching shirt and tie but dark grey suit. I have to say, after having months worrying about my outfit, even I think I look good. As do Chris’ sister, who has the same on minus the top hat, and her six-year-old daughter, who has a slightly more child-friendly version.

We’ve had a mouth-watering wedding breakfast and, thankfully, my speech went really well. Much to my disappointment, but Shane and Chris’ pleasure, I didn’t discuss any embarrassing sexual acts that they may or may not have been involved in; I just couldn’t do it to them.

Instead, I reminisced about other funny stories from their time together, and wished them well in their marriage. We’re now stood in the grounds of the hotel, having our photos taken. I don’t know how the boys have kept the wide smiles on their faces all day. My cheeks are already hurting.

“Right, I just want the grooms. Everyone else, go and get a drink,” the photographer shouts over to us all after a whole group shot.

I turn to whisper in Ryan’s ear after we’ve all moved away slightly. “Right, it’s now or never. Wish me luck.” He winks at me before I head towards the happy couple.

“Guys, please, could I have your room key? I left a bag in there.”

“Really?” Chris asks with a raised eyebrow.

I lean into him so he’s the only one to hear. “Yes, I’m on my period and my tampons are in that bag. So, unless you happen to have some on you that I could use, I need your key.”

“Right, okay.” He sighs and looks around the room. “Be quick, and don’t give it to anyone else. I don’t trust anyone with it.”

My heart flutters hearing this, but I swallow it down and take the room key, kissing his cheek before heading to the stairwell to meet Ryan.

He looks at me with a questioning expression on his face. I fight my smile, but in only a couple of seconds, I can feel my lips twitching and I can’t contain it. Holding the up the room key, I wave it in front of him.

“Hook, line and sinker,” I say, strutting past him and over to the lift. As we wait for the doors to open, Ryan grabs my hand. With the way he’s standing behind me slightly, no one would be able to see, but it still makes my heart rate pick up a little. I know it’s irrational, because I’m pretty sure everyone knows there’s something going on between us, but I’m enjoying keeping Ryan to myself and having him as my little secret.

When the doors do eventually open, I step forward and pull him in with me. I’m just about to turn and push him up against the wall when another hotel guest waves his hand in front of the closing doors and steps in. I can feel Ryan’s eyes on me, so I turn to look up at his smirk. Fucking know-it-all. Despite my best intentions over the past few hours, my need just keeps growing and growing. Tonight cannot come soon enough. I want to get this sexy man into my hotel room and have my wicked way with him.

We head to my room first to grab the supplies before getting back in the lift and heading to the boys’ bridal suite. This time, the lift is empty, and Ryan is on me the second the doors shut.

“God, you look so fucking hot. I don’t know how I’ve kept my hands off you,” he growls in my ear before running his tongue around the edge and nipping my lobe. He’s kissing down my neck when the lift dings, signalling our arrival, and the door opens. Ryan picks up the bag I dropped when his lips touched me, and my hand, and then practically drags me down the corridor to their room.

The corridor is empty so we manage to sneak inside without any witnesses. I kick the door shut behind me and go to walk into the room, but the wind is knocked out of me as I’m slammed back against the door.

“Wha—” I start to question him, but as soon as my mouth is open, his tongue is in it and stroking mine. All thoughts leave my head and I give myself over to him. His hands run up the outside of my thighs, taking the fabric of my dress with them. Once he has the material around my waist, they roam around my arse and waist. He groans into my mouth and I can’t help but smile as he kisses me.

“Did you forget something this morning?” he asks, then pulls back to look at me.

“No, I don’t think so,” I say innocently.

“So, not only have you been walking around teasing me, looking like this all afternoon, but you’ve also been walking round with no knickers on.” He puts his hands behind my thighs and lifts me up against the door. My legs automatically wrap around his waist and my arms around his neck. One of his hands slides from my arse and his finger slips between my folds, making me gasp.

“Oh, Molly, if I’d have known, dinner would have been much more fun,” he says, circling my clit. The sensation has my head falling back. When he pushes a finger into me, I can’t help the loud moan that escapes my throat. “Fuck, Molly, you’ve had me walking around rock hard all afternoon. I need you.”

“Oh God…Ry, we can’t…we can’t have sex in someone else’s bridal suite.” I suck in another breath when he slides another finger in. “S-surely it’s bad luck or something.”

“I don’t give a fuck.” He removes his fingers suddenly and walks us towards the bed.

“No,” I shout, panicked. “Not the bed.” I look round the room quickly. “Over the back of the sofa.”

“As you wish.”

He changes direction and places me back on my feet before turning me around and bending me harshly over the sofa. He lets out a breath through his teeth as he takes in the sight. “Fucking hell,” he says before I hear a thud, and then jump out of my skin as I feel his breath on my core, swiftly followed by his tongue running the length of me.

“Oh God,” I moan as he continues to torture me. My orgasm is right there when he suddenly pulls away from me. “Ryan,” I complain, before I hear a zip and the rustling of fabric behind me, which fills me with excitement.

Within seconds, the head of his cock presses against my entrance, and before I’ve even braced myself, he slams balls-deep into me in one swift thrust.

“Shit,” I shout as my whole body lunges forward in surprise over the sofa. Ryan’s hands go to my shoulders to hold me still as he continues his punishing thrusts into my body. Within minutes, I’m lost as my orgasm approaches again as Ryan hits the glorious spot deep inside of me again and again. Suddenly, electric shocks fly around my body as the pleasure radiates through me with one more stroke. My entire body goes limp once I come down off my high, and Ryan has to move his hands to my hips to help hold me up.

His onslaught on my body doesn’t falter, and as soon as I’m strong enough again, he moves one hand around so he can tease my clit. “I want you to come with me, Molly,” he growls in my ear, bringing me close to the edge again as his fingers pinch me. He does it again as I feel his entire body tense behind me, before I feel the first twitch of his release inside of me and my second orgasm crashes through me.

His body folds over mine, his heart thundering against my back as we return to earth. After a few seconds, he kisses my shoulder, stands up and gently removes himself from me. I hear him shuffle off, but my body is too weak to move. I’m just about to lift myself up when he comes back and I feel him clean me up before carefully pulling the bottom of my dress back down.

“Come on, Molls, we’ve got a job to do. Stop trying to distract me with sex!” he says, standing me up.

“Addict,” I quip back over my shoulder as I head towards my bag of goodies.

It takes longer than I thought to carry out all our devilish plans on the boys’ bridal suite, so it’s just over an hour after we left the party that we sneak our way to the bar and join Emma for a few drinks. She takes one look at our mischievous faces and we’re forced to fill her in…

We loaded their bed with condoms, sachets of lube, rose petals, and wedding confetti, before safety pinning the duvet to the sheet. We’ve put confetti in every pocket and pouch on their cases, and clothes for them to find later, as well as covering the floor, bed, and filling the basin and bath with rose petals. I’d pre-warned the hotel staff and given them a generous tip to cover the extra cleaning expense tomorrow when the boys head off for their honeymoon.

We’re not downstairs long before Chris announces that the disco is starting and the buffet food will be available soon. Slowly, people start heading off for some food and to dance the night away, and before long I find myself at the buffet table.

I’m surprised that I’m hungry after the three-course meal we had earlier, but I end up trying something off nearly every plate while chatting to different guests.

Looking up, I see Ryan in deep conversation with a couple of Shane and Chris’ friends, so instead of interrupting them, I look around for Emma. I can’t help the wave of sadness that washes over me when I spot her sitting alone, staring at her hands in her lap. I immediately set off in her direction and pull her to the dance floor.

“How are you doing, Em?” I ask while we move in time to the music.

“Better. It’s getting easier to get through the day now, but some are harder than others. Especially stuff like this, when it was planned for her to be here with us. It just reminds me of what we’ve lost, you know?” she says glumly.

“I know,” I reply, thinking about how both of them should have been stood beside me today, but Emma decided that, without Hannah, she would just rather hide in the crowd. “I wish you’d been up there with me earlier.”

“I don’t want everyone looking at me and feeling sorry for me. Plus, can you imagine how I would have looked now in that dress?” She glances down at herself as she says this. Emma was always the curvier twin, but since Hannah’s death she’s put on a few more pounds with her comfort eating. She’s still as stunning as ever, but she’s never been able to see it.

“Emma, you’re gorgeous, and don’t even try to convince me otherwise. I’ve seen guys checking you out today. You’re just too stuck in your own head to notice.”

“Molly, I’ve managed twenty-five years without a man. I neither want nor need one in my life.”

“I’m not saying you need one, Em, but I think one would do you a world of good. You know, help you release some tension,” I say, nudging her with my elbow.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Ryan

“Molly, it’s time to get up,” I say softly. I’ve been awake for half an hour. I’ve showered and dressed already, but as far as I’m aware, Molly hasn’t stirred at all with my movement. She was so exhausted last night that I ended up carrying her to bed. She insisted that she had to be last up, ensuring all the wedding guests were sorted for the night, but she could hardly keep her eyes open. I think the stress of the last two days has really taken its toll on her.

I laugh when she groans at me and rolls over to the other side of the bed, pulling the covers over her head. I try to pull them back down but she holds them tightly. “Molly, it’s already half past eight, we told everyone we would meet them for breakfast for nine. And don’t forget, you’ve convinced me to spend all day with you, Christmas shopping, once we see Shane and Chris off.” This has a bigger effect; as soon as the words come out of my mouth, Molly is sat up in bed.

Apparently, it was a tradition that Hannah and Molly had to start their Christmas shopping on the first of December and, seeing as that’s today, I begrudgingly agreed that this year I would be her shopping partner. My feelings are torn about it—on one hand, I’m excited about spending the day with her, but on the other I can remember how much stuff they used to come back with, so I know it’s going to be a full-on day of shopping.

And I hate shopping.

I give Molly a kiss on the forehead before she gets up and heads towards the bathroom. She stops just before she gets to the door and grabs the doorframe. “Are you okay, Molls?” I question. She’s looking a little fragile.

“Yeah, my stomach’s just feeling a little delicate.”

“You’re probably just exhausted. Let’s get a fry-up in you, and you’ll be all set for my day of torture!” She smirks at me over her shoulder before she disappears into the bathroom.

“Oh look, here they are!” Chris shouts above the other wedding guests already seated for breakfast. “So, I guess you two think you’re funny, don’t you? Do you have any idea how long it took us to unpin our bedding last night so we could actually get some sleep?” I chance a glance at Molly, who’s fighting really hard not to laugh.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, trying my best to make it sound innocent, but I know I’m failing.

“Yeah, whatever, Evans. She—” he says, pointing at Molly, “—was the only one to have our room key yesterday. I knew I never should have trusted her!” His lips are starting to twitch into a smile as he finishes talking, which causes Molly’s laughter to erupt. It soon spreads around the guests, causing everyone else in the hotel restaurant to look our way.

“I would say I’m sorry, but I’m really not,” Molly says as she walks over to both of them and gives them a hug and kiss on the cheek.

“You just wait, Molls…we will get our revenge one day!”

“Oh, I don’t doubt that.” She takes one of the two empty seats next to the happy couple and gestures for me to join her.

Everyone’s busy chatting away about the events of the day before, when Emma leans over towards Molly to speak to her. “Where have you been? I knocked on your room door before I came down, but you weren’t there.” Molly tenses. We both know most people have figured it out, but I think she’s more concerned about Emma making a scene.

“I, uh, went to go wake Ryan up. You know what he’s like for turning his alarm off and going back to sleep.” Molly says unconvincingly.

“Right, okay…” Emma’s just about to say something else when Chris distracts her with a question about her work.

Just over an hour later, we’ve all checked out of our rooms and are saying our goodbyes to the happy couple, wishing them a fantastic honeymoon in the Maldives. As a surprise, Molly had arranged for a limousine to take them to the airport.

“Oh my God! Molly, you’re the best!” Chris screeches as they sandwich her in a massive hug.

“So, I’m forgiven?” she asks them both.

“Damn right you’re forgiven.”

Before long, we’ve said goodbye to everyone, and I have our luggage loaded into my Honda before heading to the city centre to hit the shops.

“Please can we stop for coffee now?” I plead. We’ve been shopping for hours. I’m laden down with bags, my feet are aching, and I’m dying for a drink.

“Let me just pick out all the girls’ favourite cosmetics and a perfume, then we can go to the coffee shop next door.”

“Do you need me for that? I could go get the drinks and grab us a table while you sort all that out,” I beg.

Molly shakes her head at me before agreeing. I make quick work of the escalator before heading in the coffee shop and ordering myself a large cup of caffeine to help me through the rest of this trip.

I’m deep in thought about what I can get for Molly when she flops down on the chair in front of me with another two full bags of shopping. “You get everything?’

“Yeah, but on the way out I saw this necklace that I think Liv would love. I wanted to run it by you though, so I thought I’d come get my drink before it got cold, then we can go back.”

“I’m sure if you think she’ll love it, you’re probably right.”

“It will be a present mostly from you though, Ry, so it’s important you have an input.”

“Okay, we’ll go back. How much more have we got to do?” I ask, praying that we’re nearly there.

“Um…I just want to go to the toy store to get something for Oscar, then I think that’s it for the day. I still need to go to the garden centre, but I’ll leave that for another day.” I try my best not to look relieved, but I don’t do a very good job because Molly chastises me for not making the most of something that only happens once a year. How could I have forgotten about her acting like a hyperactive Santa’s little helper every year?

Before long, I’m on my feet again and following Molly back to the department store I thought I’d escaped from. I agree that Liv would love the necklace she saw—I mean, of course I was going to agree—Molly has great taste, and it’s jewellery. What’s not to like? Molly’s just paying when I wander over to the watch stands. I’m staring at the Tag Heuers when I feel her come up behind me. “Done?”

“Yes, you planning on buying yourself a present?”

“No, just dreaming. I always told myself that when I got my first teaching job I’d save up and buy myself a Tag, but life has a way of always making sure I have no spare money.” I shrug before taking the new bag from Molly and heading to the exit, towards what I hope will be the last shop.

After two laps of the toy store with Molly to-and-froing about what to get Oscar, I eventually convince her that you can never go wrong with Lego. We’re heading towards the till when Molly suddenly stops. “What is it?” I ask as she reaches up to touch a teddy bear on the shelf in front of her.

“Oh, nothing,” she says, walking off again. “I just had a bear like that when I was a kid. It was my favourite.”

“What happened to it?”

She looks down at the ground before answering so quietly I really have to concentrate to hear her. “I got upset one day because I wanted to stay in to work on a school art project. I was about seven, I think, but Mum and Dad had friends coming over for dinner and wanted me out of the house. I ran to my room in tears and was cuddling my bear when they came in behind me and told me I was too old to be cuddling a stupid toy. My dad tried to take it away from me and, when he pulled, he ripped half of his head off.

“A few weeks later, I came home from school to find the builders and interior designer in our house again. My room had had a makeover and all my things were gone. I’d left that teddy bear sat on my bed before I went to school that morning, like I usually did.”

By the time Molly has finished telling me this, she’s physically shaking. How could parents do that to their child? I drop the bags to the floor before taking a step towards her and wrap my arms around her.

We’re cuddled up on the sofa, watching a nature programme, when I think of something. I untangle myself from Molly before telling her I’ll be back in a few minutes. I go into the biggest of the spare bedrooms to find the last box that needs unpacking. I shoved it at the back of the wardrobe, out of the way, when the furniture was delivered. I find what I want on the top and grab it before heading back down to Molly.

“What are you hiding?” Molly asks as soon as she sees I have something behind my back. I walk over and sit next to her, before revealing what I went to get.

“This is Bruce,” I say, sitting the tatty-looking bear on her lap. “My grandad gave him to me when he came to the hospital just after I was born. He’s been everywhere with me. I mean everywhere: every holiday, scout camp, sleepover at a friend’s, uni, here. I don’t care how much of a pussy it makes me sound, this bear was my best friend as a kid. All my fondest memories have him in it.” Molly’s lips curl up in a smile as she sits and stares at the bear in her hands. “Now, I expect you to always come to me if you need comforting, but if, for whatever reason, I’m not here when you need it, I’ll let you share him,” I say with a wink.

It breaks my heart, watching her hug him to her chest. I used to have nightmares as a kid about losing him. I can’t imagine how it felt, knowing her parents had thrown her bear away.

She launches herself onto my lap and we hold each other for the longest time with Bruce squashed between us.

Molly eventually falls asleep in my arms and I carry her to bed for the second night on the trot. She needs to relax; she’s clearly doing too much.

Luckily, I wasn’t covering a lesson during my free period this afternoon, because I planned to sneak off into town so I could get Molly’s Christmas presents. I’d put a lot of thought into it over the last few days, and I’m pretty pleased with what I’ve come up with. It’s the first time ever that I’ve bought anyone’s Christmas presents more than a week in advance. I’m feeling very organised, especially as Molly has everyone else sorted. All that’s left to do is decorate the house. I promised Molly that we could do it this Saturday to get her into the swing of it before we go to the Morrisons’ for their annual family decoration event on Sunday.

I’ve just finished wrapping them all up and am hiding them under my bed when the doorbell rings. Making sure the bags can’t be seen, I jog down to the front door. When I open it, I’m looking at a man and a woman who must be a similar ages to Susan and Pete, but I have no idea who they are. They both stand there, staring. I don’t recognise him, but the longer I look at her, I can see something familiar, and then it hits me. They’re Molly’s parents.

“Can I help you?” I ask politely, although from what I know about these two, I want to be anything but polite.

“We need to see Molly,” her mum snaps.

I try to keep my anger in check before replying. “She’s on her way home from work. She should only be about ten minutes, if you’d like to come in for a drink.” I’m slightly hesitant to invite them in, but I’m not sure what else to do.

Molly’s mum peers past my shoulder to look into the house. I have no idea what she sees, but she quickly turns her nose up. “No. Just give her this, will you?” she says, shoving an envelope towards me. She lets her eyes run up and down my body one last time before turning around and tottering back to the car. “Come on, dear,” she shouts over her shoulder to her husband. He gives me what I think is an apologetic look before doing what he’s told.

Molly

“Hey, I’m home,” I sing as I enter the living room. But one look at Ryan and my good mood instantly disappears. “What’s wrong?”

“Um…I think you should come and sit down, Molls.” His words have my heart beginning to race, but I do as he says.

“What is it?” I whisper, because I don’t think I really want to know what has caused him to look so concerned.

“I…um…you…” he stutters.

“Come on, spit it out.” The more he’s putting this off, the more I’m starting to panic. “Oh my God, is everyone okay? The Morrisons? My brothers?” I ask quickly.

“No, no, everyone’s fine. It’s nothing like that.” He lets out a big breath before turning to look at me, grabbing both of my hands in his. “About fifteen minutes ago, the doorbell rang…”

“Right?”

“It was your parents, Molly.”

His words cause my breath to catch. “My parents?” He just nods his head in response. “Well, I’m guessing they didn’t actually want to see me, because they’d still be here. What did they want?”

“Well, your mum asked to see you, but she refused to wait and shoved this at me,” he says, handing over a blank white envelope.

“Wow, look at that…they haven’t even bothered writing my name on it,” I say, laughing, but in reality, all I want to do is burst into tears at their constant rejection. You’d think I’d be over it by now. “Right, let’s do this,” I say, ripping the envelope open and pulling out the contents.

Molly,

We’ve sold the house and are moving to Spain. Christopher has retired, so the business now belongs to Steven and Daniel. Find a cheque enclosed as your inheritance. It goes without saying that you will no longer receive Christmas or birthday money from us.

Our best wishes for your future.

We both sit, staring at the paper for a full five minutes, stunned into silence. Eventually, Ryan moves, breaking me from my zombie-like state. I watch in slow motion as he leans forward, picks up the envelope from my lap, and pulls out another, much smaller piece of paper. I hear him suck in a breath when he turns it around and looks at it. “Shit,” he breathes.

Looking over, my blood boils when I see the figure on the cheque. “Are they fucking joking?” I shout. “This has to be a fucking joke. They tell me they’re leaving the country with a fucking note, and they don’t even bother to tell me where in Spain they’re moving to? But it’s all okay, because they’ve left me with half a million pounds so they can’t feel fucking guilty. If they actually cared, they w-wouldn’t d-do this.” My rant eventually subsides as my sobs take over. It’s not sad tears; it’s pure anger. Ryan pulls me onto his lap and rubs my back, the whole time whispering softly in my ear that he loves me.

A thought hits me, and I jump off Ryan and head towards my bag. “What are you doing?”

I ignore his question and continue putting my phone to my ear. “Voicemail, what a fucking surprise,” I mutter to myself. I fume as I listen to Steven’s message. When I eventually hear the beep, my anger’s got the better of me. “What the actual fuck is going on?” I shout into the phone. “You’d better ring me as soon as you get this to explain yourself.”

When I put my phone down, I realise Ryan has gone. “Fucking brilliant,” I mutter, pacing up and down the living room, trying to get myself together. How is this actually happening? Surely, I’m dreaming? I pinch myself, but it only proves to me that, yes, this is real life. I continue pacing, completely lost in my own thoughts, until I hit something hard in front of me. I raise my head to see Ryan looking down at me with sympathetic eyes.

“Come on,” he says, grabbing my hand and pulling me downstairs behind him.

“What are you doing?” I question, but he doesn’t answer, he just keeps going, pulling me to my old room, then into the bathroom, where I can’t quite believe what’s in front of me. “You are the best boyfriend ever, you know that, right?” While I was pacing upstairs, Ryan had been down here, running me a nice bubble bath, complete with soft music, scented candles, and a large glass of wine. I must have been completely out of it.

He pulls me so I’m standing in front of him, wrapping his arm around my waist. “You need to relax,” he whispers in my ear before kissing my neck gently. “Arms up,” he instructs, and goes about undressing me before tapping me on the arse once he’s done, sending me in the direction of the tub. When I look back his naked body greets me as he drops his trousers to the floor and moves over to me. The sight of him causes tingles to erupt in my nether regions. My tongue sneaks out of its own accord to wet my bottom lip as my eyes run over every inch of his bare skin. “You keep looking at me like that, and we’ll be doing anything but relaxing. Now, come on, get in.”

We get ourselves settled so that I’m lying with my back to his front. Ryan holds me tightly around the waist and kisses the top of my head every few minutes. We’re lost in our own thoughts for the longest time, but eventually Ryan breaks it by whispering, “How are you doing, Molls?”

“I think I may have overreacted earlier. I mean, what did I really expect from them?”

“So, you’re not angry?”

“I’m just disappointed, I guess. I know I shouldn’t, but the thought is always there that one day they might do something to surprise me. At every turn, they just do shit like this. With them out of the country, at least I can put them behind me.”

“They don’t deserve you, Molly. You’re way too good for them.”

I just hum in response as all the things I’ve done over the years that disappointed them run through my head. “Molly.” Ryan’s warning tone pulls me from my memories. “I can practically see the thoughts running through your mind. You’re so much more than them, and I promise to prove that to you every day.”

“You already do.”

We both return to our own thoughts for a few more minutes before Ryan once again breaks the silence. “What are you going to do with the money?”

“Um…I don’t know. Part of me really wants to rip it up and post it back to them like we did to your mum’s one last week, but as I don’t have their address, I guess I’ll just bung it in a savings account. It might come in useful one day. Everything happens for a reason, so I guess the reason will show itself.”

“Maybe it will put our kids through university,” Ryan muses quietly.

“One thing at a time, Ry. We haven’t even told everyone we’re together yet!”

“Yeah, about that…”

“Christmas. I want to tell everyone at Christmas,” I blurt out, surprising myself.

“That sounds perfect. You can be my Christmas present,” Ryan says as he gently sits me up. “Turn around, I want to see your face.” I do as I’m told, careful not to slosh water all over the floor. When I get there, I settle myself across Ryan’s lap, feeling content with his arms around me.

Ryan insisted we had an early night last night, and I have to say I do feel better for it today. I’ve been so tired recently. I’m sure I’m coming down with something. I’m looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with Ryan and the Morrisons. I’ve told Jax we’re going to have the whole Christmas off, and he was more than happy to put in a bit more work now to allow that to happen. I glance up when he puts a fresh cup of tea down on my desk for me. We’ve worked together seamlessly over the past few months. I couldn’t have asked for a better first employee.

“Why are you looking at me weird?” Jax asks as he sits down at his desk.

“I was just thinking how well us working together has panned out. I was lucky to find you.”

“Aw, Molly, are you getting all sappy on me?” he teases.

Our conversation is interrupted when my phone dings with a text. I quickly grab it and open up the message from Ryan.

Ryan: Do you trust me?

Molly: Completely.

Ryan: Good. When you get in tonight, go into your old room and put on what’s on the bed. Then wait for me. Love you x

I can’t help the wide smile and butterflies. I wonder what he has planned.

“Oh God, Ryan’s sexting you, isn’t he?” Jax groans from behind me.

“No, he’s not. He is planning something, though.”

When I pull up to the house, it’s in darkness, but Ryan’s car is parked out front so I know he’s here somewhere. The butterflies in my stomach have only increased since receiving that message earlier. I’m so excited to see what he’s done.

I let myself in and go straight to my old room, flicking the light on before looking straight at the bed. My breath catches and the butterflies triple at what’s waiting for me. There, laid out, are the shoes I wore for the wedding, a blindfold, and a pair of handcuffs. As I said to Ryan back in the summer, I’ve never experimented with bondage, but that’s not because I’m not curious. It’s because I’ve been with some untrustworthy arseholes. Ryan is a completely different story. I trust him with my life.

Ten minutes later, I’m lying on my bed in just my heels and a blindfold. I didn’t do anything with the handcuffs as I soon realised I needed another pair of hands. I’ve been waiting for a couple of minutes already, and I’m starting to wonder how long I’m going to have to wait. I’ve heard some noises from upstairs, so I know he’s here and is torturing me. The longer I’m lying here, the more exciting and impatient I’m getting. I want his hands on me now.

I get to the point where I’m about to go and find him when I hear the door creak open. When did he come downstairs?

“Shit, Molly. I think I could come just looking at you,” he says with a husky voice.

My body squirms, knowing that his eyes are focused on my naked skin. Suddenly, the mattress dips by my feet, then I jump when Ryan grabs one foot and places a kiss to my ankle before making his way up my leg.

When he gets close to where I want him the most, my hands go to tangle in his hair. “I don’t think so,” he grumbles, quickly moving higher and grabbing one of my hands. My heart’s already pounding, but when I hear the jingle of the handcuffs, it really starts to race inside my chest. My right wrist is attached to the metal post on the headboard, quickly followed by my left. I give them a tug but realise I’m not going anywhere. My skin heats where his eyes touch. I’m aware that the position I’m in is making my breasts stand proud, but when I feel Ryan blow gently on my nipples, I’m more aware of them than ever. Just that simple action has my back arching off the bed.

“Fuck, Molly, you’ve never looked as sexy as you are now, lying there, waiting for my touch. I hope you didn’t have any plans for tonight, because I’m not letting you up any time soon.”

I moan in response. The longer he’s sat there not touching me, the wetter I can feel myself getting. “Ryan, please,” I groan, getting impatient.

“All in good time, Miss Molly,” he says as the bed dips again.

His lips land on my wrist, placing light kisses, nips and licks all the way to my armpit. I feel like I should shy away when I feel his tongue there but, surprisingly, it turns me on more. He moves across my chest and kisses my collarbones, but doesn’t touch my breasts, which are begging for his attention. He gives my other arm the same treatment. The throbbing in my clit is so strong that I rub my thighs together to try to release some of the pressure. Ryan notices, though. “I’m the only one allowed to get you off,” he says, moving so he’s sat between my legs, stopping me.

“You’re killing me, Ry. Please touch me,” I say, lifting my hips and offering myself to him, but he places his hands on my hips and pushes them back down, grumbling about restraining my ankles next time.

He leans forward again, but he surprises me by placing his lips against mine. I instantly part my lips and run my tongue along his bottom lip. “So impatient,” he says before responding to my kiss. When he pulls back, I can hear him panting as much as I am. He kisses down my neck before descending between my breasts, kissing and licking all around them but keeping away from my nipples that are practically screaming to be sucked on.

“Ryan…ahh…” I moan, as his tongue starts to circle dangerously close to where I want it. “Please…” I feel him pull back from me before he teases the very tip of me with the end of his tongue. “Oh God, please.” I must have pushed past his self-control because, all of a sudden, my nipple is being sucked harshly into his hot mouth. I arch and writhe on the bed. He teases the other between his thumb and forefinger, making me moan. “Oh yes…fuck, Ry.” His mouth releases me with a pop before he swaps over. My breaths are coming out in short, sharp pants, and my body is covered in a sheen of sweat. “Shit, Ry, I’m so close, and you haven’t even touched me yet,” I say between pants as he continues his ministrations on my breasts.

Releasing me, he starts to move down my body. Pushing my legs wide open with his shoulders, I’m forced to wait for him to touch me. When he does, it’s not what I’m expecting. His hands come back to my breasts and continue with their pinching and pulling. I’m instantly squirming again, so close to falling over the edge, then he blows against my very ready pussy and I fall apart as shockwaves shoot around my body, causing fireworks to go off behind my eyes.

“Ryan!” I shout as wave after wave of my orgasm flows through me.

“Holy shit.”

As soon as I come down from my high, I realise Ryan has filled me with his fingers and is slowly fucking me. Once he notices I’m back with him, his mouth zeros in on my clit until my second orgasm flows through me.

“Fuck, I can’t wait any longer,” Ryan says as he moves about on the bed and, within seconds, I feel the head of his dick pushing at my entrance.

I’m expecting him to slide in slowly, but my eyes fly open when he thrusts forward and fills me to the hilt in one movement. “Yes…” Ryan hisses through gritted teeth as he pulls out.

I didn’t think I could be on the edge of an orgasm again so soon after the last two, but it feels like it’s only seconds before I’m there again, and I can tell by Ryan’s almost painful grip on my hips that he’s close, too. Ryan’s cock twitches once, and I’m just about to fall into my third orgasm when I hear loud banging on the front door.

“Fuck, Molly,” Ryan groans and thrusts forward one last time, hitting that sweet spot and sending me over. I shout his name out as I come before he flops down onto my chest.

“God, that sounded hot, but can you come and answer the door now, please?” a voice says from the front door, reminding me that someone was knocking.

Ryan instantly sits up and pulls the blindfold from my eyes. “Was that…?”

“I don’t think I can cope listening to that again. Don’t go for another round. Ouch!”

“That’s our baby sister you’re talking about,” another voice says.

“Shit, my brothers!”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Ryan

Walking back into the living room, having put some clothes on, I find Molly making coffee for her brothers, who are now sat at the dining room table. I can’t help but notice how embarrassed Steven looks in comparison to his younger brother, who is smiling at me like I’ve just won the lottery.

I try to shake thoughts of our earlier encounter from my head as I walk over to Molly. “I’ll finish those. You go and talk to your brothers,” I say, pushing her in their direction. She eventually goes over, shouting their orders to me.

“Molly, I know you’re angry…” Steven starts, but quickly gets cut off.

“No, I was angry when I first read their note, but I soon realised that I really shouldn’t have expected anything different, and I know I went off on you a bit, but once I calmed down, I figured out that you two would have told me if you knew. I’m sorry for shouting,” Molly says, trying to explain herself.

“You don’t need to apologise. You had every right to feel that way—hell, you still do. We had a feeling something was up, but you know what Mum and Dad are like. It could have been anything. They asked us both over for a meeting last night, which I assume was after they came here. It was only then that they explained to us that they were moving and handing the business over. I can’t say I’m shocked. They’ve talked about going abroad for years, but I didn’t think they’d do it quite like this,” Steven explains.

“They’re flying out tomorrow,” Daniel adds. “They moved out of the house this morning. They’ve had the stuff they want shipped over and the rest cleared out. Dad has taken his retirement out of the business and left it to us.”

“I’m pleased he’s given you two control. You deserve it after all the work you’ve put in over the years. Plus, I would much rather see you enjoy the money it brings in than them,” Molly says spitefully.

“Right, well,” Steven says, looking sheepish. “This is really why we want to talk to you.”

Molly stares between the two of them for a few seconds, as if she’s trying to read their minds. “Go on,” she says sceptically.

“We want you with us. This company is the family’s, and you are as much a part of that as we are. You should reap the rewards as well,” Steven says softly, trying to gauge Molly’s reaction.

As his words settle in, her eyes widen and she slowly stands, pushing her chair out behind her. “Oh no…no…no. I’ve always stayed as far away from the business as possible. I don’t want anything to do with it, you both know that. Why would you even suggest it?” She paces back and forth in front of her chair.

“We get that, Molly, we really do, but you were distancing yourself from it because you wanted distance from our parents, not the actual business. They’re out of the picture now, and we want it to be the three of us. We don’t, and never have, wanted you to be the forgotten sibling in this family. We want you with us all the way.” The emotion in Steven’s voice must get through to Molly, because she comes to a stop in front of him and just stares at him for a solid minute. “Just hear us out. What do you say?” he adds to try to get her to respond.

“Do they know you’re asking me this?” she eventually says.

“No. They told us they want nothing more to do with the business, and it is completely ours to do what we want with. So, this is our first order of business. We want you to be MD of the company with us. We’re happy for you to be a silent partner; you don’t have to have anything to do with the day-to-day business at all. There is only one thing we would ask from you.”

“And that is?”

“We want everything rebranded. Something new, modern, and fresh to reflect a new start.”

“So, let me get this straight,” Molly starts. “You both want me to be an equal partner in the family business that I hate, so that I can get the money out of it as well, and the only thing you want is for me to do some designs?”

“Yes, that’s pretty much it,” Daniel agrees.

“But that means the two of you will earn less for working stupidly hard.”

“Well, when you say it like that, I guess it makes us look stupid,” Steven says with a laugh. “But you’re forgetting we already take good wages out of the business. The extra money will be profit that we will share. And we will share that not because of the amount of work we’ve each done, but because it’s a family business and we, Molly, are family. And you deserve every penny for the way they’ve treated you over the years. You enjoy that money. Go blow it on a stupidly expensive car to replace that toy one you’ve got.”

I have to add my agreement to this.

“I guess,” Molly mumbles as she sits back down. All three of us watch as she pushes the sleeves of her hoodie up her forearms and rests her head in her hands, clearly thinking about what has just been proposed.

I look away from her and see Daniel’s eyes light up. “Fuck, are those…?” He points to the red marks on Molly’s wrists. “Dude, that’s so fucking hot,” he says, turning to me and putting his fist out for me. My eyes widen, and I’m sure my chin is close to hitting the floor. No way am I fist-bumping him for having dirty sex with his sister.

His words break through Molly’s thoughts because her head snaps up and the three of us stare at Daniel, completely dumbfounded.

“You know you’re heading towards forty, not twenty, right?” Molly asks.

“I don’t think it matters how old you are. Playing with handcuffs is always hot, right?” he asks, looking between Steven and me.

“You seriously need a woman to whip you into shape, bro,” is Steven’s only response.

“Hey, now, the only one doing the whipping when there is a woman involved is me, thank you very much.”

“Okay…so, ignoring our sex-crazed brother, what do you say, Molls. You in?” Steven asks.

The three of them spend the next hour debating the issue. Molly eventually agrees to be involved, but she’s adamant that she wants a smaller share. Her brothers aren’t really up for this, but Molly holds her ground until they don’t really have much choice. Once they come to an arrangement, they agree to sleep on it over the weekend and talk early next week.

Molly’s just walking them towards the stairs when Steven stops and turns back. “I didn’t say it earlier, but I’m happy you two have finally figured out that you should be together. You look after our baby sister, Ryan. She’s really quite special.” When I meet his eyes, it’s clear as day how much he cares for Molly, and I can’t help but think again how lucky she is to have brothers like them when her parents are worth shit.

“I intend to, don’t worry. See you both soon,” I say, before heading to the kitchen with the mugs.

When Molly reappears after saying goodbye, she has a box in her arms and a huge smile on her face.

“What’s that?”

“My Christmas decorations,” she says, smiling, looking like the stress with her parents the last two days hasn’t happened.

“Oh.”

“What?” she asks, her eyebrows drawn together.

“Sorry, I just assumed you didn’t have any. You didn’t have a lot of stuff when you moved in, so I just assumed…” I trail off, feeling like an idiot.

“Hey, it’s all right,” she says, putting her hand on my thigh. “I would have thought the same. These,” she says, going back to the box and opening it up, “are the baubles my gran bought me. She used to get me one every year. Mum hated them and refused to put them on our ‘designer’ Christmas tree, so my gran bought me a small tree to go in my room so I could put them all up. When I moved out, I made sure I had them with me. They mean a lot and hold some really good memories. After my gran died, Hannah would get me one every year instead. I guess this year will be my first without one,” she says sadly, but she’s soon distracted by a cupcake tree decoration.

It looks like I need to get another present for Molly.

“She would somehow always find out what day we would put the decorations up, and she would come around with my new one. I used to get so excited,” she explains.

Shit, if I’m going to keep up that tradition, I need to get organised, seeing as we’re putting the tree up tomorrow.

While I think about how and what I’m going to get, Molly pulls each decoration out one by one and explains its importance. I love listening to her happy stories from her childhood. I’m so used to hearing bad ones that it makes a nice change.

Molly

I walk back into the living area after my bath, and the sight in front of me takes my breath away. There are candles everywhere, and spread out in front of the tree Ryan and I spent the evening putting up is a blanket with loads of pillows, Ryan laid out across it in only his boxers. My mouth waters as ideas start to play out in my mind for what I want to do with him.

“Come here, baby,” he says, holding his arm out for me.

I quickly walk over and grab his hand as he gently pulls me down to him. My knees are just about to hit the floor when I see the little box in front of him. I look back at him, smiling. “Is that for me?”

“It sure is. Go on,” he says, pushing it over to me once I’m settled, pressed up against his side.

I turn the tag over and read what it says aloud. “Happy first Christmas.”

“Open it.”

I slowly pull the paper away, then slide the lid off, revealing what’s inside.

“It’s a beach hut,” I squeal, pulling it out and hanging it off my finger, admiring the clear glass globe that encloses a little hut surrounded by sand and shells. I feel myself tear up as I stare at it, and Ryan makes me jump when he wipes a tear off my cheek with his thumb that I didn’t realise had dropped. “You made out last night that you didn’t know about my decorations, but you had this already,” I say quietly, because I’m totally amazed.

“When you fell asleep last night, I went online, and by some miracle I found this at the garden centre. I got it on the way to the gym this morning. I couldn’t let you miss a year.”

Ryan lowers us so that we’re lying on the blanket with me straddling him. I lean forward and pour everything I feel for him into my kiss. When I need to breathe, I trail kisses across his jaw. The feel of his stubble scratching my lips makes me squeeze my thighs together with memories of them being scratched by that stubble. I whisper, “I love you so much, Ryan. Thank you,” in his ear, before going to get off him.

His eyes fly open as he grips on to my thighs tightly. “Where are you going?”

“To put my new bauble pride of place. I’ll come back, I promise,” I say, blowing him a kiss when he releases his death grip.

“Come back naked,” he says in a deep, sexy voice that makes a shiver run down my spine. “I want to make love to you in front of our first Christmas tree.”

I quickly hang up my decoration before practically ripping the clothes from my body and lying back down so that every inch possible is touching Ryan’s body. He doesn’t waste any time in rolling us over so he’s hovering above me before letting me have the single most passionate, loving, and sensual experience of my life.

“Hi, angels. How are you both?” Susan chimes as we walk into her kitchen, ready to start a full day of decorating the house for Christmas.

“We’re good,” Ryan answers, guiding me over to one of the stools with a hand at the small of my back. “You guys all okay?”

“Yes, I’m just disappointed Dec isn’t coming up for this. All of us should be here, you know?”

“I’m sure he would if he could. He must be really busy to miss it,” I say, trying to lessen her disappointment, but I can’t help but agree. This is the family’s first Christmas without Hannah. I really thought he’d have made every effort to be here.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Tea? Coffee?” Susan asks, looking between us.

“Of course,” I laugh.

An hour later, we’re all stuck in. Pete and Ryan are outside, putting up the lights around the house and garage, and Susan, Emma, Lilly, and I are in the living room, finishing off the first of three trees this house has during the festive season.

I flop back on the sofa after putting the last decoration on the tree and let out a big breath. “Are you okay, Molly? You look exhausted,” Susan asks, sounding concerned.

“Yeah, I think I’m fighting something off. I’ve been tired for a few days. I’ll be fine.”

“If you want to watch, we don’t mind,” Lilly adds.

“No, no, I’m good. Let’s go get started on the dining room.”

We’ve just got the branches straightened out when the rumble of a motorbike brings my head up to look out the window. “Who do you know who rides a bike, Lilly?” I ask, only because I’ve never seen anyone on a bike here.

“Um…oh my God!” she shouts, then takes off, running. I keep my eyes on the driveway, waiting to see who it is, but it’s not long before I get my answer because Lilly launches herself at the leather-clad body just as he pulls the helmet off his head.

“What’s going on?” I hear Susan ask as she appears at the front door. “Declan!” she says cheerily, walking over to him for a hug. “Wait…why is my baby driving a death trap?” He shakes his head at her and pulls her in for a tight squeeze and a kiss on the head. I can’t help but smile when I think of the scrawny little boy he used to be, compared to the built six-foot-something man he’s grown into.

It’s another couple of hours before we’ve all finished our jobs, and we’re gathering around the dining table for dinner. The smell of Susan’s roast has had my stomach growling for hours. It got so bad that I had to sneak into the kitchen and raid the biscuit tin when no one was looking.

“So, were you lying when you said you couldn’t come?” I ask Dec.

“Yeah, pretty much. I’m really busy, so there was a chance I wouldn’t make it. I managed to get everything done over the last few days because I knew I’d never hear the end of it if I missed today,” he says, looking at Susan, who gives him an innocent look, which makes everyone laugh.

“So…” Susan starts, and I can practically feel all her children groan, wondering what’s coming next. “Who was that girl I heard on the phone the other day? A girlfriend?” she asks hopefully.

“No Mum. Just a…friend.” Dec looks a little uncomfortable.

Susan lets out a breath before saying, “I knew from the day you were born you’d have the girls chasing you, angel, but can’t you just pick a nice one to settle down with? Not…well, you know…” She trails off, letting us fill in the blanks. Yes, it turns out Susan’s precious little boy is a bit of a player. Pete thinks it’s great, and encourages him all the way, but Susan doesn’t like how he treats women, even though Dec insists they go into it knowing nothing serious will happen between them. “If only you could get over—”

“Mum, enough,” Dec snaps.

“Oh, Susan, leave the boy alone. He’s just enjoying his youth,” Pete says, sounding bored.

“Thanks, Dad.”

We all look at each other but quickly change the subject to try to break the tension.

When dinner’s finished, I’m made to sit down while everyone else tidies up. I must really look like crap if they don’t want my help, I think to myself. I eventually get bored on my own in the living room and go to see if I can do something.

“Where’s Susan?” I ask, noticing she’s been gone for quite a while.

“She…uh…had to make a phone call,” Ryan stutters, making me wonder what the hell is going on, but in the end, I decide Christmas is only around the corner, so it’s probably something to do with that.

“Who’s here so early?” I ask Ryan as the sound of our doorbell rings through the living area. He just shrugs his shoulders at me whilst mumbling for me to go and see around a mouthful of Shreddies.

“Morning, angel,” Susan sings when I open the door. She comes marching in with Emma and Lilly behind her.

“W-what are you guys doing here?” I stutter with surprise.

“No time for questions, angel,” Susan says hurriedly. “Now go get dressed in something comfortable, pack a bikini, and get your butt upstairs in ten minutes. We’ll be waiting,” she says, pushing me into what she thinks is my bedroom. Luckily for me, most of my clothes are still down here.

“But I’ve got work,” I say, as she physically starts shoving me towards my old room.

“It’s all sorted, now do as you’re told.”

I stand in the middle of the room for a couple of seconds as I listen to them head upstairs and greet Ryan before I step into action. I had already showered but had put my pyjamas back on so I could see Ryan before he left, instead of missing him while I got ready. I’m pretty glad I did now, because it looks like it would have been a waste of time.

Within eight minutes, I’m upstairs with a bag in my hand, ready to go as instructed, even though I have no clue what’s going on.

“Right, I’m off to work. You girls have a good day,” Ryan says, giving Susan a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before doing the same to me.

“Come on, we’re going, too,” Emma says, grabbing my hand and tugging me back towards the stairs.

We’re all settled in the taxi that was idling outside our house before I manage to get any answers.

“I’m sorry, but what the hell is going on?” I ask, looking at all three of them.

“Well…” Susan starts. “I was worried about you yesterday. You looked exhausted. And when I mentioned it to Ryan, he said he was concerned you were doing too much, so I organised us a last-minute day at the spa. Megan is meeting us there as Oscar is at nursery today, and the five of us are going to have a day of being pampered.”

God, that sounds so awesome.

We’re ushered towards the changing rooms once we get to the hotel and told to put our swimming costumes on and get dressed in huge fluffy white robes, before being shown to a private relaxation room. It has six chaise lounges, candles everywhere, soft music playing, and the biggest continental breakfast I have ever seen. It has every kind of fresh fruit imaginable, as well as all sorts of pastries. The smell has my stomach growling loudly, making the girls laugh.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes with drinks. Buck’s Fizz okay with you all?” the beauty therapist asks, and we nod enthusiastically. “Please help yourself to food, it’s all yours.”

“You were right, Susan, I really do need this.” I say, once we are alone again.

“You don’t need to thank us, Molly. We’re more than happy to help, eh, girls?” she asks the others, who all nod while stuffing their faces with all the goodies. “Anyway, you should be thanking Ryan. It was his idea.”

“So, how are you two getting on, living together?” Emma asks once she is settled with a mountain of food piled on her plate.

“Yeah, good, thanks. I think we’ve adjusted pretty well.”

I hear Lilly mutter something like, “Yeah, I bet you have,” whilst chewing on a pastry, which makes me change the subject. I decided I wanted to tell everyone at Christmas, and that is what I’m going to do. “Is Dec back for Christmas now?”

“He decided to stay, but he’s going straight back after New Year’s. He’s got something going on, but he won’t share. It’s frustrating. But you know what he’s like—always wheeling and dealing,” Lilly explains. Ever since Dec understood how to make money, he’s always been doing something, even if it was selling sweets—or fags, as he got older in school. God only knows what he’s up to down in Devon.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ryan

Molly seemed to perk up a bit after her day at the spa. She was glowing that night when I came home. It was good to see her so relaxed after how hard she’s been working and the stress our families have caused—not to mention her quest for Christmas perfection. I swear watching her wrap a present is like watching an artist at work. I’m going to be embarrassed, handing my pathetic excuse for present wrapping to her when the big day eventually gets here.

Tonight’s the night of our Christmas party. I finished school at one o’clock, which gave me time to go shopping and get all the food and drink, as well as helping Molly make sure the house is tidy and the guest rooms are set up. I invited my sisters, but Abbi is still doing anything she can to avoid Jax, and Liv has already headed up to Liverpool—both have promised to be here for our New Year’s party. I’m pretty sure Abbi has started something up again with Caleb, her childhood boyfriend, as she’s mentioned him a lot recently. I’ve told Molly about it and she has sworn me to secrecy, because she knows Jax will be crushed.

“Are you nearly ready, Molls? They’ll be arriving any minute,” I call through to the ensuite where Molly is still faffing around. I’ve been ready for nearly an hour. I’ve done my first lap of the buffet and had two cans whilst I’ve been waiting for her.

“Yes, stop getting your knickers in a twist,” she calls back with a laugh. “Right, what do you think?” she asks as she appears in the doorway.

My heart pounds when I look up and see her in a dress so fitted, it looks like a second skin. It’s flesh coloured with black floral patterns over it and gold sequins. The top has thin straps and the neckline is shaped around the curve of her perfect breasts, showing off the cleavage I want to bury my face in. I run my eyes down over her tiny waist and curved hips to where the dress stops just shy of her knees, then continue my descent to her glittery gold fuck-me heels. Eventually, my eyes make it back up to hers and she raises an eyebrow at me, reminding me that she asked me a question. “I think it’s going to be a long night,” I say in a deep and gravelly voice.

Her lips twitch up at the corners and she slowly saunters towards me. She doesn’t stop until her body is flush against mine. When she feels my arousal pressing against her stomach, she tilts her head to the side and flashes me a wide smile. “I presume you like the dress, Mr. Evans,” she says as she gently rubs herself against me.

Leaning forward, I whisper in her ear, “You look incredible, but if you don’t stop what you’re doing, tonight is going to turn into a private party for the two of us.” I place my lips against the sweet spot under her ear and goosebumps prick her skin. I sneak my tongue out and gently run it along her skin, causing her whole body to shiver in my arms, but before I can tease her some more, the doorbell rings, ending our moment. “You’d better go and answer that…I need a few minutes before greeting our guests.”

Molly stares me in the eyes for a couple of seconds before standing back and looking down at the obvious bulge I’m sporting in my jeans. I haven’t dressed up as much as Molly tonight, but I have put on my smartest jeans and layered a shirt over my t-shirt. My hair is in its usual styled mess and I have my slightly smarter boots on instead of my very worn yet very comfortable ones, or my standard Converse. I thought I looked okay, but the heat in Molly’s eyes when she first saw me earlier told me everything I needed to know. I’m going to have to spend the whole night trying to keep my hands off her, even though the majority of people who are coming tonight already know about us.

“We have a game for us all to play,” Chris announces when there’s a lull in the conversations around the room. Everyone has been here for a good few hours now, and those of us who are drinking are nicely buzzed. We’ve had a great time so far listening to Shane and Chris’ honeymoon tales, and generally catching up with everyone.

A series of groans sound out around the room at his announcement. Those of us who have known him for a number of years know his games can be somewhat on the embarrassing side.

“Go on then, what is it?” Molly asks from the other end of the sofa. I’ve had to resort to keeping as much distance between us as possible, or the need to touch her is overpowering.

“Truth or dare.”

Well, that sounds too normal for one of Chris’ games.

Molly is obviously thinking the same, because I watch her eyebrows draw together in thought before she asks, “What’s the catch?”

“What makes you think there’s a catch?” Shane asks, trying to look innocent.

“Because we know you two better than you think we do.”

“Well, let’s just say we’ve already planned the truths and dares,” Chris says with a wink, which makes Emma jump up from her seat next to Molly.

“Right, I think that’s my cue to leave. I promised Mum I’d open Cocoa’s for her in the morning, so I need to get to bed.”

“Oh, come on, Em, don’t be a spoilsport,” Chris pouts.

“Sorry, guys, but I’m done. I’ll see you two next week,” she says, looking between Molly and me. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“Hang on, I’ll come out with you,” Megan says, grabbing her bag. “I promised James I wouldn’t be late. We’ve got to travel up north to visit his side of the family this weekend…yay!” she says, pretending to look excited but sounding anything but.

Once we’ve said our goodbyes, Chris and Shane get us sat around the coffee table before deciding that Jax should go first because he’s the only single one.

After nearly an hour into the game, we’ve discovered that Jax gets turned on by sexy lingerie and that he prefers the girl to be on top and take control, both of which I tried really hard not to take on board because I just know he’s picturing my sister as he says them. Ana looked completely embarrassed by the whole thing, I thought she was going to combust when Will confessed to everyone that for their anniversary one year, she surprised him by turning up at school with the intention of taking him to his favourite restaurant, but before they went anywhere, they ended up having sex on his desk in his department office. She hasn’t been able to look at me since, knowing that I will, sometime in the near future, go in that office. It turns out that even though Holly and Adam are the newest couple in the room, they’re also the wildest. They have described, in detail, their last online order for ‘supplies’, and we’ve had to endure listening to Holly explain how Adam is the biggest she’s ever had.

Why exactly did I agree to play this game?

We have also watched Shane lick and suck every inch of Chris’ feet, which made me feel pretty sick, if I’m honest, and I have just discovered that it was the story about them getting caught at it on the bonnet of Chris’ car that was the true story Molly was threatening to put in her groomsmaid speech all those weeks ago.

“Right, I think everyone should do a truth and say the most exciting place they’ve had sex now that you know about us,” Chris says, looking to each of us.

“That isn’t the rules of Truth Or Dare,” Ana says. “Plus, you know ours already.”

“I don’t care about the traditional ‘rules’; this my game. So…Jax, you first.”

“Hang on, I think you should go first. You’ve told us about the car, but you told everyone to explain the most exciting place they’ve had sex, so both of you must confess something,” Molly pipes up.

“Okay, that’s easy…in our friend’s bed when we snuck into their flat because it was closer to the university than where we were living.” Chris’ eyes don’t leave Molly’s when he explains this.

Molly’s mouth hangs wide open before she points at herself. Chris doesn’t even look embarrassed when he nods.

“I could have you done for breaking and entering,” Molly says, making everyone laugh.

“We used the spare key, so there was no breaking anything!” Chris says. “Jax, go on, your turn.”

“Uh…on my desk,” he says quietly, but not quietly enough for Molly not to hear him.

“What?” she squeals.

“Sorry,” he says, looking between the two of us sheepishly, knowing that not only is it Molly’s office he did it in, but it was with my sister.

“Brilliant,” I mutter under my breath. “Can we move on, please? Holly?”

We all watch as Holly and Adam look at each other.

“Oh, I know…in the changing room of my favourite clothes shop,” Holly says excitedly.

“Mmm…yeah, that was hot, but what about that time in that café by my work in the disabled toilets?” Adam adds.

“And the woman in the wheelchair from the next table spent the whole time we were in there banging on the door. I tell you what, though,” Holly says, looking around at us all, “those handles are fucking useful!” I can help but laugh. What I’m hearing from Holly tonight is so at odds with the sweet, caring woman I’ve come to know over the past couple of months. I guess a good man can do that.

“Will, it’s your turn,” Jax says before Holly starts going into much more detail.

“It’s not very original, but I guess the toilets of a nightclub.”

“Who the hell with? Because it certainly wasn’t with me. I like to think I have a bit more class than that,” Ana says, pissed off with his confession.

“Sorry, baby, but I was young, horny, and stupid,” he says while smiling at her sweetly.

“So, what’s changed?” she spits out.

“Um…I’m not young anymore,” Will replies, trying to look cute so he’ll be forgiven.

“Ryan?” Chris asks, trying to take the focus away from Will and Ana.

“Hot tub,” I answer.

Molly immediately goes to correct me. “But we didn’t—” She quickly realises what she’s saying and shuts her mouth. I know full well we didn’t actually have sex, but it’s the best I have other than admitting we did it in Chris and Shane’s bridal suite.

“Interesting,” Shane mumbles, looking between the two of us, while Chris and Jax sit there with smirks on their faces. Will and Ana don’t pay any attention because he’s still trying to sweeten her up.

“Okay, so Molly, your turn.” Shane prompts.

I look over at her, wondering what she is going to say, because we haven’t had this kind of conversation before. I watch as a wide smile spreads across her face and I can’t help but dread what is going to come out of her drunken mouth. “I’ve had sex in someone else’s bridal suite.”

And there it is.

I look around the room as every head snaps up to look at her in total disbelief. Maybe I should have listened to her that day when she said it was wrong.

“Oh my God, you had sex in our hotel room on the day of our wedding?” Chris says in total shock.

“Now…I didn’t say that, did I? I’ve been to plenty of weddings over the years. It could have been any one of those.”

“Name one,” Chris demands.

“Uh…Steven’s?” Molly says, but it comes out as a question.

“Yeah, whatever you say, you dirty slut!” Chris says with a smile.

Other than that, Molly and I have managed to get away quite lightly. I’ve had to explain the disaster that was my first time, and Molly, so far, has only had to confess that, yes, she has kissed another woman, which came as no surprise to Chris, Shane, and me because we watched Hannah and Molly do it a few years ago during another of Chris’ stupid games. We got very drunk that night but I have never forgotten that part, and I don’t think I ever will. I have a fear though, from the looks that Shane and Chris keep giving each other, that they have got it in for us, and I am equally excited and dreading what’s coming next.

“Right, Molly, you’re next…truth or dare?”

We all watch as she finishes her drink before slamming it down haphazardly and shouting, “Dare.”

Chris’ eyes sparkle as he looks at the card in his hand before reaching behind him and pulling something out of a bag. He glances between the two of us before placing what I now see is a can of whipped cream on the coffee table. “You, Molly, are to lick this off Ryan’s chest.”

I turn to Molly and see a huge grin break across her face. “Oh hell yeah!” she squeals, before launching herself at me, and pulling my shirt from my shoulders. I can tell by her eagerness that she’s more than a little drunk.

Seven sets of intrigued eyes burn into us, all of them obviously wondering how this is going to play out. I look back to Molly when I feel her start to lift the bottom of my t-shirt. I take pity on her lack of coordination and help her pull it over my head.

Ana gasps from the other side of the room, saying, “If you two go to the gym together, why don’t you look like that?” as she turns her stare on Will.

“He puts in way more effort than I do. Sorry, baby, but this is as good as it gets,” Will tells her, patting his toned stomach before pulling her on his lap for a kiss.

“I need a close-up, so I’m doing the cream,” Chris announces seriously, walking over and instructing me to lie back on the sofa.

Chris really goes to town with the cream, squirting it over every line and indentation on my chest and stomach. My eyes are locked on Molly the entire time, watching hers get darker and darker as they run over my exposed skin. This whole situation is turning me on way more than I’m sure it should, seeing as we are surrounded by our friends.

“Okay, I think I’m done. All yours, Molly, you lucky bitch,” Chris says, giving her an evil look.

Molly pulls her skirt up her thighs and throws one leg over me to straddle my body. I’m quite grateful for the move because it shields me slightly from the prying eyes of everyone watching my torture. It also provides a great view straight down the front of her dress.

She starts at my neck, and her moans of pleasure when she tastes the cream on my skin shoot straight to my dick, making it twitch.

Fuck, this is going to be hell.

Making her way slowly down to my pecs, she spends her time licking around my nipples, teasing me. Her eyes stay on mine the entire time, and I can see everything she’s feeling in her depths. I know for a fact that if I wanted to, I’d be able to slide into her tight little body instantly. The thought causes my dick to press against the tight confines of my jeans, making it even more uncomfortable. I try to give myself a talking to about letting my thoughts wander, but they’re too hard to control in a situation like this.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Molly’s tongue circles my left nipple, making me shiver, like always. She smiles up at me playfully before giving the other one the same treatment, then begins to lick up the cream covering all the lines of my stomach. Every time her tongue touches me, my muscles flinch, and she smiles wickedly, showing me how much she’s enjoying this. Fuck, how I wish we were alone and she could continue her descent until she has her mouth where I truly want it.

Trying desperately hard to keep my breathing in check, I watch until Molly has completely cleaned me of the cream. I expect her to sit up, but she surprises me with one last swipe of her tongue. She starts at my hip, placing her tongue against the skin just above the line of my boxers, before very slowly licking across to the other side. By the time she’s halfway across, she’s managed to get her tongue under the fabric and I can’t stop a groan that rumbles up my throat.

I’m so fucking turned on, it’s painful.

Shutting my eyes, I try to keep myself together. As if this whole thing isn’t embarrassing enough, I really don’t need to shoot my load in my boxers in front of everyone like a little schoolboy.

When she’s done, she shifts herself back up until she’s straddling across my crotch, lining up her scorching heat with my throbbing dick. I press my head back into the sofa and keep my eyes squeezed shut. Everyone’s silent, and I can feel their eyes on me the longer I lie here, not moving.

Ana eventually breaks the silence by announcing that they’re taking the remainder of the can to bed with them, then breaks into a fit of giggles. She’s obviously now drunk so much she’s no longer embarrassed. I hear Will groan in response, before I presume he does something inappropriate, because Chris and Shane start telling them to get a room. Good, that means I’m no longer their entertainment. I open my eyes to find Molly’s heated gaze staring right back at me, making me wish I’d kept them closed.

Molly

Fucking hell, if that wasn’t the hottest thing I’ve ever done. The alcohol buzzing around my system mixed with the taste of the cream and the manly sexy scent that is uniquely Ryan has my entire body ignited and begging for attention.

Ryan is still lying completely rigid underneath me. From the rate his chest is heaving up and down, and the feeling of his rock-hard erection beneath me, I’m guessing he’s trying to rein his body back in as well. If he’s feeling half as turned on as I am right now, it’s going to take a few minutes.

Luckily, everyone is distracted, but I’m completely focused on the pained expression on Ryan’s face and all the inches of perfection that are before me to pay them any attention.

Slowly, Ryan reveals his stunning eyes to me. A dark navy has replaced their usual bright blue. The sight of them makes my breath catch in my throat.

He looks like he wants to say something, so I lean forward and he whispers in my ear, “Are you trying to kill me?” I can’t help but laugh, which brings everyone’s eyes back to us.

“Ah, Ryan, you’re back with us!” Jax laughs. “Did you enjoy that?” he asks with a quirked eyebrow.

“Fuck off,” is Ryan’s only response.

“Okay, Ryan, you’re having a dare, I’ve decided,” Chris states.

“Brilliant!” Ryan mutters as he sits himself up properly after I’ve removed myself from his lap.

“I dare you to do a body shot off Molly,” Chris says with way too much excitement, making Ryan groan next to me.

“Fine,” he says, as if he’s trying to sound totally unaffected by the whole thing. But his voice comes out as a deep rumble, so if that was what he was going for he’s failed. Miserably.

“Right, put Molly on the worktop.” Chris then looks at me before saying, “You’re going to need to unzip your dress so we have some skin to work with, Molls.” I nod at him before Ryan stands and scoops me up in his arms, carrying me towards the kitchen, where he places me on the edge of the worktop. His hands go to the zip at the back of my dress, but he looks down at me before he moves it, getting my approval. I’m drunk enough that I don’t really care about getting half-naked in the kitchen with our friends watching.

Chris appears at our side with a bottle of tequila and a saltshaker. I’m starting to get the impression this has been well planned.

“Right, Molly, lie back.” I do as he says, now that the top of my dress is around my waist, revealing my gold, strapless bra. Chris places a lemon wedge between my lips before wetting his finger with a little tequila and running it up the line of my cleavage. I can’t help but giggle when I hear Ryan growl as he watches Chris touch me. He looks murderous for a few seconds before I guess it registers that Chris is very much gay and no threat at all. Chris then shakes salt on the trail and gets ready to pour some liquid in my belly button. “Okay, so once I’ve poured some, Ryan, I want you to lick the salt, lap up the tequila, then take the lemon. You ready?”

Chris’ preparation and explanation seem to take forever. All I want is Ryan’s mouth on me. The longer I lie here waiting, the more impatient and turned on I’m getting.

After what feels like hours, Chris eventually pours a little of the cold liquid onto my belly, making me flinch. He tells Ryan to go, but his face is already well towards my tits before the words leave his mouth, showing Ryan’s impatience.

“Oh God,” I moan when I feel his tongue run slowly between my breasts, making my already peaked nipples press against the confines of my bra. When he moves south and starts lapping at the tequila sitting in my belly button, I press my legs together in an attempt to stop the throbbing that has now increased to a seriously uncomfortable level. When he’s happy he’s got it all, I feel him move, and then his lips brush mine as he bites into the lemon.

To my surprise, he doesn’t move away from my lips. Instead, he takes the lemon, spits it to the floor and crashes his lips to mine for a scorching kiss. Whoops and hollers sound out around the room, but I barely hear them.

Eventually he pulls back, but only enough so his nose rests against mine. He looks straight into my eyes before he says, “I’m sorry, guys, you all know where you’re sleeping, so I’m sure you can sort yourselves out.” Before I have a chance to realise what he means, he has me in his arms and is racing towards the stairs. I hear more cheers behind us as we start to climb the stairs and everyone disappears from my sight.

When we get to our room, Ryan carries me straight over to the bed and drops me onto it before following me down and laying his body on top of mine. His lips instantly find mine and he continues to kiss me with the same all-consuming passion, only this time we don’t have any spectators. One of his hands tangles in my hair and holds me tight to him, while the other runs up and down my side, settling on my breast. My hands move of their own accord all over his smooth, perfect skin, and come to a rest, tangled in his hair.

I’m completely lost in his kiss and don’t realise he’s moved until he sits himself on his heels between my legs and looks down at me while he catches his breath. He’s still topless so I can easily see how fast his chest is heaving. I rake my eyes down his abs before slowly letting them crawl back up his perfect chest and run over his face, taking in his lust-filled eyes, his slightly pink cheeks, his swollen red lips, and his messy I’ve-just-been-fucked-to-heaven-and-back hair. He takes my breath away. “I love you so much,” I tell him when I meet his eyes again.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers as he lowers his head, breaking our eye contact.

“Hey,” I say, sitting myself up so I can grab his cheek and pull his eyes back to me. “What’s wrong?”

“That,” he says waving his arm towards the door, “was just too much. My restraint snapped and I had to have you alone. I need to be inside you and feel you coming around my cock so badly that I couldn’t think. I know you didn’t want them to know.” He tries to look away again, like he’s ashamed of his actions, but I tense my arm and stop him from turning his head.

“Ryan, don’t be stupid. Let’s be honest, everyone downstairs already knew we had something going on. We’re telling everyone on Tuesday anyway, and it’s not like they’ll spread the news before we get to it. Now,” I say in a slightly sterner voice. “Don’t you ever apologise for wanting me. I’m with you all the way; I want it just as badly as you do, so can we please stop this and get to what we both want?” Before I’ve even finished the sentence, Ryan’s off the bed and pulling my dress down my legs.

“Fuck me,” he groans when he stands back and looks at me. I bought a new set of gold lace underwear for tonight, which I kept hidden from him, but I’ve also added sheer hold-ups with gold lace at the top. Finish that off with my gold heels, and I feel like a fucking goddess, lying here under Ryan’s heated, appreciative gaze. I lean back on my elbows and let him get his fill.

After a full minute, he pulls his phone out of his pocket. “Can I?” he asks.

“Just one.” Wow, I really have drunk too much.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll never forget this sight, but just in case…” He shrugs his shoulders.

It’s not the first time I’ve been asked to have my photo taken, but it is most definitely the first time I’ve agreed. I know without a doubt that the photo is for Ryan’s eyes only. I trust him implicitly. I watch him as he takes the picture, then puts his phone on the unit, before stripping out of his clothes. I can’t take my eyes off him as he reveals more of his perfect body for me to gawk at.

Once his boxer briefs hit the floor, he looks back at me and smirks. “You like my body, don’t you, Molly?” he asks quietly.

“You have no idea. I’d like it better if I could touch it, though,” I say as I reach out to him, but he doesn’t move.

“What is it exactly that you want to touch?” The more he talks, the lower and sexier his voice gets, making my mouth go dry. I watch as he slowly lifts one hand towards his head. “Do you want to be running your hands through my hair like this?” he asks as he brings his hand to rest of the back of his neck. “Or would you rather be doing this?” His hand slowly runs across his chest and down his stomach towards his straining dick. I can’t help the groan that comes from me as I watch the show. “Or is it here that you want to touch?” he asks, wrapping his hand around himself and slowly moving it up and down his length. The sight of him pleasuring himself in front of me sends an electric bolt straight through me.

“Oh God, that’s hot,” I groan.

“Show me how ready you are for me, Molly. Spread your legs and touch yourself,” he demands, and I do it instantly. When my fingers touch my sensitive flesh, my moan of pleasure is drowned out by Ryan’s growl and, before I know it, my fingers have been replaced by his and I’m once again flat on my back with him hovering above me.

My orgasm is about to rip through me, but Ryan pulls his fingers away at the last minute. “No,” I complain.

“I want you coming around my cock, Molly,” he says, as he lines himself up with my entrance.

He slides into me painfully slowly until he’s balls deep and whispers in my ear, “This isn’t going to be gentle. Are you ready?”

“Yes,” I breathe. I’m more than ready for what he’s about to give me.

He pulls out almost all the way and I see his muscles tense as he prepares to slam back into me, when both of our heads snap towards the bedroom door at the sound of Tenacious D’s ‘Fuck Her Gently’ booming through. Ryan looks back at me and we both burst out laughing.

“I love our friends,” I say, once my laughter has died down.

“Mmm…I love you more.” Those words are all it takes for the song and everything else to be forgotten, and we lose ourselves in each other for hours.

I stretch my body out the next morning when I wake up, and all my muscles pull from our late-night activities. I haven’t been to a pole-dancing lesson for a few weeks because I haven’t been feeling up to it, and the lack of exercise is starting to show.

Ryan’s still sleeping next to me if his soft snores are anything to go by, so I carefully roll over and go to get up. The moment I stand, my stomach turns over and I have to run to the ensuite.

I sit back on my heels after emptying my stomach and realise I feel much better for it. I’m just about to stand when I hear Ryan walk up behind me.

“Did I just hear you being sick, Molls? Are you okay?” he asks, the concern clear in his tone.

“Yeah, I’m fine now. I guess it was just too much food, wine, and excitement last night,” I say with a shrug of my shoulders as I go to the sink to brush my teeth.

We walk down to the living area hand in hand thirty minutes later. No one else is awake yet, so we quietly go into the kitchen and put the kettle on so we don’t wake Jax, who’s asleep on the sofa. I didn’t hear anyone go to bed last night. I’m unsure if that was because I’d fallen asleep or if I was still being thoroughly distracted by Ryan. I’m sure if it’s the latter, someone will say something about it, because we were not quiet—I remember that much.

“Coffee, please, love birds,” I hear Jax say from the sofa when the kettle pings.

“Morning,” I say, smiling at him when his head pokes up over the back of the sofa.

“I understand why you both look so happy, but how do you look like you’ve had a full night’s sleep? We all know that wasn’t the case.”

“Sleep is overrated,” Ryan mutters as he pulls the milk from the fridge.

“God, I miss sex,” Jax complains as he gets up and pulls his jeans on.

Everyone else appears over the next couple of hours, most looking the worse for wear. I understand why when I pick up the empty tequila bottle and shot glasses from the coffee table later that day.

Needless to say, Ryan and I get no end of grief about our performance last night—and well into the early hours this morning, if what they all told us is anything to go by.

It’s late afternoon before everyone starts heading off. My brothers pull up outside the house as Ryan and I say our goodbyes to Jax, who is the last to leave. “No peace for the wicked,” I mutter to myself.

“Hey, good to see we aren’t interrupting anything this time,” Daniel says with a laugh.

“Nah, they wore themselves out last night,” Jax shouts over to us from his car.

Daniel barks with laughter while Steven looks mortified at having to be part of yet another conversation about my sex life.

“Jax,” I shout back, making him look up at me. “You’re fired!”

“Yeah, whatever. You couldn’t cope without me now, and you know it,” he shoots back, jumping in his car and heading off.

When we get upstairs, I notice that Steven is carrying an envelope. “Are those the papers I have to sign?”

“Yes, it’s all as you requested.”

“Great,” I say sarcastically, because I’m still not completely happy about getting involved with the business, but at least I got my way with having a smaller share than my brothers.

They don’t stay very long, which I’m relieved about. It’s not that I don’t want to spend time with them, because I do, but right now I’d much rather be cuddling with Ryan on the sofa in front of soppy Christmas films.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Molly

Christmas Eve is my favourite day of the year. I can’t help it—I feel like a child again. I’m going to be spending tomorrow with all my favourite people, including my amazing boyfriend. I still can’t believe I have everything I have ever wanted, and that the person who has given it all to me is Ryan.

“What are you smiling about?”

“Just excited about spending Christmas with you.”

“I’m so glad we managed to get out of spending tonight at the Morrisons’. I don’t think they’d have been too happy about being in the same house as us with the things I have planned for you tonight,” Ryan says as he walks back over to the sofa with our drinks in hand. He places them on the coffee table before lying down in front of me and pulling me against his body. His lips find mine and, within seconds, his tongue is exploring my mouth.

After a few minutes, his phone starts ringing on the coffee table. Groaning into his mouth, I go to pull away from him, but he mumbles to ignore it and continues kissing me.

No sooner has his phone rang off than it starts again. Eventually, I manage to detach Ryan’s lips from mine to get him to answer it.

“Ugh, it’s my mum,” he says, putting it on silent and placing it back on the coffee table, but it lights up again before he gets to put it down.

I can see from the photo on the screen that it’s Abbi this time. “Just answer it.”

He grumbles as he sits himself up before swiping the screen and putting it to his ear.

“Abbi, what’s—” He’s cut off by something she says, but I can’t make her out. “Shit, he’s okay though, right?” Hearing him say that gets my heart beating faster. “Are you sure she isn’t just using this as a good excuse to get me there, if he’s okay?”

I continue listening for a few minutes before he agrees to whatever it is they’re talking about and hangs up. When he turns to look at me, a wave of disappointment washes over me, because I know what’s coming from what I overheard.

“My dad’s had a heart attack.” I suck in a breath. “He’s fine—it was mild and he’s recovering well, but they want me there. I’m so sorry, but I’ve got to go.”

“It’s okay, I understand. They’re your family—you need to be with them.”

“You could come?” he asks tentatively.

“No. I’m sorry, but it’s Christmas, and I really don’t want to see your mum. Not yet, anyway.”

“It’s fine, I shouldn’t have asked. I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise.”

“Yeah, I know,” I say sadly. “You’d better go and pack some stuff.”

I can’t believe how, in the space of two minutes, all my earlier excitement has completely vanished, and I now feel empty, knowing I’m going to be spending Christmas without Ryan.

He seems to be packed and ready to leave in no time. All I want to do is cling onto him and beg him not to go, but I know that it’s irrational, unfair, and selfish. His dad is in the hospital; he needs to be there for him and his family.

“I want you to take these with you and open them in the morning,” I say as he zips up his suitcase, his Christmas presents in my hands.

“We could open each other’s now, before I go,” he suggests.

“No, I want you to open them tomorrow, whether I’m with you or not.”

He walks over to his wardrobe and pulls out a bag. “You have to open yours in the morning, then,” he says as he hands it over, and I swallow down the lump in my throat I’ve been trying to fight. My eyes sting and I pray I can hold them off until he leaves. “Oh, Molls, please don’t get upset. You know I’d rather stay here with you, don’t you?”

I just nod at him, my first tear falling. I need him to get going now, because I can’t cope with drawing this goodbye out. I need to fall apart on my own and not make him feel guilty. I wipe my tears and square my shoulders in an attempt to pull myself together. “Right…are you ready?”

“Yeah, I think so,” he answers sadly.

“Come on…the sooner you get gone, the sooner you can be coming back to me.”

“I’m really sorry about this.”

“Ryan, stop apologising. This is not your fault, and you’re doing the right thing.”

“Okay,” he says as he pulls me in for a hug. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I love you.”.

“I love you, too. Send Abbi and Liv my love.”

“I will.”

With one final kiss, he walks out of our bedroom and out of the house. I can’t bear to watch him walk away from what was supposed to be my best Christmas ever.

It takes a good ten minutes for my sobs to subside enough for me to make my way back down to the living room and the glass of wine and DVD of The Holiday that’s waiting for me. I curl myself up under the blanket and try to forget about everything as I let Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet distract me from my misery.

The film is nearly over when I hear a noise coming from downstairs and the door slam shut. My heart pounds, thinking that he’s come back. I sit up straight on the sofa as I hear footsteps heading my way. My heart feels like it breaks in two when the person that comes into view isn’t Ryan. I immediately burst into tears and run at Susan, who holds her arms out for me.

“Oh, Molly,” is all she says as she leads us back to the sofa.

I pull my face from her shoulder and look into her kind eyes. “Ryan won’t be here for Christmas,” I tell her in a steadier voice than I am expecting.

“I know, angel,” she says softly and wipes a tear off my cheek. “He rang and asked me to come and make sure you were okay. He told me I wasn’t allowed to leave you here alone and that you were to come back with me.” I just nod at her, because the lump in my throat is stopping any words from coming out.

Ryan

A couple of hours later, I’m pulling up in the driveway of my childhood home. Abbi rang thirty minutes ago to say they’d been kicked out of the hospital because visiting hours were over, and that they would meet me at home.

When I get there, Abbi explains everything about Dad’s condition. Everything is positive; he should make a full recovery, but he needs to make a few lifestyle changes once he’s discharged. Mum’s already fast asleep in bed. Today has really taken its toll on her.

I wake up the next morning to the sounds of Mum crashing around in the kitchen like I used to as a kid. When I eventually join her, I see that Abbi and Liv are already there and Mum is just dishing up our traditional Christmas breakfast of pancakes. It’s always been one of our favourite parts of Christmas. Okay, maybe not when we were children, but as the three of us got older, we appreciated it more and more. My stomach’s been grumbling the whole time I’ve been getting ready, knowing what’s happening downstairs.

“Ryan,” Mum squeals when I appear in the room. She walks over and holds on to me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here…I’ve missed you so much.” Her voice cracks and she quietly starts sobbing in my arms. As much as I hate her actions towards Molly, she’s still my mum, and she’s upset, so I soothe her as much as I can.

Once we’ve eaten, Mum instructs us to pack up the presents from under the tree so we can take them to open with Dad.

I feel really bad as I watch my sisters leave the house with bags of presents, because I haven’t bought Mum and Dad anything, and what Molly and I did get for my sisters is still at home. I didn’t think of grabbing them before I left. The only presents I can take with me are the ones Molly packed in my bag yesterday.

I wait as Mum pokes her head around Dad’s door to see if he’s awake. “Merry Christmas, darling,” she sings, pushing the door wider and gesturing for us to follow.

“Merry Christmas, Dad,” the three of us say as we enter the room.

“Ryan. What are you doing here, son?”

“You’re in the hospital, in case you’ve forgotten. I needed to be here for you, old man.”

“Enough of that, please. Come here,” he says, holding his arms out to me. I walk over and gently give him a hug. The others follow suit.

We’re chatting away when a nurse comes in and asks us to leave for a few minutes while they do some tests.

“We’re going to get coffee. Want one?’” Abbi asks as we step out into the corridor.

“Ryan,” Mum says after Abbi and Liv have turned a corner away from us. “Come and sit. I want to talk to you.”

I do as she says, but I’m apprehensive about what she’s about to come out with. If she’s going to say anything about Molly, I think I may just get up and leave. I already hate that I’m spending today without her. I don’t need Mum slagging her off as well.

“Ryan…I’m sorry about what I did. It was selfish of me to try to run your life the way I think it should be. I never should have done it, but at least I know that she’s serious now. I’m sorry to say it, but I thought she’d take it and run. I—”

“You saying that just shows me how little you actually know about her, and what you’re basing your opinions on. She’s not like that at all.”

“I see that now. Let me just say this.” She looks down and holds one of my hands in both of hers. She takes a deep breath before looking back up into my eyes. “I had the shock of my life yesterday. I cannot imagine my life without your dad. He is the other half of me. It suddenly hit me that that could be what I’ve been trying to keep you from having. Okay, so Molly may not have been my ideal woman for you—” I go to interrupt but am stopped by the look on her face.“—but as you’ve said before, that’s not for me to decide, and if she’s your other half, I need to be happy for you. If she makes you even half as happy as your dad has me over the years, then it’s worth fighting for.”

I reach up and wipe a tear that’s fallen from Mum’s cheek while I think about her words.

“Mum…I…I’m completely in love with her. She’s my everything. We’ve been together for a couple of months, and I can honestly say I’ve never been happier.” I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face, actually telling someone that.

“Then you need to make damn sure you are her everything, too, son. I want nothing more than for you to be happy, and if Molly does that, then…I can’t wait to meet her…the real her.”

Wrapping my arms around my mum’s tiny frame, I whisper, “Thank you,” in her ear.

A few seconds later, the nurse appears from Dad’s room, saying we can go back in. We barely sit down before Abbi and Liv reappear with our coffees.

“Did I see you bring presents?” Dad asks us.

“Yes. Girls, do you want to start handing them out?”

I stop them before they make a dive for the bags. “Um…I’m really sorry, but I haven’t got anything for you guys. Mum, I was so annoyed with you that I haven’t actually got you anything…sorry,” I say with a grimace. “And I left yours at home,” I say to my sisters.

“You’re here, and that’s all that matters…and I’m hoping I’m forgiven?”

“As long as you do as you just said, then yes.” I feel three sets of eyes staring between us.

Eventually, Dad breaks the silence by telling Mum he’s proud of her and, just because I can’t hold it in any longer, seeing as today is the day we were going to tell everyone, the words just come spilling out of my mouth. “I’m in love with Molly, and we’ve been together secretly for a while now,” I say in a rush.

“Secretly, my arse!” Abbi says, laughing.

“Does this mean we can all admit that we already knew?” Liv asks.

“Yes, shut up, smartarse. I know we weren’t actually very secretive, but we knew people would have opinions, so we needed to make sure it was serious first.”

“I’m happy for you, son. She’s a good girl,” Dad says with a smile on his face.

“Yes, she is.”

We’ve been handing out presents around the room for about twenty minutes. I’ve got the standard socks and pants from Mum and Dad as well as a family photo for my house, a couple of cookbooks, and a rather large voucher for a garden centre to buy myself a set of garden furniture. I’ve also opened a t-shirt from my sisters and all kinds of smellies. They’ve also given me a bag to take home for Molly. Guilt hangs heavy at not being able to give anything in return—that is, until my mum squeals on the other side of Dad’s bed.

“What is it?” we ask her at the same time.

She gets up and comes running towards me with some paperwork in her hand before hugging me tightly. “You said you didn’t get us anything, you liar!” she says, laughing. Her delight is clear on her face.

“Mum, I wasn’t lying. I really haven’t bought anything.”

She stands back and looks at me before passing the paper over. My eyes go wide as I read what it says.

“Holy shit.”

“What is it?” Liv asks.

“It’s a voucher for a holiday in Paris in Mum and Dad’s name…from me and…Molly. She did this,” I say, looking up to Mum. “Molly has done this…I had no idea.”

“Why would she do that after what I did to her?” Mum asks, confused.

“Because this is who she is, Mum, not whoever you had in your head. I told her I wasn’t getting you anything because of what happened, but she wasn’t happy about it.”

“We were talking about wanting to go to Paris that weekend at yours over dinner. She must have been listening.”

“See? This is who she is,” I say again, just to make sure she knows.

The surprises don’t end there. Before long, Abbi and Liv are handed similar looking envelopes.

“What has she done now?” I ask, laughing.

“She’s booked for the three of us to go to London to watch a show we were talking about for a weekend later in the year,” they explain, showing me the paperwork.

Well, shit…if my girlfriend isn’t the most caring woman in the world, then I don’t know who is. I just wish she were here to see the excited looks on their faces. She would love it.

“Ryan, are you going to open those?” Mum asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

When I look up, she’s nodding towards the presents on my lap. The last ones in the room to be opened. I’ve been holding off because, after seeing what she got my family, I’m kind of scared to find out what she got me.

The first couple I open are fine—more boxers, some t-shirts and jeans. There’s a photograph of the two of us that I took in bed one night. I look down at the last box and slowly start to pull the paper away. My heart hammers and my hands start to sweat a little because, if I know Molly like I think I do, then whatever is in here is going to knock me on my arse.

“Fuck,” is all I can say when the box emerges from the paper. I slowly open it up and there, gleaming at me, is the most stunning timepiece I have ever seen.

“Holy shit…do you know how much that costs?” Abbi says next to me in a slightly higher voice than usual. All I can do is nod as I pull the watch out of the box. Something tells me to turn it over and, when I do, I see that I was right. There, inscribed on the back, are Molly’s words.

All of my love,

Forever.

Molly x

The memory of us in the shower the night of the stag do hits me at full force, remembering when she said those words for the first time. I feel myself tear up and Abbi’s hand comes to rest on my shoulder in comfort.

After staring at it for a few minutes with the room in silence, I slide the watch into place on my wrist before standing up and looking at everyone’s slightly choked up faces.

“I’m sorry, but there’s somewhere I need to be.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Molly

When I woke this morning, it took me a few seconds to place where I was. I stretched my arm out across the bed to find Ryan, but he wasn’t there. It wasn’t until the unmistakable smell of Susan’s homemade waffles hit my nose that I remembered where I was, that Ryan wasn’t here with me, and that I was spending another Christmas alone.

“Good morning, angel. Merry Christmas,” Susan sings from her spot in front of the oven as I join the rest of the family around the table.

As soon as my arse hits the chair, Susan is placing a plate of hot waffles and a mug of steaming hot tea in front of me. I instantly reach for the mug and hold it in both hands.

“Is this new?” Susan asks, lifting my wrist up.

“It was a Christmas present from Ryan. I opened it before I came down.”

I look at the charm bracelet I’m now proudly wearing. I can’t help smiling, but at the same time my eyes water at Ryan’s thoughtfulness. There are two charms currently on my bracelet: one is an angel, and the other is two interlocked rose gold hearts.

Susan looks up from inspecting the two charms when I sniff. She smiles at me with her eyes full of sympathy. “He’ll be back before you know it,” she whispers to me before going back to making sure we’re all full to bursting with breakfast.

“Mum, how long until dinner’s ready?” Dec asks after we’ve finished opening the presents quite a while later.

“Two hours yet, angel.”

“How are you hungry already?” Lilly asks, bemused. “You had, like, twenty waffles this morning!”

“An engine this perfect needs good fuel, Lil,” Dec says, lifting his shirt to show off his abs just to prove his point.

“Oh, put it away, no one wants to see your body,” Lilly says, throwing a cushion at him.

“Huh, my abs usually get a different reaction from women,” he deadpans, returning the cushion, which hits Lilly square on the head.

I decide to get up before they start properly fighting. “I’m going to tidy this up, if you want to help,” I say, looking around the room at all the scrunched up wrapping paper. “Then I’m going for a lie down, if that’s okay?”

Susan, as always, got everyone perfect presents. I love sitting and watching them all enjoy opening what they’ve got. I don’t need presents; watching the happiness around me is enough, even if it’s tinged with a little sadness with the loss of Hannah. No one has mentioned her yet, so I’m guessing everyone is just trying to get through the day in one piece. I can’t imagine she’s far from anyone’s minds.

“Of course, don’t worry about this. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum here can get it,” Susan says, pointing at the twins.

I make my way up to the guest bedroom I slept in last night. When I look in the mirror, all I can see is my sad, tired eyes. No wonder everyone’s been acting strangely around me. I look like I could break down at any moment. My skin is unusually pale, my eyes have dark rings around them, and they’re rimmed in red from either tiredness or crying after opening my presents from Ryan earlier, I’m not really sure which.

Leaning back against the bedroom door as soon as the latch clicks closed, I let out a huge sigh. I glance around the room and, the moment my eyes land on the teddy bear Ryan bought for me lying in the middle of the bed, a sob erupts from me without warning.

My back slides down the door until my arse hits the floor. I put my head on my knees and give myself over to my tears.

The stress of the last few weeks with work being crazy, Ryan’s mum, my parents and brothers has taken its toll, and I’m completely exhausted. I love Ryan with everything I am, but hiding our relationship for the past couple of months has been hard. I know it was the right thing to do, but keeping secrets from the people closest to me has caused more stress than I thought it would. I’m done hiding. I hoped that we would be together when we told everyone our news, but that obviously isn’t how fate intended it to happen.

Once I’ve pulled myself together, I get myself up off the floor and slump down on the edge of the bed. I pull my phone out of my jeans pocket before lying back on the pillow and putting it to my ear after pressing Call on Ryan’s name.

It rings until it goes to voicemail—again. I drop the phone next to me, grab the teddy bear, and hold it close to my chest.

I know it’s not Ryan’s fault. His dad his ill, for fuck’s sake, but I can’t stop feeling like I’ve been abandoned. I know that’s not true. I could tell by the look in his eyes when we parted yesterday. He didn’t want to leave just as much as I didn’t want him to go.

I’m trying my best not to get annoyed with him because he’s probably in the hospital, but it’s not that easy. It’s Christmas day, and I haven’t spoken to my boyfriend.

I come around feeling really hot. At some point, I’d managed to get myself under the covers whilst still being fully clothed. I flip them off and turn over, keeping the bear tight to my chest. I’ve no idea how long I’ve been asleep, but I feel like I could do with some more. I’m just fading away again when a shiver runs down my spine.

I crack open one eye to put my mind at rest. I mean, I’m in the Morrisons’ guest room—who the hell would be watching me sleep?

I have to blink a couple of times, because what I’m seeing cannot be right. I must be dreaming. I open them both this time just to check, but he’s still there and it’s not my imagination playing tricks on me.

Standing, leaning back against the door, is Ryan. The corners of his lips curl up when he sees me awake. I run my eyes all over him, because if this is a dream, I need to make the most of it. I run my eyes up his thick thighs to where his jeans are resting low on his hips, giving me a hint of what he’s wearing underneath. I continue my journey, taking in his thick knit jumper stretched over his broad chest and shoulders. I run my eyes up his neck. I take in his stubble-covered jaw, up past his eyes, and to his head, covered in a grey knit beanie hat. It’s sitting so far back on his head, I have no idea how it’s staying put, but he looks edible with his messy dirty blonde hair sticking out the front and falling over his eyes.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when he moves towards me. He lowers himself so that he’s sitting on the edge of the mattress and looks down at me while running his knuckles down my cheek.

“Am I dreaming?”

“No, gorgeous,” he says, toeing his boots off and lying down next to me. “I came back for you. I couldn’t cope being away from you any longer.”

He places his hand on my cheek and wipes away the few tears that have fallen, when I notice the watch is on his wrist. “Do you like it?”

“Are you kidding? I love it. Thank you so much. Have you opened yours?”

I look down at the bear now squashed between our chests, and Ryan laughs as he follows my eyes.

“I guess you have, then. Did you like the bracelet?”

Before I answer, I shove at Ryan’s chest as hard as I can. He must take pity on me because he rolls onto his back easily, allowing me to straddle his waist. Leaning forward so my lips are just touching his, I whisper, “I love it, but I love you more…” I take a breath to carry on telling him how glad I am that he’s here and how badly I’ve missed him, but Ryan can’t wait any longer, because he presses his lips hard to mine and his tongue passes my open lips. His arms come around my back and he holds me tight to him while he kisses me like he hasn’t seen me in months, not hours.

Our kiss soon turns into something much more heated as we explore every inch of each other’s mouths. Ryan’s hands creep up under my top and his fingers pinch my peaked nipples though my bra while I grind against his length.

I pull my lips from his so I can try to catch my breath. “I can’t believe you came back. Are you sure I’m not dreaming?”

“I’m sure, gorgeous. God, I want to be inside you so badly,” he groans in my ear before he starts kissing and nibbling down my neck.

Fuck, I want that, too. Why couldn’t we be at home alone right now, not at the Morrisons’? And from the smell now wafting through the room, I’d say dinner is nearly ready. “Ryan, please,” I’m so close already, I’m sure Ryan has some magic power over me.

“Molly…you’re killing me. We can’t, Susan said dinner was almost ready before I came up here.”

I’m moved off Ryan and rolled onto my side so we’re facing each other again.

“It would have been quick,” I say, pouting.

“That may well be true, but I’m not having all them listening when you scream my name. Plus, I want to take my time with you.”

I’m just about to respond when I hear Susan’s voice. “Molly, Ryan, dinner is ready.”

“See,” Ryan says with a smirk as he gets up and adjusts himself in his jeans before heading towards the door.

“Ry,” I say before he grabs the handle.

“Yes, gorgeous?”

“Thank you for coming back.”

“There isn’t anywhere I’d rather be.” He grabs my hand and pulls me along towards the stairs but, as we enter the Morrison’s dining room, I feel him go to pull his hand from mine. I hold on tight and, together, we walk up to the table. All eyes turn our way.

“Ah, angel, you look so much better,” Susan comments when she sees me.

“Thank you. I needed that.” I know I’m implying the sleep I had, but what I really needed was the person stood next to me.

“I…uh…we…” I look up to Ryan and he just smiles back at me encouragingly. I take a deep breath and start again. “We have an announcement to make…” I look around at the faces of my adopted family, and I can’t help but laugh when Susan starts excitedly bouncing in her seat. “Ryan and I are together. I know that—”

“Don’t even think about going there,” Susan interrupts. “We’re all so happy for you both, and we are ever so thankful that we don’t need to pretend we don’t know anymore.”

Ryan

We just get seated when Emma clears her throat at the other side of the table from Molly and I, making everyone look up. “Okay, so as we’re making announcements, I’d like to say something.”

The silence is deafening as we wait. I cannot begin to imagine what’s running through her head right now. Molly squeezes my hand tighter.

“So…” Emma begins, “I know you’ve all been worried about me these past few months, and I’m sorry that I’ve caused that, but I’ve been trying my hardest to deal with losing Hannah. I feel like I’m now at a point where I want to share some things with you and ask for some help.”

“Go on,” Susan encourages when Emma looks like she’s about to bolt from the room.

“Okay, so…it all started when I wanted somewhere quiet to go to think. I started going to the village where Gran and Grandad used to live, sitting down by the river. I used to spend hours there, thinking about Hannah. Eventually, I ran out of thoughts, and once I got past the guilt of not being able to remember anything else, I started thinking about what could have been. All these thoughts just started flowing around in my head, so, one day I took my laptop with me and I started writing. To cut a long story short…I’ve written a book.”

“Oh, angel, that’s wonderful,” Susan says.

“I need to make a huge apology. Ryan…I may have killed you off. The story is about Hannah rebuilding her life and moving on.”

The look on Emma’s face as she says this tells me all I need to know about how scared she has been to tell me this. “Emma, it’s—”

“No, let me finish.” I nod at her to continue. “I’m sorry, but I think you should be thanking me because it was writing about Hannah moving on and finding someone new that helped me understand what’s been going on with you two, and it’s what Hannah would want. She loved you both and would want you to be happy. And if that’s together, then so be it.”

“I don’t know what to say…thank you, I guess.”

“Can I read it?” Molly chips in excitedly. I know she’s as big a reader as Emma is, so I’m not surprised by her enthusiasm.

“I was hoping you would. I’ve only just finished typing the story, so it’s going to need quite a bit of editing. I can only imagine how many errors will be in it. But I was also hoping you’d help me with a cover design and with promotion when it’s done.”

“Of course I will,” Molly squeals as she gets up and runs around the table to hug Emma.

A thought hits me. He may not thank me for it later, but I’m sure he’ll be willing to help. “I’ve got a mate who’s an English teacher. I’m sure he’d read it for you to help edit it.”

“That would be amazing, thank you. And thank you all for understanding and being patient with me this year. I truly couldn’t have done it without you.”

Everyone has just about finished consoling Emma, who seems to be a bit overwhelmed after confessing what she’s been up to, when Dec pipes up. “While we’re at it, I’ve got news, too.”

“Are we ever going to get to the turkey?” Dave complains lightheartedly.

“Don’t worry, old man, you’re not going to starve to death anytime soon,” Dec deadpans as he waves his hand in the direction of his dad’s rather round belly. “So, as you know, I like to make money.” Lilly groans. “Thanks for the support, Lills! Anyway, I’ve started up my own surf school. Someone from uni introduced us to this little bay about an hour away from campus. It’s really up and coming with tourists, and the surf is insane. It’s early days, but it seems to be doing well.”

“My goodness, when did all our children become so successful?” Susan chimes in, looking like she could burst with pride.

Eventually, there’s enough of a break in the conversation that we can actually start dishing out the dinner. Dave makes a really touching speech for Hannah which has us all sobbing into our gravy, but soon the conversation resumes around Emma’s book and Dec’s business.

“Lilly, have you got anything to announce while we’re here?” Dave asks.

“Uh, no, I don’t think so.”

“What about that new boyfriend of yours? When do we get to meet him?” Susan has been trying to get an invitation to meet this mysterious man of Lilly’s for a while now, but she keeps putting her off.

“He’s not my boyfriend, Mum. We’re just…friends?” It comes out more like a question.

Susan mumbles her disapproval quietly and the heat is soon taken off Lilly, much to her relief.

Once we’ve finished eating, Molly and I are given the task of washing up and drying everything that won’t fit in the dishwasher. We’re alone for the first time since we were upstairs. The electricity between us hasn’t lessened. My body is still aching for her, and every time she so much as brushes my skin, fireworks go off around my body. Molly is acting like everything’s normal, but I can tell by her eyes that she is just as affected as I am.

I put the last tray away before coming up behind her at the sink and wrapping my arms around her waist. She shivers when my breath whips past her ears and she leans back into my body.

“We are not staying here tonight,” I growl in her ear.

Her breath picks up and she shakes her head. “No, we’re not.”

“Let’s finish up in here, then make our excuses. I want you alone and naked, and that’s not happening while we’re under this roof. I think it’s time we celebrate Christmas our own way, don’t you?” I ask as I run my hands up her stomach and squeeze her breasts. The moan that comes from her almost makes me forget where we are. I continue teasing her and kissing down her neck, but we’re soon interrupted.

“Dude, seriously, just take her home already,” Dec says with a laugh.

Molly’s instantly out of my arms and looking panicked. “W-we want to be here,” she stutters.

Dec comes over and wraps his arm around her shoulder. “I was joking, Molls. You two deserve some time alone today. Plus, with you gone, I’m a dead cert for winning Monopoly.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Molly

I know I’m only torturing myself, but since we walked through the front door, I’ve found little jobs to keep myself busy, just to see how far I can push Ryan. I’ve unpacked my overnight bag, had a shower and dried my hair—very slowly, I might add. Ryan’s come up every ten minutes or so to see if I’m ready yet, and each time, I have to try to hold my laughter in.

“Hurry the fuck up and get your arse downstairs on the sofa with me, Molls,” he grumbles when he comes back up to find me still faffing around.

“Yeah, I’ll be there in, like, two minutes.”

“I’m bored of waiting.” He walks towards me. “Nothing you’re doing can be as important as what I’ve got planned.” That thought alone gets my blood pumping. As soon as he’s standing in front of me, he grabs me by my thighs and throws me over his shoulder before marching us downstairs. I’m thrown onto the sofa, and I have to quickly cover what I’m wearing under my dressing gown.

That’s a surprise for later.

Once I’m sorted, I look up to see a glass of wine for me on the coffee table next to a wrapped present. “Are you sorted now?” he asks with a smirk.

“Yep, I think so…what’s that?”

“That, Miss Molly, is your last Christmas present. Go ahead…open it.”

I grab it off the table as the sofa dips next to me. The heat of Ryan’s body engulfs my tiny one. I start pulling the wrapping paper and his eyes stay on me the entire time.

“I wish I’d been there to see you open the others this morning. I was desperate to see your face,” he mumbles.

“Me too, Ry. Wait…what is this?” I ask, looking down at the new sketchpad, pencils, and charcoal sitting on my lap.

“I promised myself something a couple of months ago, that I would do something for you.”

I look back into Ryan’s eyes and watch them darken the longer I stare into the blue depths. Suddenly, he stands up, making me jump where I was so lost in my own thoughts. “Where are you g—” I’m completely distracted from what I’m saying when Ryan pulls his jumper over his head, revealing perfect, defined skin. I run my eyes over his chest and lick my lips in preparation for what I hope is to come. His hand moves to his belt and I’m totally mesmerised by his slow, seductive movements.

Before long, Ryan is standing before me, completely bare, and all I can do is lean back on the sofa and take in the view. Fuck, if he hasn’t got the most perfect body I’ve ever seen. “I could get used to this,” I mutter as I continue roaming my gaze over him.

“Where do you want me?” he asks, trying to look completely relaxed with the situation, but I can see the gentle pulsing of the muscle in his neck as well as the most obvious sign that he’s excited about whatever is about to happen.

“As long as it involves you being closer to me than you are now, I really don’t care.”

“That’s not going to work. You’re going to have to be far enough away so I can’t touch you, or we’ll both end up distracted.”

I look up into his eyes as I try to understand. After a couple of seconds, it hits me. The sketchpad and a very naked Ryan. “You want me to draw you?”

“I do. I promised myself the day you sketched Jax that I would let you do it, and I thought today would be as good as any. “So, where do you want me?”

I think about this for a few minutes. The bed would be the obvious choice, but I’m not convinced by how much drawing I’d actually get done. The sofa? Yep, probably the same problem. Oh, I could draw him in the shower with water running down his…nope, bad idea. “The kitchen,” I blurt out.

“The kitchen…why?”

“Because I think it’s the safest place.”

“The safest place?” he asks, confused.

“Yes. I have all these ideas running around in my head, but all of them will probably result in me not doing much sketching, and us getting very distracted. Just so you know, I’m totally going to get you in those places, but maybe after we haven’t been apart for a while.”

I watch the muscles in his neck flex as he swallows. “I didn’t think this through properly…we should have done it tomorrow.”

“We’re at Steven’s all day tomorrow.” I’ve spent Boxing Day at my brother’s since he moved in with Debs and our parents decided to spend their Christmases in different exotic places on holiday.

“God, this is going to be torture,” he mutters as he heads towards the kitchen. I sit here a little longer than necessary, watching his arse.

I get him standing with his back and hands leant against the worktop behind him. He leans forward slightly with his head down but his eyes looking up at me. When I first stand back and take him in, a shiver runs around my body. He looks insanely sexy with his come-fuck-me eyes and messy hair. I really don’t know if I’m going to be able to see this through.

I get myself settled on the counter opposite with the sketchpad on my lap and work as quickly as I can.

“Are you okay?” I ask, after about forty-five minutes. I’m really impressed; I did not think he would stay there that long.

“Not really, I need you. Now,” he growls.

I put the final touches to my sketch but don’t let him see that I’ve finished, so I can tease him a bit. “Not much longer now. Are you hot?” He just raises his eyebrows at my question. “I’ll take that as a yes, then, shall I?” I say, hopping off the side. “Well, I am.” I begin untying the knot around my waist. Turning my back to Ryan, I slowly slide the satin fabric off my shoulders and down my back. His breathing gets heavier behind me as I reveal more of what I’m wearing.

“Molly,” Ryan warns in a very deep, gravelly voice.

Looking over my shoulder, I give him what I hope is a sexy smile. I must have nailed it because he growls, but, to my surprise, he hasn’t moved from his place. I know he has a great view of the back of the dusky pink sheer halter-neck babydoll I’m wearing. He can see my bare back all the way down to the top of my arse, where the fabric covers the tiny thong. Slowly, I turn to reveal the front. It has a deep V showing off my cleavage, and a bow under my breasts, before the fabric flows to the tops of my thighs. It’s so sheer that nothing is hidden at all. My temperature reaches new heights as Ryan’s eyes roam all over my body.

Doing my best to pretend that I’m unaffected by the situation, I slowly walk back and sit myself where I was before and once again grabbing the sketchpad. I pretend to add some more marks before I look up.

Ryan’s jaw is set tight and his lips are pressed into a thin line. His eyes are smouldering and his entire body is vibrating with need. “Are you done?” he growls in a low, almost menacing voice.

Ryan

I can see from here that she’s only pretending to sketch, and without a second thought, I push myself from the counter.

Before she knows what’s happening, I’ve pulled the sketchpad from her hands and placed it on the side before grabbing her knees and spreading her thighs so I can stand between them. My hands land on her lower back, pushing so her arse is hanging over the worktop. “I need you now,” I growl in her ear.

Her answering shiver and groan tell me she needs exactly what I’m about to give her. I slide one hand between her legs and roughly pull the fabric of her thong out of the way before thrusting into her. In one swift move, I’m balls deep in her hot, wet pussy, exactly where I need to be.

She flinches at my intrusion and I will my body to still while she gets used to my size. When she relaxes under my hands, I start moving, slowly at first, but before long, Molly’s raking her nails down my back and I’m slamming into her body with forceful thrusts.

The pain of her nails digging into my skin only increases my tempo, as do her moans of pleasure. “Ryan, God yes…deeper.” I pull her further off the side so I can get as deep as possible. “Oh yes, that’s it…fuck.”

“I want to feel you milking my cock, baby. I want to feel you coming around me.” My words are the last encouragement she needs, because her entire body stills before it quakes as pleasure rips through her. As soon as I feel her squeeze me tight, I’m falling with her and growling my release into the crook of her neck as she shouts my name.

I continue thrusting my hips as her orgasm subsides and watch her return to earth.

“Fucking hell, Ry, that was something else,” she pants as she goes to lean back on the counter. I watch as a look of horror fills her face as she takes in the blood under her fingernails. She looks up at with shocked eyes. “Fuck, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay, it was fucking hot, feeling your nails dragging down my skin.”

She pulls herself off me and moves so she’s sitting back on the side. “Turn around,” she demands, and I do as I’m told. Her quick intake of breath tells me all I need to know. “Shit, you have actual scratch marks and blood running down your back. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine, honestly. It doesn’t even hurt.”

“I need to get it cleaned up. What if it scars?”

“Well, then we will have a reminder of hot sex in the kitchen. Molly, I really couldn’t give a fuck. That was…incredible. I’d do it again a thousand times over.”

“Really?” she questions, sounding more inquisitive than sorry all of a sudden.

“Yes, really. Now mop me up, woman, and then I’m taking you to our bed to make love to you. I may have said this before, but this body deserves to be worshiped. For hours.”

I have no idea how long it takes me to fulfil my promise, but it’s now past ten o’clock and Molly’s passed out from exhaustion next to me after what must be a record number of orgasms. She did her fair share of worshiping, though. I think she must have traced every single line, ridge, and mole on my body.

I’ve been lying next to her for about twenty minutes, just watching her sleep. Thoughts of the time we’ve spent together have been running around my head, as well as what the future holds for us. I haven’t broached the subject with her yet, but before I left the hospital earlier, Mum asked if I would bring her up for a couple of days before New Year’s, so she could make things right. I’d really like to spend some more time with my family and make sure Dad is okay before I have to go back to work.

Eventually, I can’t lie here any longer, and I get up to use the toilet and clean up. I have a quick shower before heading downstairs to tidy up our mess and clean the kitchen counter. When I get there, Molly’s sketch of me stops me in my tracks. I knew it would be good because she’s seriously talented, but for how quickly she did it, the accuracy of her drawing takes my breath away. No one would ever be able to doubt that was me standing there. She’s even captured the heat in my eyes. I close the sketchpad and place it on the coffee table so it’s safe, wondering what I should do with it. Part of me wants to get it framed, but another part of me is well aware that it’s my naked body, and I don’t really want everyone seeing it. What I am sure of, though, is that we will be doing that again. Whatever Molly was thinking about when she was trying to decide where she wanted me to model for her, I intend on fulfilling those fantasies in the near future.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Molly

This week has flown by. It seems like one minute I was packing up presents to take to Steven’s house for Boxing Day, and the next I was getting the house sorted for our New Year’s Eve party.

Before we headed over to Steven’s Boxing morning, Ryan gently broached the subject of spending a few days in Liverpool with his family before New Year’s. I was apprehensive about spending time with his mum, but I couldn’t use that as an excuse not to go. She promised to both Ryan and I that our relationship was starting afresh, so I have to give her the benefit of the doubt.

We spent three days with his family, and it was just as heart-warming as the time with the Morrisons. His dad was discharged the day after Boxing Day, and he was enjoying the hell out of being treated like a king by his wife and children. On the second day we were there, Karen organised for just us girls to have a day out, so we hit the sales and had afternoon tea in a fancy hotel in the city center. To say I was dubious before we left the house would be an understatement, but the day was amazing.

I never thought I’d say it, but I was actually a little sad to leave. We were going to be seeing Abbi and Liv as well as Beth and Caleb, who I met one evening, at our house for New Year’s, but we didn’t make any plans as to when we would see Karen and Dave again—although I’m pretty sure we will be talking regularly from now on.

“Molly, did you buy crisps?” Ryan asks, distracting me from my thoughts while I’m setting out the buffet food for our party tonight.

“Yeah…maybe I left them downstairs.” I check the clock before heading down—people will be arriving any minute, and I still have things to organise. Shit.

When I round the corner at the bottom of the stairs, I see two bags that I must have forgotten to bring up after I went shopping this afternoon, both full of different varieties of crisps. I smile to myself when I hear laughter coming from my old room where Abbi, Liv, and Beth are getting ready for tonight.

I’m just about to head up again when the doorbell rings.

“Hey, come on in,” I say to Jax when I open the door. I’m actually amazed that he agreed to come. It took some serious convincing on my part.

“Hey, mate,” Ryan says, greeting Jax once we get upstairs. “I’m glad our begging didn’t go unheard.”

I quickly continue setting out the food while Ryan arranges the drinks in the kitchen.

“Jax, do you want a beer?”

“Please,” he calls, before turning his attention back to me. “You look amazing, Molly. That dress really suits you.”

“Thank you. You know, you don’t scrub up too bad, either.”

“Here you go,” Ryan says, handing over his drink before standing behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist. “She does look gorgeous, and please tell her she’s not fat at all.”

“Ryan,” I chide, slapping his arm gently. He doesn’t need to go around telling everyone about my insecurity. I’ve eaten way too much this Christmas, and I’m so bloated. I’m glad I chose a maxi dress for this evening, as it’s loose and flowing. Bring on Friday, so Megan and I can get back to our pole dancing lessons.

“Is she here?” Jax whispers to me after Ryan has gone back to bartending duties.

“She’s downstairs, getting ready. It will be fine, Jax. There will be loads of people here to distract you, and if you need to get away, just use our room. But please stay.”

“Okay, I’ll tr—”

Jax is interrupted as Caleb walks over to us. “You must be Jax. I’m Caleb,” he says, sticking his hand out. “You look just as Abbi described. It’s good to meet you at last.”

I watch as the two shake hands and confusion washes over Jax’s face. “You too. She…talks about me?”

“Yeah, all the time. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Right, I’m going to go and see if they’re ready yet. They’ve been down there for hours,” he announces, striding back out the way he came in. He’s right, they have been a long time, but then I did insist on a formal dress code tonight, much to Ryan’s displeasure. Women must be in dresses, and men in suits.

I have to say I’m very pleased with my suggestion, because Ryan is smoking hot in his black suit and white shirt. It still has the top few buttons undone, because he refuses to wear a tie. I cannot wait to peel the fabric from his body later.

Caleb, on the other hand, looks like he’s just fallen out of work with his perfect cut slim-fit grey suit with a skinny red tie. His mousy brown hair has been gelled within an inch of its life, and he’s clean-shaven. Unlike Ryan, who has recently been forgoing his daily shave after I showed my appreciation on Christmas day. I love the feel of it under my fingers and…other parts of my body.

“So, that’s Caleb, huh?” Jax still looks completely confused. “I’m sorry to ask, but how does she go from me to him?” He asks, pointing in the direction he just left. “I mean, we’re like night and day.”

Jax is right. To say I was a little surprised when I met him for the first time a few days ago would be an understatement. “Abbi doesn’t look at him like she does you. Plus,” I drop my voice to a whisper because Ryan got a little mad when I made this suggestion to him. “I get some serious gay vibes off him.”

Jax goes to reply but is stopped by the appearance of Liv and Beth. They come straight over and Liv introduces him to Beth. They both look amazing. Liv is wearing a turquoise prom dress and Beth has on a red cocktail dress with glittery heels.

Once Jax has said his hellos, his eyes immediately go to the door, waiting for the last two people to appear from downstairs. He doesn’t have to wait long, because in a matter of seconds, Caleb walks through the door with Abbi’s hand in his. Jax groans in pain as his eyes run up and down her body, clad in a fitted red floor-length dress. It shows off all her sexy curves to perfection. Her blonde hair has been curled, then piled on top of her head. Her eye makeup is dark and her lips as red as her dress.

“Sweet mother of Jesus. Is she trying to torture me?” Jax mutters.

Her eyes latch on to his the instant she walks in the room, as if she knew exactly where he was standing. She gives him a onceover before nodding slightly and walking over to talk to her sister and Beth, who are waiting in the corner of the room with drinks for them.

I turn to Jax and take in his deer -in-the-headlights look. “Are you okay?” I ask tentatively.

“I…uh…need something stronger than his beer.”

“Coming right up,” Ryan says from behind us, making us jump. He must have been watching the show, too.

Thankfully, Chris and Shane are the next to arrive, and they immediately distract Jax with their stupid stories, which I’m grateful for.

“How’s he doing?” Ryan asks once I’ve managed to get away from Jax.

“I think he’s pretty much in hell. I mean, you’ve seen your sister, right?”

“Yeah. When exactly did my little sister turn into…well…that?”

“I’m sorry, Ry, but your sister’s hot. Just be grateful we’re not going out tonight, because she’d have guys lining up for her.” I feel a little bad for saying it when he groans. “Sorry,” I wince. I’m only telling the truth.

“Angel, you look beautiful. Did you both have a good time in Liverpool?” Susan asks as she passes me a huge bunch of flowers and a bottle of champagne to celebrate the New Year, followed by hugs from Pete and Emma.

“It was brilliant, thank you. You look lovely as well. Drink?” I ask.

“Don’t be silly, I’ll sort us out. You enjoy yourself.” With that, I’m shooed out of the way and Susan takes over the kitchen. She just can’t help herself.

Behind Susan and Pete are Lilly and her roommate, Taylor. They met at uni and now live together in the flat Susan and Pete organised for them. Taylor’s lovely; he’s also hilarious. He can have an entire room laughing in seconds with his stories.

Half an hour later, all our guest are here. Our living area is packed and everyone’s chatter fills the house. My nieces and Oscar are playing on the Wii and getting in everyone’s way, but no one seems to mind. Everyone is enjoying themselves too much to pay much attention to them—well, everyone apart from Jax, who looks like he could claw his eyes out at any minute.

It seems like Daniel has taken a shine to Beth and has her pinned in a corner—not that she looks like she wants to escape. Shane and Chris have been laughing with Taylor and Lilly very loudly, but what has caught my attention most are the looks I’ve seen pass between Taylor and Caleb. If I’m not mistaken, I would say there’s some chemistry there. I’m now surer than ever that Caleb’s gay.

Before I know it, it’s eleven-thirty. “Ryan, can you come and help me get the champagne glasses down, please?” I ask, because they’re on the top shelf.

I stand next to him as he passes me the glasses and I put them on the side. Unfortunately, the little bit of skin that Ryan reveals when he stretches up distracts me, and I miss the worktop entirely. The glass smashes on the tiled floor and shards shoot off in all directions. “Fuck.”

Bending down, I to start pick bits up, but I’m stopped by Ryan. “Let me do that—you get the dustpan and brush. I don’t want you cutting yourself. Bollocks!” Just as he says this, a drop of blood hits the floor. I quickly grab the kitchen roll for him and wrap it around his finger when he stands up.

“Hold this, I think I’ve got some plasters downstairs. Hang on.” I quickly hurry out of the room, minding the glass. I go charging though my old room and fling the bathroom door open, not thinking anything of it as I head straight for the cabinet, but I’m rooted to the spot when someone calling my name makes me look up.

There, on the counter, is Abbi with her dress around her waist, her legs wrapped around Jax’s hips, and her heels digging into his arse. His trousers are pooled at his feet, exposing his very naked behind. They both stare at me with wide eyes and a look of horror on their faces.

“Shit. Sorry, I wasn’t…uh…yeah,” I stutter as I head for the door. I’ve regained some of my thoughts by the time I get there. “Jax?” I shout over my shoulder.

“Uh huh?” is all I get.

“I never knew your tattoo went all the way down to your thigh.”

“Fuck. Off,” he grunts.

I quickly close the door and head back upstairs.

“Are you okay? You look a little flushed,” Ryan asks.

“Yeah, fine.” I would tell him the truth, but Susan and Pete are fussing around him, trying to pick up all the glass. “I couldn’t find them, sorry.”

“I think I’ve got one in my handbag. I put it on your bed, angel, if you could grab it for me.” Susan calls from her kneeling position on the kitchen floor.

I just turn the corner at the top of the stairs and am about to open our bedroom door when two figures catch my attention at the other end of the hall.

I quickly jump into our bedroom before I’m seen and close it quietly behind me. “What the fuck is up with people tonight?” I mutter quietly to myself, shaking my head. First, I catch Jax and Abbi going at it downstairs, and now I’ve just found Caleb and Taylor making out like teenagers, hiding at the end of the hallway.

I make use of our ensuite while I’m here before heading back down with Susan’s handbag. The hallway is empty when I open the door, so I hurry back to the party, aware that it’s nearly midnight.

When I walk in the living area, the first thing I see is Caleb and Abbi laughing with each other with a glass of champagne in their hands like nothing’s happened. I search out Jax to find him with Shane and Chris again, and Taylor’s whispering in Lilly’s ear. I wonder if he’s giving her the details of his little rendezvous.

“Molly,” Ryan shouts, getting my attention. I hurry over, passing Susan her bag in the process. “Are you okay? he asks again when I’m closer.

Checking no one is in earshot, I lean into him. “You would not believe what I have seen in the last ten minutes.” I pull back to look at him and he raises his eyebrows in question, so I continue whispering. I give him a quick rundown of the events I’ve witnessed as I wrap a plaster around his finger.

He looks around the room to the four people I mentioned. “Are you sure? They all look pretty normal now.”

“Yes, I’m sure…” I go to say more but everyone starts counting down. I quickly pull Ryan into the living area with everyone else, just as Big Ben chimes. I stretch up on my toes and crash my lips to his. He deepens the kiss and slides his tongue deep into my mouth, pulling my body painfully tight again his. Everything and everyone around me disappears, and the only thing I focus on is the amazing man in my arms and on my lips. He means everything to me. The past year has been hard, but out of all that pain, I’ve found something that has made me happier than I have ever been in my life.

Love, pure and simple.

Eventually, my senses come back and I realise everyone in the room is cheering. Ryan pulls away from me, and I open my eyes to see that it is at us. My face heats and I shove it in Ryan’s chest to hide from everyone.

“We were hoping you’d pick her up and carry her out of the room like the last time we were here,” Shane pipes up.

“Shut up and drink your champagne!” Ryan quips, making everyone laugh and return to their previous conversations, thankfully ignoring us.

Ryan places his fingers under my chin and forces my head up, so I look at him. “This is going to be a good year, Molly, I can feel it.”

Ryan

It’s been just over a week since our New Year’s Eve party. It took us a few days but we eventually got the house back in order after our guests left looking the worse for wear at some point the next day.

Getting back to work was hard after such a brilliant two weeks off. Molly and I hadn’t spent more than a couple of hours apart since my trip to Liverpool on Christmas Eve, and it was harder than I imagined. She’s still not feeling herself—so much so she actually cancelled on Megan on Friday night for their pole dancing class.

“Mate, I think I’m dying,” Jax says between pants.

I look over to see him bring his treadmill to a stop and rest his head forward on his arms as he tries to catch his breath. Jax has been coming to the gym with me for a few weeks now. We’ve actually become quite good friends. He was pathetic in the first couple of weeks, but he’s starting to build up his stamina.

“How many miles?”

“Three!” he gasps back.

“I’ll let that slide. You’ve spent a lot of time on the weights today,” I say to him like I would one of my students.

“Why, thank you, Mr. Evans!”

“I want to do a few more miles. If you want to head off, I’ll meet you in the sauna in a bit, yeah?”

“Yeah, okay. Try not to make me look too bad.”

Shaking my head at him, I put my speed back up. Jax walks out and I can’t help feeling a little sorry for him. I didn’t quite believe what Molly said she saw on New Year’s Eve, but the moment I looked into his eyes that night, I could see a sparkle in them. Unfortunately, Abbi blew all that to shit when she got up before anyone else the next morning and left with only a note for Jax, saying she was sorry.

Almost an hour later, I also give up and head in the direction of the sauna. When I open the door, I see that Jax is the only one in there, sitting on the bottom bench with his head tipped back, deep in thought.

“You okay?” I ask as I hop up onto the top bench. He lets out a huge sigh. “We really are trying to do everything we can to help.”

“It just feels like a sinking ship.”

I couldn’t agree more. Currently, Abbi is refusing to answer the phone to either me or Molly. She must sense what we want to say to her. I only know she’s okay because I’ve had to ask Liv.

“Hey, Molly’s out babysitting tonight, if you want to come back for a beer?”

“Seriously, you want to spend all your night with me? Even I know how miserable I am!”

Jax eventually heads for home just after nine, the snow that was falling lightly when we left the gym now starting to get heavier.

Molly’s out babysitting Oscar because it’s Megan and James’ anniversary. They promised her they wouldn’t be late, so I’m hoping to get a text from her soon to say she’s heading home. I’m already feeling anxious about her driving home as the snow’s starting to settle. That car of hers gives me nightmares as it is; I do not need snow on top of that.

Just after ten, I get the text I’ve been waiting for. On a good day, it would take her twenty minutes, but in the snow it’s probably going to be more like forty, so I decide to head upstairs so I can be waiting for her in bed. I’m already getting tingles at the thought of her eyes darkening and her cheeks flushing when she finds me ready and waiting for her. God, I cannot get enough of her.

I must fall asleep, because my phone ringing wakes me. I quickly sit up and see that it’s already eleven o’clock. I look to the other side of the bed—it’s empty. My heart races as the panic sets in. I grab my phone and answer it without checking the caller ID.

“Molly?” I shout into the phone.

“Ryan, it’s Susan. We’re two minutes away—get dressed now,” she says in a menacingly low voice.

I pull the phone away from my ear and just stare down at it. Please, God, no, don’t let what I’m thinking be true.

“Now, Ryan!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Ryan

Somehow, I manage to pull some clothes on and get out of the house. I’m standing at the front door when a taxi pulls up and Susan jumps out the back. One look at her and I know, I just know.

My world implodes around me.

This cannot be happening again.

Susan pulls me from my dark thoughts, grabs my hand, and drags me towards the idling taxi. Tears are pouring down her face, but I feel like I’m in a complete trance. It’s like aliens have taken over and are controlling my body.

This cannot be real.

“Ryan,” I hear someone say in the distance, but I let it wash over me.

“Ryan…Ryan.”

A hand on my thigh brings me back around and I look at Susan’s concerned face as she studies me.

“Ryan, I don’t know anything. I must still be Molly’s emergency contact because I had a call to tell me that she was in the hospital after a car crash.”

I rest my head back and look up to the stars through the sunroof of the taxi, sending up silent prayers that my girl is going to be okay.

Please, let her be okay.

Not many minutes later, the three of us are running to the reception desk of A&E in our local hospital.

“Molly Carter,” I say, in a much calmer voice than I am expecting. “She came in by ambulance, from a car accident.” My voice cracks at the end.

“Her ambulance came in a while ago. Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to wait until we know what that situation is. I’ll tell the doctors she has relatives here already, so one will come and see you as soon as they can. You are relatives, yes?” the receptionist asks.

“Uh…”

“He’s her husband,” Susan quickly pipes up from behind me.

“Okay, well, Mr. Carter, if you’d like to take a seat, someone will be with you shortly.”

“It’s Evans, Ryan Evans.”

“She hasn’t changed her name yet. It was only a few weeks ago,” Susan adds.

We find seats for what turns out to be the most horrific wait of my life. No one comes out to say anything. We have no idea if she’s alive, although judging by the fact that no one has told us otherwise, I’d like to assume she is. I just need to know what the hell is happening.

Eventually, the receptionist pointing over at me catches me eye, and someone I presume is a doctor walks our way.

“Mr. Evans, I’m Dr. John. I’ve been taking care of your wife. If you’d like to follow me, I’ll explain what’s happening.”

“Can I see her?”

“The nurses are just getting her tidied up. They won’t be long.”

We sit in the relatives’ room with the doctor for ten minutes while he explains that Molly suffered a major blow to the head when she crashed. She has a broken collarbone and arm that will be casted shortly, and that she’s very bruised and battered, but most of that is superficial. The only major concern is the swelling of her brain. They’re monitoring it, but it could be critical if it increases, so they may have to operate. The next twenty-four to forty-eight hours are crucial, and he keeps repeating that it’s serious. Every time he says it, my fists clench. I know how fucking serious this is; he does not need to keep telling me.

“Can I see her, please?”

“Yes, they should be done by now. I’m sorry,” he says, looking over at Susan and Pete, “Only one visitor at a time.”

“Ryan, you go. We’ll be here if you need us, but Molly needs you the most. Go.”

“Follow me, Mr. Evans.” I follow the doctor through the maze of hallways until he comes to a stop outside a door. “Mr. Evans, your wife is in intensive care while we monitor her condition. You will need to buzz in here to be allowed entry in the future.” I nod my head at him and he unlocks the door. “We have her sedated at the moment while we monitor her.”

The moment he opens the next door I see her. I practically push the doctor aside in my haste to be with her. She looks so broken, laid out on the hospital bed with wires and tubes coming from her. Tears pour down my face and the lump in my throat feels like the size of a football. I take her tiny hand in mine and pray once again for her to pull through.

Moments later, I’m distracted by a nurse placing a chair down behind me. I turn to look at her, instantly grateful.

She gently places her hand on my forearm and encourages me to sit down. “This must have been a terrible shock for you. You need to rest,” she says as I lower myself down.

“You’ve got a fighter on your hands there,” she says, smiling over to Molly. “My name’s Hannah, and I’ll be your wife’s nurse for the night. If there’s anything I can get either of you, please ask.” I just about manage to hold my sob in until she walks back over to the nurses’ station. Hannah—of course. I can’t help but smile slightly.

The doctor comes back at some point. I’ve completely lost all concept of time, so it could have been minutes or hours, I have no idea. He checks the machines before looking at her notes at the end of the bed. Once he’s happy, he pulls a chair over and sits in front of me.

“I don’t want you to get your hopes up too much, but things seem to be looking like they’re going in the right direction. As I said earlier, these first few hours are crucial, but so far, the signs are good.” I let out a huge breath at his words. “Now, I need to ask you something.” He looks over at Molly, then back at me. The look on his face has me dreading what is going to come next. “Did you know your wife is pregnant?”

I just stare at him with an open mouth and wide eyes. Molly’s pregnant.

“Mr. Evans?” he says, trying to bring me back to Earth.

“She hasn’t been feeling well for a few weeks, but no, I didn’t know that. I’m pretty sure she didn’t know, either.” I think back to her drinking over the last few weeks. I know Molly well enough to know she wouldn’t do that if she knew.

“Well, our tests show that she’s about nine weeks pregnant. I obviously don’t need to tell you that there is an increased risk of her miscarrying with what her body has been through, and still is going through, but I wanted to make you aware. We will scan her later to check everything, but the heartbeat is strong.”

I slump back in the chair as I try to process everything.

“I’ll leave you to your thoughts,” the doctor says. I watch him walk over to the nurse and say something, making her smile kindly at me and nod her head.

I turn back to Molly. I hold her hand softly in one of mine and place my other gently on her stomach. Finding out that she’s pregnant should be one of the happiest moments of my life, but here I am, scared out of my mind.

She ends up spending four days in intensive care. The longest four days of my life. Just like Hannah, the nurse, said, she’s a fighter. She’s making good progress, and the swelling has reduced massively. She’s almost out of danger, but they’ve kept her sedated longer than originally planned to give her body as long as possible to heal. I haven’t told anyone about the baby yet, because I want Molly to know before anyone else, but also because I’m scared that if I admit it, it’s not going to happen.

I’m more desperate than ever for her to wake up, to see her eyes, to see her smile, to tell her I love her and to know that she can hear me. I’ve barely left her side. The farthest I’ve been is the toilets and the canteen when no one else was around to get something for me. The doctors and nurses have tried to send me home to get some rest along with all the Morrisons, my family, and our friends. They’ve all been here at some point over the last four days, even though they were only allowed in for a few minutes.

I stand aside as the nurses finish off getting Molly settled in her new room. They managed to get her a side room, which will be nice and quiet, although I’m not sure if it’s for Molly or just so they don’t have to fight with me to leave because of the other patients she would be on the ward with.

“Darling, please come home and have a shower and a good night’s sleep,” my mum says gently from the chair next to me. Now that Molly is in a room of her own and is getting stronger, they’ve let up on visitors.

“I’m not leaving her. There’s a perfectly good shower there,” I nod my head to the adjoining bathroom. “If I want one.”

“Baby, I don’t think it’s a case of you wanting one,” she says, squeezing my hand gently.

Yes, I know how I look and how I must smell, but I’m not leaving Molly, especially now they’re reducing her sedation. She could wake up at any minute, and I want to be there when she opens her eyes.

“Okay, well, when your dad gets back with some food for you, we’re going to head to yours. We’ll be back tomorrow, but ring if you need anything.”

“I will, Mum. Thank you.”

Susan and Pete rang my parents from the hospital the night Molly was brought in, and they drove straight down to be with us. They’ve been here ever since. Her brothers appeared a couple of hours after we did, looking panic-stricken. I managed to let them have some time with her. Abbi and Liv were here all weekend, but they both had to go back. They’ve promised they’ll be here if I need them. Molly might have the shittiest parents ever, but everyone else around her who loves her makes up for them.

Not long after Mum and Dad leave, Susan walks in.

“Ryan, I’m not taking no for an answer. Take this, and get in that bloody shower. When Molly wakes up, she does not want to be looking at such a mess. I promise I will knock if she so much as twitches, but please, for all our sakes, have a wash,” she demands, handing me a bag full of toiletries.

“But…”

“No buts. Get in there, now.”

The next morning, I wake up with the same stiff neck as every time I wake up in this damn chair. I grab my phone to check the time, but what I see first makes me stop dead in my tracks. It’s the 15th of January. Shit. I look back up at Molly and wonder if this day is going to be cursed forever more.

I spend the morning between nurses’ and doctors’ visits, talking to Molly about Hannah and about the things we did together. I try to keep it as light as possible, because I don’t think I can cope with any more misery, and I know that if Molly can hear me, she will feel the same.

It’s just after lunchtime when the Morrisons appear. I stand and give them a hug before offering Susan my chair. I watch from the corner as they all say hello to Molly in the hope she can hear them. I listen to them explain what they’re doing tonight to celebrate Hannah’s memory, and they try to convince me to come, but I think they already know my answer. As harsh as it sounds, I need to focus on my future, and my future is still lying fast asleep on that bed.

The Morrisons leave not long after, and the afternoon is a train of visitors. Jax sits with us for over an hour before Steven and Daniel show up after work, shortly followed by Shane and Chris, then finally Megan, after she’s put Oscar to bed. By the time she’s left, I’m completely exhausted.

It’s just gone half past eight when I feel it. I had slightly dozed off, but I’m sure I didn’t imagine it. I sit myself up straighter and wait to see if it happens again.

Five minutes later, it does. Molly gently squeezes my hand.

I scoot my chair closer to her and patiently wait to see if anything else is going to happen. I lift her hand to my lips and pepper her knuckles with light kisses. “Come on, Molly. Come back to me, gorgeous,” I whisper between kisses.

As I wait, the little squeezes of my hand get tighter until I eventually start to see her eyes flickering.

Molly

The voices slowly start to make sense to me at the same time the pounding in my head increases. Where am I?

“Are you sure you won’t come? A good meal would really do you some good,” says a voice I recognise but can’t quite place.

“You’re probably right, but I’m not leaving.”

Ryan. Wherever I am, he’s here, so it must be okay, is the last thing I remember thinking before the blackness faded back in.

“Has Abbi been back?” a male voice says.

“No. She rings every day, but I haven’t seen her since she ran away from you on Sunday.”

Ryan’s still here.

“Hey, bro, how’s our girl doing?”

That’s Daniel’s voice. I’d recognise it anywhere.

“No change. They say that’s to be expected, though,” Ryan says. The sound of his voice makes my heart beat a little faster.

Who are they talking about?

“This waiting sucks,” Daniel says before everything fades again.

It’s quiet. It’s the first time I’ve not heard anyone talking. Am I alone?

It takes all my strength but I manage to move my fingers slightly and realise I’m not. He’s holding my hand.

I fight the darkness claiming me this time. I need to see him. I manage to move my hand slightly again before I feel myself drift off, but only for a couple of minutes, I think, because my arm being moved wakes me. I feel his lips touch the back of my hand and, like always, tingles shoot up my arm. He’s here.

“Come on, Molly. Come back to me,” he whispers.

Come back? Where have I been?

I try desperately hard to open my eyes, but they feel like they weigh a tonne. After a while, I give up and fade away again.

I wake with a start and, this time, my eyes fly open. My heart is racing. The room is dark apart from the moonlight that is coming through the gaps in the blinds. I sweep my eyes around and it suddenly dawns on me that I’m in the hospital.

Instantly, the memories of the accident hit me, a bit like the car did that night. I close my eyes and shake my head to try to rid myself of the image, but the pain that pierces my skull as I move is like nothing I have ever felt.

I look down and see the cast that’s all the way up my right arm before the figure on the other side comes into view. Ryan is sat on a chair next to my bed, but he’s leaning forward and has his head resting on his hand that’s clinging onto mine. His other hand is resting gently on my stomach. He’s facing me and I can see his hair falling into his eyes. I desperately want to brush it out of the way. He’s much paler than usual. The rings around his eyes are dark, and it looks like he hasn’t shaved in days.

I lick my lips and find my mouth is really dry. God, I need a drink. I swallow slowly before trying to speak.

“Ry,” I whisper, my voice coming out rough and gravelly.

I squeeze his hand in mine, say his name again, and watch as his eyes flicker. When they do open and see me, my breath catches at the pain reflected in them. It’s almost instantly gone, as what I think is hope appears when he realises I’m looking back at him.

“Molly,” he whispers.

“Hey.”

“Hey. How are you?”

“I’ve been better, you?”

“A million times better, now that you’re awake.” He stands up and moves towards me so he can place his lips to mine. “Fuck, Molly, you have no idea how scary that was,” he says quietly, and I can feel his lips trembling against mine.

“I’m sorry.”

“Hey, it’s not your fault. I need to tell the nurse you’re awake,” he says, going to move.

“Not yet. Please would you just hold me?” I shift as much as I can to the side, so Ryan can squeeze on the bed next to me.

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.”

We lay there for what feels like hours. There was a moment when I saw that car coming at me that I didn’t think I’d ever get to be in his arms again, and the thought of leaving him was far scarier than anything that could happen to me. I wonder if that was how Hannah felt at that moment.

“Ry,” I whisper, because I’m not sure if he’s fallen asleep.

“Yes, gorgeous?”

“What’s the time and date?”

“It’s…uh…eleven-thirty on the 15th of January. Why?” he asks.

I don’t answer straight away because it takes me a few seconds to pull myself together. “Hannah. It’s exactly a year. Exactly a year ago that she died and I woke up.”

Ryan doesn’t get a chance to comment, because a nurse pokes her head in to check on me. “Hey, what are you doing up there, mister?” she asks before her eyes widen slightly when she sees me looking back at her. “Molly, you’re awake.”

“Sorry, I asked him up here,” I say as she makes her way to my side.

“Don’t worry, love, I’d want him up next to me as well,” she says with a wink, making Ryan blush as he gets off the bed. “I’m Maggie. I’ve been looking after you on this ward. How are you feeling?”

“Fine, apart from my head. And I need a drink.” Before she has a chance to do anything, Ryan is there next to me with a cup of water and a straw, apologising because he should have offered me some as soon as I woke up. Maggie disappears to find me some more painkillers, leaving us alone again.

“Are you really okay?” Ryan asks, sitting himself back on the side of my bed.

“My head is fucking killing me, but other than that I think I’m okay. I’m guessing I’ve broken my arm.”

“I’ll leave out the details until you’re a bit stronger, but yeah, you’ve broken your arm and collarbone. You’ll be in a cast for a few weeks.”

“Oh well…it could have been worse.”

“Do not go there, Molly.” I watch tears fill his eyes and he looks away from me, lost in thought.

“Hey, look at me. I’m here, and I’m mostly fine, I promise.”

After Maggie reappears with painkillers, Ryan sneaks back up on my bed and we fall fast asleep. Apparently, even though I’ve been asleep for days, I still need more.

The next thing we know, we’re being woken by a different nurse doing the morning medication round.

“Good morning. Molly, it’s so good to see you awake,” she says cheerfully as she grabs my notes from the end of the bed. “The doctor is on his way to come and see you. He shouldn’t be long.”

Only a few minutes after the nurse leaves, a doctor walks in. He explains everything to me about what I’ve been through, and when he explains how close I was to not being here right now, I feel awful about my comment to Ryan last night about how it could have been worse.

The news now seems pretty positive, though. The swelling on my brain has reduced so much that they aren’t worried, and my arm just needs to be in a cast for six weeks, then I should be good as new. I will need some follow-up appointments to check everything, but I should be discharged in a few days, as long I stay stable.

“Okay, well, unless you have any questions, I’ll go get the ultrasound now that you’re awake. I’m sure you’re dying to see.” Before I have a chance to say anything, he’s out of the room.

“Uh…what was that about?”

I watch Ryan’s face split into a huge smile before he says anything. “You know how you’ve been feeling a little off recently?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, it turns out there’s a reason for that.” I raise my eyebrows at him in question. “Molly…you’re pregnant.”

“I’m…um…what?”

“You’re pregnant.”

I think back over the last few weeks, being sick, being tired, feeling bloated and having painful boobs. Yeah, I guess that would make sense.

“I…um…when?” It may be true, but I’m stunned.

“Well, they think you’re about nine or ten weeks, so I’m thinking it was my birthday.”

“But I’m on the pill. How? I haven’t missed my period, so…”

“You were sick when we were away.”

“When did you work all this out?”

“Molly, I’ve been sat here for days, waiting for you to wake up. I’ve had plenty of time to think.”

“Sorry,” I whisper. “Are they sure it’s okay?”

“They’ve scanned you a couple of times to check, and the heartbeat is really strong.”

“Have you seen it?”

“I refused to look until we could do it together. I’ve heard its heartbeat, though. It’s amazing.” I watch his eyes fill as he talks. I swear he hasn’t stopped smiling through this whole conversation.

“I’m guessing you’re happy about this, even though it wasn’t planned?”

“You’re kidding, right? I couldn’t be happier. We’re having a baby!”

I can’t help but laugh at his excitement. He leans over to kiss me and places his hand on my belly. I cover his with mine as I smile against his lips.

Three days later and I’m packed and ready to head home at last. It turns out I’m not a very good patient. I’m too independent to have to rely on people to look after me. I’m not under any illusion that it’s going to be any different when I get home, what with Ryan, his parents, the Morrisons, and our friends fussing around me.

We told everyone about the baby the day after we had the scan. I needed a day to get used to the idea. To say it was a shock was an understatement. Everyone, as expected, was over the moon for us. I’m pretty sure both Susan and Karen have already started shopping for the new arrival, even though we still have months before it’s due.

I managed to convince Ryan to go home to sleep now that I’m awake, which he did begrudgingly, but he does look better for it. He has still spent every waking moment here with me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To my surprise, Karen comes walking into my room a few minutes later with a huge smile on her face.

“Are you ready to head home?” she asks, going to grab one of my bags.

“Uh…yeah. Sorry, but where’s Ryan?” I ask, trying not to sound too disappointed.

“He’s had to go into work to sort something out to do with his time off. He’ll be back as soon as he can.”

Karen drops my bag and comes over to give me a hug. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

My heart brightens a bit when she pulls up outside our house and I see that Ryan’s car is here. At least I won’t have to sit and wait for him to come back. I watch as Karen takes my bags from the boot and places them in the hallway before coming back to help me out and into the house. She stands behind me as I climb the stairs in case I fall, but as soon as I’m at the top, she announces that she needs to head off and asks quickly if I’ll be okay. She takes me completely by surprise, so I give her my thanks for bringing me home and watch as she scurries out of the house.

As I head over to the living room door, which is weirdly closed, I can’t help but think how strange it is that I can hear Ed Sheeran singing about loving until he’s seventy. I’m used to hearing Ryan’s indie rock filling the house. I push the thought aside and open the door to the room.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Ryan

Every surface is covered in candles, their flames filling the room with a warm glow as the sun sets outside. I quickly press play on the iPod and triple-check that the little black box is still sitting on the coffee table where I left it.

After a few minutes, I hear footsteps climbing the stairs, before my mum tells Molly that she’s got to leave. I let out a huge breath to try to calm my nerves before the door handle turns.

Time seems to stand still as I wait for her to appear, but when she does, the look on her face takes my breath away. She still has purple and green bruises down one side of her face, and her arm is in the cast, but she looks as perfect as ever to me.

Once her eyes have taken in the candles, they find me. They’re already full of unshed tears. I hold my hand out to her and, very slowly, she moves towards me and grabs it in her own trembling hand.

I slowly lower myself onto one knee and grab the open box on the table. Her eyes widen to the size of saucers as I do it.

“Molly, I’m so glad that life is unpredictable, because I never would have believed that we could have found what we have with each other. I never thought the best friend I could ever ask for could also own my heart in the way you do. You amaze and inspire me every day, and I would like to spend the rest of my life trying to do the same for you. I love you more than I ever thought possible, and I never want to spend a day of my life without you by my side.” I take a deep breath and blink back the threatening tears before I continue. “So, Molly, you’re my best friend, and the love of my life. Will you do me the pleasure of being my wife?”

She instantly nods her head and through her tears manages a very shaky yes.

I let go of her hand so I can pull the ring out of the box and slide it on her finger. Both of our hands are shaking so much that it’s a challenge, but we manage it. I stand, ready to carefully pull her to me, but she surprises me by jumping into my arms and sobbing into the crook of my neck. Tears fall down my face as well. The stress of the last week and the contentment that she’s now home, in my arms, and wearing my ring, is just a little too much to take. Movement outside the kitchen window catches my eye, and when I look up I find our nosey neighbour watching us with a wide smile on her face. Nodding at her, I turn my attention back to my fiancée.

I lower us to the sofa and we hold each other for long minutes.

Eventually, Molly releases her death grip and leans back so she can look at me. “I love you so much, Ryan.”

“I love you too, soon-to-be Mrs. Evans.” Her face breaks into a wide smile and she pulls her hand in front of her so she can look at the ring—the ring I’d seen back in the summer in Cardiff with Abbi and Liv. When I decided what I was going to do, I had to send Liv out on an emergency shopping trip. The main ring is white gold, but the setting of the diamond is rose gold. Molly’s colour.

EPILOGUE

Molly

It’s been four weeks since I came home from the hospital and had the shock of my life. Well, I guess the second shock of my life, after finding out I was pregnant a couple of days before that. Ryan did say on New Year’s Eve that this was going to be a good year!

My follow-up appointments have been good, and I’ve not had any headaches at all. We’ve got a baby to look forward to, and a wedding to plan. I can’t help but smile every time my ring catches my eye.

Jax has been working his arse off, trying to make up for me not being there. I think he’s grateful for the distraction, because Abbi is still doing everything she can to avoid him—so much so that he’s actually decided not to come tonight.

“Molly, come on, people will be here in a minute,” Ryan hollers up the stairs. “I’m sure you look perfect, so stop fussing.” I can help but smile at myself in the mirror. Never in my life did I think I could be this happy.

I head downstairs to find my fiancé and get ready to celebrate our engagement with our closest friends and family.

“See, I said you’d look perfect,” he says as I enter the living area. I’ve got on a floral fitted maxi dress that shows off my tiny bump. It may still seem small, but I’m going to have to go clothes shopping soon.

Ryan comes walking straight over to me, pulls me to him, and gives me a sweet yet knee-weakening kiss.

“Is that really necessary?” Abbi shouts from the dining room table.

“Yes,” Ryan answers once he has had his fill of me. He sticks his finger up at her when he sees the disgusted look she has on her face.

Everyone arrives not long later. It feels like New Year’s again, with us celebrating a new chapter in our lives.

“Molly, your phone,” Ryan says, handing it to me. I look down to see a message on the screen.

Jax: I’m sorry I can’t be there tonight. I’m thinking of you both. Xx

I feel myself get a little choked up at the thought of him sat at home on his own. Bloody hormones.

“You okay, gorgeous?” Ryan asks, looking concerned.

“Yeah, it was just from Jax. I’m so sad he felt like he couldn’t be here.”

I look over to Abbi and can’t help but think that she probably only looks marginally happier than Jax probably does right about now.

The next few hours fly past and, before we know it, people are starting to head off home. I’m just saying goodnight to Steven, Debs, and the girls when my phone ringing distracts me. I quickly grab it off the side. It’s Abbi—why is she ringing when she’s still here. I excuse myself to answer the call.

“Abbi, what’s wrong?”

“I’m in the bathroom downstairs. Please come now,” she sobs.

“Shit,” I whisper when I enter the room and see Abbi sat on the floor by the toilet with blood everywhere. I quickly drop to my knees next to her and grab her hand. “Abbi, what’s—”

“I’m having a miscarriage, Molly.”

Want to know more about Abbi and Jax’s relationship? Falling for Jax is available now.

DOWNLOAD NOW

READ FALLING FOR DANIEL FOR FREE!

Grab your FREE copy of Falling For Daniel now:

Click here to claim your copy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A huge thank you once again to Pam for helping me with Molly. I couldn’t have released either book without your help.

To everyone who was brave enough to take a chance on Part One and love it enough to read Part Two and get this far—thank you for taking the time to try out this new author. I hope you have enjoyed Molly and Ryan’s story and are still up for what is yet to come from the others.

It took me six months to release Part Two of Molly and Ryan’s story thanks to my ever-growing bump who decided spending most of my time either throwing up or sleeping was a better idea.

I want to thank everyone who’s giving me and my first book baby a chance. Molly and Ryan’s story has totally changed my life and they will forever hold a special part of my heart. I hope you continue through the series and find out everyone’s stories. I’ve loved every minute of discovering both existing characters and the ones you are yet to meet.

I need to say a massive thank you to my husband, who’s supported me through this, and of course my gorgeous daughter who allows me time to continue writing every day.

Molly and Ryan were the start of something I never expected, but three years after their initial release, I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I love spending my days creating these incredible characters—when I’m not chasing a toddler, of course. I hope there are many, many more to come.

Until next time,

Tracy xo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy Lorraine is a M/F and M/M contemporary romance author. Tracy has just turned thirty and lives in a cute Cotswold village in England with her husband, baby girl and lovable but slightly crazy dog. Having always been a bookaholic with her head stuck in her Kindle, Tracy decided to try her hand at a story idea she dreamt up and hasn’t looked back since.

Be the first to find out about new releases and offers. Sign up to my newsletter here.

If you want to know what I’m up to and see teasers and snippets of what I’m working on, then you need to be in my Facebook group. Join Tracy’s Angels here.

Keep up to date with Tracy’s books at

www.tracylorraine.com

ALSO BY TRACY LORRAINE

Falling Series

Falling for Ryan: Part One #1

Falling for Ryan: Part Two #2

Falling for Jax #3

Falling for Daniel (An Falling Series Novella)

Falling for Ruben #4

Falling for Fin #5

Falling for Lucas #6

Falling for Caleb #7

Falling for Declan #8

Falling For Liam #9

Forbidden Series

Falling for the Forbidden

Losing the Forbidden

Fighting the Forbidden

Chasing Series

Chasing Logan

Ruined Series

Ruined Plans #1

Ruined by Lies #2

Ruined Promises #3

Never Forget Series

Never Forget Him #1

Never Forget Us #2

Everywhere & Nowhere #3

FLIRT CLUB SERIES

The Cocktail Girls

His Manhattan

Her Kensington

The Halloween Honeys

His Sorority Sweetheart

Second Helpings

Cheeky Trifle

Santa’s Coming

Santa’s Naughty Elf

Resolution Pact

Resolution: Exposure

Matchmaker

Dear All Star Player

Ireland Forever

Forever Ruined (A Ruined series spin off)

Mr. Billionaire

Mr. Silver

Spring Breakers

Spring Break Secret Baby

May Flowers

His Cherry Blossom

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

Dedication

Read Falling For Daniel for FREE!

Foreword

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Epilogue

Read Falling For Daniel for FREE!

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by Tracy Lorraine