Page 62 of Anteros' Return

“I’m here. Don’t stand in the cold. Come in.” She hurried to the door, her hair tumbling over her shoulders as her flared leggings clung to her like a second skin. Her vest top was low enough to tease her cleavage but not as much as I’d have liked.

”I’ll wait in the garden,” Liam called, already halfway towards the back double doors.

“These are for you.” I held out the sunflowers to Em, whose eyes lit up the second she saw the vibrant yellow colour.

“My favourite!” She took them from my hand, admiring them just like she used to when I got them for her in the past.

“I know. They always remind me of you.” I brushed her hair over her shoulder, as she turned slightly, just enough for me to catch the curve of her smile. I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. It wasn’t planned—it just felt right, like the kind of moment you don’t want to overthink.

“But it’s winter, how did you manage to get them?” She whispered as her cheeks turned the prettiest shade of pink.

“I have my ways.” I couldn’t help but be totally consumed by the soft smile gracing her lips.

She blushed and turned to enter the kitchen. “I’ll put these in some water. Do you want to join Liam outside?”

“Already on my way.” I exited out the back and walked towards the garden. I couldn’t help but feel happy with myself at seeing Emily’s face light up over something as simple as sunflowers. It took me back to all those years ago.

I was the first boy to buy her a bouquet, and I’d make sure I was the last and only man too.

“Beckett! Look at this!” Liam shouted as soon as he saw me approach him. He was practising his bicycle kick, a shot he wanted to perfect.

“That’s brilliant, mate! It’s coming along nicely.” I clapped my hands as I slowly jogged over to him, testing out my abilities since my injury.

“How’s your ankle?” he asked.

“All good for now.”

For the next hour, we played together and true to his word, he took it easy on me—I didn’t have to move much in the goal.

“I ordered pizza for lunch. Who’s hungry?” Emily called from the door.

“Pizza!” Liam grabbed his football, not wanting to leave it outside and ran towards Emily. “Beckett, hurry up, you won’t be any good on the pitch at that speed.”

“Alright, alright, you just wait until I’m back at full fitness, then we’ll see who’s slow.” I laughed along with Liam and Emily

She held the door open and asked, “How’s the ankle, really? No lies.”

“It’s fine, honestly.”

“Fine? You know I hate that word.” She rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind us.

“You always did.”

We sat at the breakfast counter, the three of us tucking into pizza together. My knee brushed against Emily’s, and she stirred, pulling her leg way too far away from mine.

“Mum, can I play FIFA for a little bit?”

“You can, but not for long, you have homework.”

“I know. Can Beckett play with me too?” he pleaded, giving me that puppy dog look that he aimed at everyone when he wanted something.

“Why don’t you ask him and see?” She stood from her stool, taking the empty plates to the dishwasher.

“I’d love to, mate.” I started to head into the living room but stopped when Emily busied herself with sorting the kitchen. “Are you sure you don’t need a hand?”

“I’m good. You go with Liam. I’ll be in shortly.” I realised as soon as she spoke that it made us sound like a proper family despite us not being one…Yet.

After getting humiliated on FIFA by Liam, he went off to bed, and I remained downstairs, hoping Em and I could spend a little time together before she kicked me out.

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