“Good, then it’s settled. So, what are your plans this weekend?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I think we need some girly time, don’t we, Till?” She says. Tilly nods, her eyes bright as she reaches for her second taco. I chuckle at how much such a small girl can eat.
“We’re going shopping and then we’re going to have a picnic in the park, and then we’re going to paint our nails and then watch movies all night,” Tilly explains excitedly.
“Sounds fun,” I say, making a face. Kiara pokes her tongue out at me and I laugh, but inside I’m disappointed at the prospect of not seeing her all weekend.
Several tacos later, we’ve all eaten too much and we’re regretting it. Except for Tilly, who’s trying to convince Kiara to let her try for taco number four. I pay the bill as Kiara carries a screaming Tilly out to the car. It’s way past her bedtime, and it shows in her behavior. She’s already asleep before Kiara even finishes buckling her in. Carefully, she closes the door, letting out a sigh of relief.
“That was fun,” she says, turning around to face me. “Well, apart from the bit where I had to wrangle a screaming child from the premises.”
I slide my arm around her waist and tug her against me. Our eyes lock. My hand resting on the curve of her neck, I tilt her face upward, pressing my lips against hers. She sighs, a smile moving across her lips.
“So, I guess I’ll see you Monday,” I murmur. I hate the idea of not seeing her, even for a couple of nights but I don’t want her knowing that.
Her lips meet mine again. “You sure you can handle being away from me?” she teases, biting her lip. I narrow my eyes and she laughs.
“Sure I can, the question is, can you handle not seeing me?” I retort.
To support my point, I kiss her again, but this time I don’t hold back. My fingers rake through her long, dark hair, our tongues meshing together as my mouth ravishes hers. She breathes heavily as I pull away, her lips slightly parted as she catches her breath.
“It’s a
couple of days,” she grins once she’s regained her composure. “I think I’ve got this.”
***
It’s Saturday night and I’m sitting on the sofa watching reruns of House of Cards. I’m bored. I’ve been checking my phone hoping for a message or missed call from Kiara, but there’s nothing. I’ve gone to text her numerous times, but I don’t want to impede of her time with Tilly. That and I want to prove to myself I can go a few days without seeing her, especially when I’m sure she thinks I’m going to cave.
Only it’s proving to not be that easy.
I call Will in an attempt to distract myself, to let him know Kiara and Tilly might be coming with me next month. I’m sprawled out on the sofa with both Lance and Mr. Scruffy lazing on top of me. I scratch the cat under the chin as he purrs happily. I’m getting used to this have a cat thing.
“No dramas, there’s plenty of room,” he says, when I tell him. “How is Kiara by the way?”
“She’s good.” I pause, not sure if he knows about Aiden. “Her fiancé died, did I tell you that?”
“Kait mentioned it. That sucks, but I suppose it gives her some closure, right?” He pauses, as if lost in thought. “Are you two…?”
“We’re good at the moment,” I say. “These last few weeks things have been really good. I really like her,” I admit.
“Do you love her?”
I don’t even have to think about it before I answer. “I do love her.”
“Then don’t let her get away,” Will advises.
He’s right. I can’t fuck this up.
“I gotta go, man, but I’ll call you soon, okay?” I say. I hang up and right away I call Grant. An idea is shaping in my head, but I can’t pull it off alone.
“Dude, can you guys look after Tilly tomorrow night?” I say when he answers the call. “I want to surprise Kiara with dinner.”
“Sure thing,” he replies. “Miss her that much, huh? After one day? You’re so whipped,” he chuckles and I laugh.
“And another thing, I need Ellie to get Kiara dressed up and ready for me to pick her up at seven.”
“What are you planning, man?” Grant asks suspiciously. “Tell me you’re not…You are, aren’t you?” he accuses me. “I’m your best friend, dude. You can’t propose and not tell me. That’s bad form.”