Page 39 of Jump Start

I watched as he made his way over to the fridge, his shirt lifting slightly to reveal his hips. I bit my tongue, realising my family was present and transitioned into a smile, ignoring my rapid heartbeat.

Thomas walked over with a smile and handed me a gin and tonic. I noticed his face was red.

“Thanks. You forgot to wear sunscreen, didn’t you?”

“It’s not my fault. I’m usually wearing a race suit in the sun.”

I scrunched my eyes up at him. “That is not a good enough excuse.” Taking a large sip from the drink, I felt my muscles relax slightly. Even though the circumstances of my visit were less than desirable, I was glad to be home again and with Thomas by my side.

Andy and Brendan came back and insisted that I play King’s Cup with them. It had been a long time since I had played, and it took me back to my post-graduation party. “Fine. But don’t expect me to win.”

Famous last words.

***

“Am I alive?” I asked Thomas, keeping my eyes closed.

“I’m assuming so,” he answered as he wrapped his arm around me.

“King’s Cup. Whose idea was that?”

“That would be your brothers,” he deadpanned.

Barely able to move, I was so hungover that Mum ended up knocking on the door, bringing me bacon and eggs, coffee, and painkillers to relieve the suffering.

“Oh Mum, thank you so much. I promise we were going to get up at some stage.” I sat up straight and Thomas flattened down the mess that was my hair.

“Don’t worry, darling, your brothers are horizontal on the rumpus room couch.” I could tell Mum was enjoying looking after all her kids again, a good distraction for what was going on with Dad.

As I ate the food, I slowly felt my soul return to my body. Knowing a shower would bring it back fully, I went to stand under the warm stream of water. As I started to wash my hair, I felt Thomas behind me. His hands gripped my waist, and he peppered kisses along my neck. I leant back to feel him hard against my back.

“Really?” I smirked as I turned around to face him, cupping him in my hands.

“Can’t answer questions when you have me in your hands,” he murmured, soft and low. Stroking up and down his length as he leant his head back, eyes closed, I took in my favourite view, from his neck to his chest. Strong, manly, and packed with muscles, his freckles formed the perfect tapestry across his solidchest. He returned the favour by grazing my ass in his hands. Before I knew it, he lifted me and my legs wrapped around his waist. Steam rose, clearing my senses and making our bodies slip against each other. I moaned his name as he lowered me onto him gently, holding me up in both of his arms. My hands pressed against his shoulders to keep me upright. I knew we would not last long in this position. As he lifted me up and down, I felt full and energised. Kissing him, I quickened the pace, riding him until stars exploded behind my eyes. Pushing me against the shower wall, he pressed a hand over my lips, capturing my moan. I slid off him at the last minute, so that he could finish in my mouth.

Drying ourselves off in the bathroom, I caught his eyes in the mirror.

“See, I knew just what you needed, a good ride on my—” I cut him off by throwing my towel on his face, as we both dissolved into giggles.

***

We surfaced in the lounge room where my brothers were still horizontal on the couch, watching old re-runs of Star Trek, surrounded by boxes of fried chicken.

“Well, this is a sorry sight,” I announced to the room. Both looked up and waved to Thomas and I then resumed their TV watching.

I went into the kitchen to find Mum packing her handbag on the counter.

“Heading into the hospital, Mum?” I asked, hugging herfrom behind.

“Yes, darling. Thomas, would you like to come with us? Ian has been asking to meet you.” Thomas nodded and agreed with a soft smile. “I’m looking forward to meeting him as well.”

Mum drove us to the hospital as I was not feeling well enough to drive.

“I’m nervous as fuck,” Thomas said out loud, letting his inner thoughts out. It made Mum laugh.

“Don’t worry about it, Thomas. Ian will love you.” This made me scoff under my breath. I knew my dad would be friendly, but he would not make things easy for Thomas.

Eighteen

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