Page 54 of Lilly
My parents learnt very quickly that telling me they loved me had a bad effect on me. From the day they figured that out, they’ve always made sure they’ve shown me how important I am to them. They are the kind of parents kids should have. I know it must have killed them both over the years not to tell me how they feel. Especially my mum; she wears her heart on her sleeve and wants everyone to know. She will tell me now occasionally, but I’ve kind of got used to her voice saying it so it doesn’t quite have the same effect as it did when Lilly saidit.
I spent a lot of years disappointing them. I wasn’t aware of it at the time but I know now that I was probably trying to push them away, to prove to myself they didn’t want me like they said they did. But they stuck by me, no matter what I threw at them. They’ve been there to pick up the pieces and to get my life back ontrack.
I’ve never told them how much they mean to me. I’m often aware I probably should, but I really hope theyknow.
When I eventually make it home later that day I find Lilly, dressed and ready to go in the kitchen, looking out over the garden. I stand in the doorway watching her. From the back alone, she looks stunning. The dress hugs her curves like a second skin. I run my eyes down the diamond buttons that run down the length of her spine before taking in her slim waist, curved hips and long legs. Her hair has all been pinned up and it shows off her creamy, perfect neck. I fight back the urge to walk up behind her and sink my teeth into that perfect skin, to mark her for the night so every fucker at the event will know she’s mine. I don’t think she’d welcome that after what I’ve probably put her through in the last few hours. So instead, I continue to stand and watch her, until she turns around and I scare the shit out of her. The sight of her from the front takes my breath away as well. She is beautiful and far too good for me, I think for the millionth time since meeting her. She has a few bits of curled blonde hair framing her face, and her makeup is so natural I can hardly tell she’s wearing any—the only thing that’s noticeable is her red lips. And fuck me, how badly do I want to see those wrapped around mycock?
It’s obvious she wants to talk. I knew she would, but I put her off until at least after this event. I’d like to try to get through it unscathed. Everyone there thinks I’m the ruthless businessman I portray. I’d like to keep it thatway.
* * *
Our arrival is everythingI wanted it to be. I wanted to shock people by bringing a date. What I didn’t anticipate was the looks she’d get from all the other men here. Yes, I know I wanted them to be jealous, but I didn’t want them looking at her like they’re stripping her naked with theireyes.
“Ow, Luc, stop holding so tight,” she complains as she tries to pull her hand frommine.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “It’s just that every man in this place wants what’smine.”
“I thought that was what youwanted.”
“I didn’t think it through properly,” Iadmit.
“Are you jealous?” she asks withamusement.
“I should be the only one that gets to look at you like that.” I don’t answer honestly because the truth freaks meout.
“I’ll take that as ayes.”
“Lucas, Lilly, it’s so good to see you,” my mother sings when she spots us. She completely ignores me though, and goes straight forLilly.
“Son,” my dad greets quickly before we both turn to watch Mum fawn overLilly.
“Oh, darling, you look beautiful. Your gown isstunning.”
“Thank you, Mrs.Dalton.”
“Oh, please call me Elaine, dear. Mrs. Dalton makes me feelold.”
“Okay,” Lilly says with asmile.
My mum briefly looks away from Lilly and glances at me. The look in her eyes hits me hard. She looks so happy. “Now, I want to know everything about you, Lilly. This is a first for me. I want to know why my son is so fascinated with you, other than your obviousbeauty.”
“I’m so sorry,” my dad mutters to me. “I warned her not to do this but she’s been waiting a long time to be introduced to agirlfriend.”
“Lilly’s not—” My dad raises one eyebrow at me and it stops me mid denial. “Fine, okay, I guess sheis.”
We both stand and watch as my mother grabs two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and hands one toLilly.
“Let’s get a drink,” Dad suggests, so we leave them too it and head to thebar.
* * *
“They’re goingto be requesting that we take our seats in a few minutes,” my mum says as she and Lilly join us at the bar about thirty minutes later. I kept an eye on the two of them the whole time. They didn’t stop chatting, and my mum didn’t stop smiling. I think it’s safe to say she approves of Lilly. “Don’t let this one go, Luc, she’s a keeper,” Mum says with awink.
This weird feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. I wasn’t aware that I needed the approval of my parents. I’m big enough and ugly enough to do my own thing and make my own decisions, but it feels good knowing that my mum likesLilly.
I look up to Lilly to see her reaction, but the face looking back at me isn’t what I wasexpecting.
“Lilly, are you okay?” I ask. She looks pale. She’s looking right at me but it’s like she isn’t seeing me. “Lilly?” I prompt when she doesn’trespond.
It’s only two seconds later that I see her fall. Both Dad and I jump forward and I thankfully manage to grab her before she hits the floor. I gently lower her down. “Lilly?” I ask again as I touch her face to see if it will bring her around. She doesn’t respond, but she’s reallyhot.
“Put her in the recovery position. I’m ringing an ambulance,” Dad instructs, but I just panic. I stand up and back away, not knowing what to do or how tohelp.
Mum must see what I’m doing and immediately takes my place on the floor and rolls Lilly to herside.
The next hour is a total blur. The paramedics come. Thankfully Lilly is awake by the time they do, and tries to convince them she’s fine, but they won’t have it. They put her on to a trolley and push her out to theambulance.
“Go on, Lucas,” my mum says, pushing at my shoulder. “She needs you.” I do as I’m told because that seems like the easiest thing, with my brain notfunctioning.
I sit in the back and hold Lilly’s hand on the short journey to the hospital. I’ve only been in an ambulance once before and it’s not really an experience I’d like to repeat or relive. My grip on Lilly’s hand must be painful again as I try to keep my memories at bay. I need to be here for her right now, not lost in my ownhead.
