Chapter 1

Kelly sat in the back with Naomi as I drove back home, they chatted quietly and excitedly during the 20-minute journey. I tried not to listen to their private conversation, the odd word floated out though, words like gentle, kind, and animal. I’m guessing that last relates to the second fuck this morning, we did get a bit carried away, and I was worried I’d hurt her afterwards. She seemed unharmed though, and was fine walking along the lanes to the car.

Back in the village I pulled into Kelly’s driveway and shut the engine down. We sat in silence for a few moments until Kelly spoke,”do I need to bring anything tonight?”

“Just yourselves, oh, and drink, I’ve only got beer in at the moment.”

“Beer’s good.”

“So, just yourselves then...”

“Oh, and a change of underwear, and a toothbrush if I’m staying over.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea, no pressure though, not from me at least,” I added, looking at Naomi, who had a grin that suggested all her Christmases had arrived at once.

I stepped out of the car and popped the tailgate, I removed Kelly’s case and placed it carefully on their doorstep.

Kelly clambered inelegantly out of the backseat, I found myself thinking it’s a tight squeeze back there. I don’t remember anyone using them before, perhaps it’s time to trade up to the Cayenne if I’m gaining a family, or maybe a Range Rover Sport.

In her heels Kelly was practically my height, she stepped up close again, her piercing eyes looked straight into mine searching deep into my soul it seemed, her unblinking stare was a little unnerving.

“Try as I might, I can’t see anything wrong with you Mr James, it appears my daughter was right all along.”

She leaned forwards and gave me the merest butterfly kiss on my lips.

“Later...” she said, trailing her fingertips across my cheek as she turned to unlock the door.

I got back in the car and noticed Naomi had moved back to the front seat, “aren’t you going inside? Don’t you have stuff to talk about with Kelly?”

“Nope, we talked enough, I’m coming with you, there’s shopping to be done for the barbecue. We also need to talk about the future. If I’m living in your house I need to decorate my room, I hate the colour of my walls.”

“Moving in already are you?”

“You can’t keep me away now Tom, I’m yours to keep. My heart burst when I saw mum kissing you before. It was like the ending of the best Netflix RomCom ever.”

“Ok, let’s get some food for tonight, then I’ll phone Helen, she decorated the house when I bought it. She can come to the barbecue, and while I’m flirting with your mum you can talk to Helen about your room. Does that sound OK?”

“Oh yes, amazing.”

I drove the short distance home, then we walked into the village to the family butcher, I always try to buy as much locally sourced meat and veg as possible, especially if cooking for guests. I’m not sure if it tastes better, or if it’s healthier, but I feel better handing my money to a local business rather than to a big supermarket chain.

We bought some of their home made 6oz burgers along with some chicken breasts and sausages, we moved to the grocers next door for some salad, then over the road to the bakers for some bread rolls. Naomi insisted we buy some cream cakes as well, she picked a selection which were boxed up and she carried slowly and carefully back to the house.

I expected the afternoon to be a little awkward, considering what we’d got up to last night and this morning, but she barely mentioned it, instead concentrating on preparations for our barbecue. Considering the amount of food we’d bought, she decided we should invite a couple more neighbours over. I suspect this had a dual purpose, giving us people to talk to if tonight went disastrously, and providing witnesses if it all works perfectly.

Damn, she’s smart.

We found the box of garden lights and bunting, and set about decorating the garden.

“If you want a swim today, do it soon, because I’m going to cover it later, in case anyone gets drunk and falls in.”

“Oh right, that’s a sensible idea, I’ll do a few lengths right now.”

And, why did I even think she’d do the sensible thing and fetch her costume off the airer. She stripped off right there and dove in the pool.

I couldn’t help but watch her for a couple of lengths, she was such a magnificent girl, strong, smart, confident, and really very beautiful.