Page 82 of Hot Girl Summer

“I’m going to take you home, light some candles, give you the best bath you’ve ever had, and make you dinner.”

I meant with us.

The question is never far from my lips over the next three days of complete bliss we share together. Three days of teasing, fucking and making love in every room and in any position that doesn’t cause my shoulder to seize up. Three days of being bathed and fed, nurtured and cared for, with plenty of Penny cuddles. Three days of the incredible view and the sea air on my doorstep, listening to him play covers of my favourite songs on the balcony at sunset—like he’s curated the perfect summer playlist just for me. His rendition of Watermelon Sugar puts Harry Styles to shame, but maybe I’m biased. And even though Danny still draws the line at playing Wonderwall, I never imagined in all my wildest dreams that I’d ever know what life with someone I love would look like. The first person to ever make me feel like I’m enough.

Yes, I am undeniably and unapologetically in love with Danny Pearce.

Danny perches on the sofa’s edge to tie his shoelaces, while I stand by the front door waiting for him, as I mentally and physically prepare to leave. The bruising has subsided, but my shoulder is still too tender to cycle home comfortably, and I haven’t yet had my bike checked out, so we agree to leave it at Danny’s house until I’m fully healed.

“I want us. I want this more than anything. But we still need to be careful,” he says, after I finally pluck up the courage to ask him what I really wanted to.

He rises from the sofa to join me by the door. I want to say that I understand, that I’m willing to wait. But at the same time, I want him to be mine, and only mine. I’m already done with the fact that, after two years, Belle still casts a shadow over his life. I’m done sharing him—even though it’s indirect—and I know how selfish that sounds. My heart fills with sadness, and my gaze falls to the ground in an attempt to hide it, but he sees right through me.

“Hey.”

Light fingertips gently coax my chin towards him.

“Any day now. Then we can be together properly.”

Sadness turns to hope, and I lift my gaze to meet his.

“I mean what I say.”

Instantly, I’m lost in his honey-green gaze. I want to believe him, but I’ve been let down by people I trust so many times before. He glances at the large gym bag by my feet. “Why don’t you stay?”

With those words, the hope in my heart merges into complete subordinate love. “I can’t. I have work, and—”

“So we’ll stop off at yours and get more clothes. I’ll drive you to work.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“I’m offering.” He edges towards me, so that our lips are barely touching. I cast my eyes downwards again, savouring the closeness and his fingers on my skin.

“At least until your bike is fixed.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Inthetwoweeksthat follow, Kiki’s test results come back clear, and she comes back home. With a mixture of acupuncture and physiotherapy, my shoulder pain has significantly eased, and although I’m back at work and cycling, I’m still living out my staycation romance with Danny, he even gave me a key. I’ve definitely gotten used to this dog-mum life a little too easily.

“You look nice,” I say, walking into the kitchen, but Danny doesn't hear me.

His white polo, tan chinos and signature summer scent screams Riviera man-snack as he sits on a bar stool with his back turned, and I want nothing more than to rip his shirt off. I’m about to wrap my arms around his waist and go in for the kill when I notice the glass of whiskey. My eyes dart to the piece of paper he’s holding.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a decree absolute,” he says quietly, meeting my gaze with a sombre expression.

“Meaning?”

Rising, he swipes the sheet of paper from the kitchen island and hands it to me. “It means I’m officially divorced.”

I scan the document briefly and breathe a sigh of relief. Thank fuck it’s finally over. “Are you kidding? That’s great news.”

I leap into his arms, but he doesn’t return the gesture. My elation dampens. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy?”

He shakes it off, and I retreat, searching his vacant features. “I think I’m just a bit shocked, that’s all.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

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