Page 66 of For the Love of Lily

“Watching football at home, but you know you beat football every time.”

“It feels like a long time since we just talked. Do you know what I mean?” I asked.

“I do, but we’re both on the phone now, so I’ll turn the football off, hey?”

“You are so well trained,” I teased. “Who got you under the thumb?”

“Well,” he was starting to flirt. I loved his flirty voice. “She’s this absolute temptress, has me under a spell where even football can’t break through.”

“She sounds awful,” I gasped, enjoying the playful mood. “How do you cope?”

“When she gets too much, I have this little trick, this thing I can do to her.” His words made me breathe faster. “She can’t deny me anything once I get started.”

“How do you know she’s really into it? Don’t you worry she’s faking?”

“You can’t fake what she does.” I could tell he was smirking.

“I’m going to hang up on you now, Zachary.” He took a breath as if to object. “Facetime me in five minutes, OK?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he replied, as he ended the call.

That had intensified quickly. Maybe that was the effect of being apart? I remembered how we had calls like that every night when we first started dating. I dragged a brush through my hair and checked my face, keeping the fluffy dressing gown on as I sat back in the bed. My phone began to buzz with a video call.

I smiled at Zack as I accepted the call. “Hello again.”

“It’s good to hear you sounding relaxed.” Zack was on the couch in our living room. The lighting was dim and cosy, and his hair looked scruffy. He had stubble and looked beautiful to me. It made me homesick.

“Swap relaxed for a little bit pissed,” I admitted.

“Wish I was there, you’re great when you drink,” he grinned.

“I kicked a guy in the shin for trying to kiss me, so be careful!” I raised an eyebrow at him and smiled.

“What the fuck? Was it Luke?” He sat upright, paying more attention now.

“No, I’m not with Luke. I went for a drink, thought it might help me think. I went back to our first date place. It was a random barman. Hope he has a bruise tomorrow.” I really did.

“I worry about you. You walk around all gorgeous, not realising how good you look or the effect it has. You’re too sweet and innocent sometimes,” he sighed. “As long as you’re safe. I’ll come over if you need me?”

“I’m fine, promise. He was harmless, sort of. I wish you were here, but at the same time, I think this is giving me what I need. I do miss you, Zack. I’m glad we’ve stopped shouting.”

“I miss you too. That fight was stupid, can we never do that again? You feel close now though.” He took a swig from a beer bottle.

“I needed to hear your voice, to see you. I was remembering when we first met and how we fell in love and…” I paused, not knowing what it was I wanted. “It was amazing, wasn’t it?”

“Not liking the use of the past tense there…” His eyes narrowed with concern.

“No, no, I don’t mean that. I just mean the feeling of falling in love with you,” I smiled. “Used to love those phone calls every night too.”

“Me too, still not as good as when we moved in together though.”

“I remember when we went to view the house, and we both loved it straight away.” I relaxed even further as I recalled walking up the driveway together on that sunny afternoon, holding hands and feeling giddy.

“I remember the first night when we moved in, and the second, and the third.” He had a naughty smile on his face.

“Stop!” I knew I was blushing as I sniggered with him.

“Nice dressing gown, by the way, Lily.”

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