Page 38 of Lily, Unwritten

“We took off about four minutes ago. You’ve got a while yet! And no to any thoughts you might have about anything happening on a plane. I’m not even taking my seat belt off.”

We spent the flight sipping gin and making lists of what we needed to book and choose. Even having the wedding at the house, this was going to be tight to get it all arranged. But maybe it was better than stretching it out over a year. I made a note to message my mum as soon as I landed and get dress shopping booked in urgently.

Zack was extremely handsy in the taxi on the way to our destination, we were giddy with the thoughts of our future. The villa appeared, whitewashed and beautiful, also absolutely huge. The sun had begun its descent towards the horizon, and the spotlights around the large pool sparkled in the glow.

“Wow, is this all ours?” Zack asked me.

“Yep! Happy birthday gorgeous.” I kissed him. “Turning thirty isn’t all bad.”

“Turning thirty is fantastic,” He glanced out of the car window. “I don’t know if even we can christen all the rooms in a place this big in one long weekend, though.”

I elbowed him. “One track mind.”

“As if you’re not just as bad.”

Zack grabbed the suitcases from the boot and tipped the driver. He set them off to one side, and before I knew what was happening, he picked me up and slung me over his shoulder in a fireman’s lift.

“Finally,” he said. “I get you alone.”

I screamed and kicked my legs, wanting to get down and open the front door to reveal his surprise. I had no chance, his grip on me was strong, tight. Any other time it would have had me begging for more.

As we approached the entrance he inched my skirt up, kissing the top of my thigh, just where it met my bottom. “Zack, stop.” I tried to say in between panicked laughter as his lips brushed lovingly against my skin. My heart flipped, knowing everyone near and dear to him was on the other side of the door, and didn’t need to see my arse.

“Nope, never. That was a torturous plane flight, went on forever.”

“Zack, listen to me, you need to put me down right now, you need to?—”

He spanked me hard as he opened the door. “Shush. You are getting it, right now, right here.”

The word surprise fizzled out from an enthusiastic start as everyone heard what he said. He plonked me down to the ground. “Shit, sorry.”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you.” My entire body burned in shame. “Surprise! Happy Birthday,” I shouted, desperate to cover up the embarrassment.

Aside from some awkward coughs, we were enveloped in hugs and kisses. Glasses of wine were passed around, and Zack’s mum took us out by the pool where a veritable feast of delicacies awaited us.

Zack pulled me onto his knee as we cuddled on an outside lounge seat, then we all filled him in on how we’d been plotting this for months. Hannah mocked us endlessly “Zack, I didn’t quite hear what you said when you came in, sorry, can you repeat it?”

He threw an olive at her, and I pressed my face into his neck to stifle a giggle. “That was mortifying,” I whispered.

His arm wrapped around me as he rubbed my sun-warmed skin. “You couldn’t have planned it for them to arrive after us? I still want to carry on with that intention.”

“We’ll be married in three months, you best enjoy yourself while you can, it’ll be all downhill from there,” I teased as I stood and drained the last dregs of wine from my glass. “All big knickers and headaches, darling. I’m just going to take my bag upstairs and get changed.”

“Your room’s the last one on the left, at the end of the corridor.” Hannah called over as Zack followed me, grabbing our suitcases on the way.

I smiled as I glanced around our bedroom. It was beautiful, bright, and airy. So fresh, with crisp, white bed covers and turquoise accents. I inhaled a deep breath, appreciating the glorious air, exotic and warm, hints of citrus and the ocean.

“Finally.” Zack pulled me to him as he closed the door, the suitcases abandoned. His hands reached into my hair and held my face steady as we kissed.

I relaxed into him. The heat in the room, the wedding talk, everyone being here together for him… I wanted Zack so intensely that the desire snaked around my entire body.

He lifted me, my legs wrapping around him, claiming his body. “What did you say I was getting? I missed it before.” I nibbled on his lip.

“Don’t worry, you won’t miss it this time.” He slid his hand inside my skirt, teasing me as he traced his fingers softly over my skin, heading in exactly the direction I wanted.

“We need to be quiet; the doors are open.” I motioned towards the open balcony.

“I can be quiet,” he whispered. “But can you?”

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