This Man Confessed (This Man 3)

The policeman actually coughs and blushes himself. ‘Yes… well… urm… public place.’ He signals around in thin air. ‘Move on, please.’

‘We’re visiting.’ Jesse does the window back up, blocking any further stuttering and stammering from the red faced policeman, before turning his mischievous face back to me. This is easy going Jesse. He’s shameless, just like any other time, but adorable and lovable and all roguish. ‘Ready?’

‘I thought you were taking me on a plane?’ I love Newquay, and I can’t wait to see my mum and dad, but Jesse all to myself is what I want right now.

‘I am, after we’ve told my delightful mother-in-law that she’s going to be a grandmother.’ He jumps out of the car and leaves me all horrified and suddenly not so keen on seeing my mum. She’s going to pass out. The door opens next to me. ‘Out you get.’

I close my eyes and look for some patience. ‘Why are you doing this to me?’ I ask.

‘They need to know.’ He takes my hand and pulls me out.

‘No, you just can’t wait to advise my forty seven year old mother that she’s going to be a gran.’

‘Not at all.’ He’s all defensive, but I know his game. He loves rubbing her up the wrong way. Holding my hand, he leads me up the driveway to my parent’s semi by the sea.

‘How did you know where to come?’ This has only just occurred to me. He’s never been here before. Or has he?

‘I called and asked for the address, and I believe that’s your father’s car.’ He points to my dad’s Mercedes. ‘Am I right?’

‘Yes,’ I grumble. My parents are obviously expecting us.

As we approach the front door, Jesse lifts my hand and kisses it sweetly, giving me a little wink. I smile at the irritating rogue. Then he snaps a pair of handcuffs over our wrists.

‘What are you doing?’ I pull against him, but it’s too late. He works those cuffs well. ‘Jesse!’

The front door swings open and my mum stands there, looking all lovely in a pair of cropped jeans and a little cream jumper. ‘My girl’s home!’

‘Hi, Mum.’ Jesse chirps, lifting our cuffed hands and waving on a grin. I knew he would do that, and even though my poor mum has just staggered in shock, I can’t help breaking out in a huge smile. He’s all playful, and I love it.

She gets herself in a fluster and does a quick scan on the outside area behind us before grabbing Jesse and hauling him into the hallway. ‘Get those cuffs off my daughter, you menace.’

He laughs and removes them promptly, quickly restoring Elizabeth’s smile. ‘Happy?’ he asks.

‘Yes,’ She knocks his shoulder before moving in and squeezing me to her bosom. ‘It’s so good to see you, darling. I’ve got the spare room ready for you.’

‘We’re staying?’ I ask, accepting her hug.

‘We fly out in the morning.’ Jesse pipes up. ‘I thought we’d run a visit in before your mum starts thinking that I’m keeping you from her.’

Mum drops me and takes Jesse in her arms. ‘Thank you for bringing her to visit.’ she says, squeezing him extra tight.

I smile as I watch him accept her hug, rolling his eyes over her shoulder at me. All of this isn’t for him. I know that he’d rather have me to himself any day of the week, but he really is trying, and I love him all the more for it.

‘Make the most of it because I’m kidnapping her in the morning.’

‘Yes, yes, I know.’ She releases him. ‘Joseph! They’re here! I’ll make tea.’

We follow her down to the kitchen, and I gaze around, taking in the ever perfect neatness and preciseness of my parent’s home. I didn’t grow up here, but mum has gone out of her way to replicate my childhood home, even having a wall knocked down to join the kitchen and dining room, making it a huge family room.

My dad is sitting at the kitchen table, reading a newspaper. ‘Hi, Dad!’ I lean over his shoulder and kiss his cheek, and like always he tenses at the show of affection.

‘Ava, how are you?’ He closes his paper and puts his hand out to Jesse, who has made himself comfy in the chair next to Dad. ‘Is she keeping you on your toes?’

‘Of course,’ Jesse flicks me a look, and I scoff.

After visiting the loo, I settle at the table with my dad and my husband and watch quietly as they chat at ease while my mum makes tea, throwing little bits into the conversation here and there. It’s a wonderful sight, and if anyone would’ve said that this would happen when I first got involved with my Lord of the Sex Manor, I would have laughed in their face. I would never have dreamt it. I’m so happy.

‘I thought we could go down to The Windmill for dinner tonight.’ Mum says, placing the tea on the table. ‘We’ll stroll down. It’s going to be a lovely evening.’

Dad grunts his agreement, no doubt looking forward to a few pints. ‘That sounds like a plan.’ he agrees.

‘Perfect,’ Jesse places his hand on my knee and squeezes.

Yes, perfect.

Chapter 22

‘Ladies first,’ Jesse holds the door open, and mum and I slip past. ‘Joseph,’

‘Thank you, Jesse.’ My dad walks ahead, leading us to a table by the fireplace, which is lit with an array of candles, rather than the usual logs and flames that crackle during the winter months.

‘Drinks?’ Jesse asks, pulling out a chair for me, but soon stopping me from resting my bum down when he notices it’s hard wood and free of anything cushioned. Leaving me standing, he quickly swaps it for a nearby high-backed chair with arms, upholstered in a regal green velvet.