Page 39 of Ours to Keep

I pull back with a nod, unable to form a reply.

His eyes flick to my mouth as he gravitates towards me, I wait in anticipation as he leans in, his lips ghosting over mine in a brief but tender kiss. River comes up beside us and immediately pulls me into his arms, barely giving Elliot time to let me go.

The guilt they all feel is palpable. Their reactions alone are enough to show me how much they care. It’s a complex web of emotions that I can’t even begin to decipher.

“Can I kiss you,” River says against my cheek.

I give a subtle nod and a softly whispered, “Yes.”

His lips trace my cheek and then the corner of my mouth.

And much like Elliot, the kiss is slow and gentle. It ends too quickly, his hazel eyes taking in my features before Tommy’s voice breaks the moment.

“We need to go, Sunshine,” he says gently, breaking the silence. “The sooner we get on the road, the better.”

River nods, stepping back reluctantly. I turn to Tommy, my face set with determination despite the tremor in my hands.

“I’m ready.” Two words that couldn’t be further from the truth. Leaving these three men behind feels like I’m leaving part of myself, and I’m not sure I understand the ramifications of that epiphany.

Chapter Nineteen

TOMMY

The drive to Torquay, for the most part, was quiet, even with the sat nav and the music playing as background noise. The tension was a tangible presence, though. The coastal town stretches out before us as the sun begins to set. We drive through the winding roads, the sea to our right, until we reach the gated property.

I turn off the ignition and scan the surroundings before leaving the car. I notice the security cameras strategically placed around the house, their lenses glinting off the setting sun.

The sight of the house embodies both grandeur and comfort. Not quite as big as her home, but no less luxurious. The idyllic views offer a touch of paradise to the property. I’d imagine it’s even more stunning in the hotter months.

Opening my door, I meet her at the passenger side.

“I’ll come back for the rest of our luggage,” I say, only grabbing her holdall and vanity case from the back seat before guiding her towards the house.

Unlocking the front door, we both make our way inside. Placing her bags on the floor, I make quick work of deactivating the alarm.

Stepping further inside we’re immediately met with spaceand light, even with the sun beginning to set. The living room, sitting room and dining room flow seamlessly into each other, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. The heating must have been set for our arrival, for which I’m grateful. It’s definitely colder here by the sea.

Lily says nothing as we slowly walk into the kitchen, complete with a breakfast area.It’s clear it’s designed for both casual and formal dining, making it the heart of the home. And I can’t help but smile, immediately understanding why Caleb invested in the property, the perfect getaway home for him, Noah and Jessica.

“It’s lovely,” Lily says as she slowly turns back to face me.

“Do you want to go upstairs and pick a room? You can get settled and rest before dinner.” Unsurprisingly, it’s clear the journey here has taken its toll on her, even though I stopped off twice.

I hold my hand out for her to go first, grabbing her bags and following her upstairs. We find six spacious bedrooms, four of which boast en-suite bathrooms. Each room offers a level of comfort and tranquillity, which is just what Lily needs right now. But it’s the balcony off of the largest suite that garners Lily’s attention, allowing breathtaking views of the coastline. I can imagine her watching the sunrise with a book and a cup of tea.

“I think it’s safe to say you’ve found your room.”

She turns to face me. “Oh, no, I don’t?—”

I cut her off. “Lily, take the room. I’ll be right next door, okay?”

Her lips form a small smile. “Thank you.”

I nod my head and begin to back away. “I’m going to move the car to the garage and bring all the bags inside.”

She moves towards me. “I’ll help.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think so. You know what the doctor said about you needing time to heal and rest. Under any other circumstance, we would never have had you travel today.”

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