Page 55 of Unforeseen Love

Five minutes later, we’re both back in the hallway, and I can’t stop the laugh which bubbles from my chest as I point between us.

“Shit, same brain,” I say.

We’re both in black jogging bottoms and grey hoodies.

She glances down at herself and smiles. I want to drop to my knees and worship her right here, right now. Does she know the effect her smile has on me?

I grab my keys and stuff my mobile in my pocket before pulling on my trainers. When I glance up, she’s stepping into hers––again, both in white trainers.

Once we’re outside, she inhales a deep breath, tilting her face towards the sky. The sun is still out, highlighting her beautiful features. I mean, it’s not like I haven’t noticed how gorgeous she is. The way she acts at work, her empathy for strangers, even if this wasn’t her job, comes naturally to her. But I can see it, the strain it’s taking, the compassion fatigue. If I could, I’d make her take annual leave.

“I think you should take a couple of days off,” I say.

She opens her eyes, and I nudge my head as we fall into step together.

“I have this Sunday off,” she replies softly.

I reach out for her hand and squeeze it once before linking our fingers together. “Yeah, but you work too hard.”

She tugs on my hand and turns to face me, a ‘V’ forming between her brows. “You’re being weird. Is it because we’ve had sex?” she asks, eying me suspiciously.

And I can’t hold back my laugh. I shake my head. “No, but also kind of, yeah,” I say with a shrug. I bring my free hand up to her face, and she sighs softly and leans into my touch.

“I want whatever this is between us to carry on. But I also need to consider the health of my staff. So please, if it gets too much at work, let me know and we can sort something out, okay?”

Her eyes soften, highlighting their brilliant greenish blue.

“Wow, you said please. This is like something out of the twilight zone. Are you going soft?” she mocks.

I lean down and give her a chaste kiss on the lips, and then drop my hand from her face.

“I can assure you I am going anything but soft. And when we get home, I’ll show you just how much when I fuck you into submission.”

Her pupils grow darker as she darts her tongue out and licks her lips.

“Come on.” I tug her gently but don’t let go as we make our way towards Battersea Park.

We come to a stop at the Victorian Bandstand, surrounded by an arena of trees in the heart of the park. I smile as I’m flooded with memories from my childhood. I was so lucky, and if it wasn’t for Aunt Meredith and Uncle Ewan, I’m sure my life would be very different right now.

“Aunt Meredith used to bring me here all the time when I was growing up,” I say to Sienna and pull her into my arms.

We get a few dirty looks from passers-by, but whatever.

“It’s lovely. I’ve never been to this part of the park before.”

I lean in and give her a chaste kiss, and I like that she’s experiencing this with me for the first time.

“I was married here.” I wave to the bandstand and her eyes spring to mine as she steps back with a look of shock.

I pull her back to me. “I was seven,” I say, laughing.

She swats my shoulder. “You’re not funny,” she says, but there she goes again, fucking smiling.

I reach up and rub my thumb over her bottom lip. “I love it when you smile.”

Her cheeks redden––she’s not used to compliments.

Someone tuts as they pass us by, which only makes her blush harder. To be fair, I’m well aware we shouldn’t be this close. We should be social distancing, but whatever, got to live a little.

---