Page 152 of Faking the Shot

“I always wanted to know what your hair felt like, but I like this length.”

She tucked herself closer, so she was almost sitting on his lap. Not that it was inappropriate, but she didn’t want the kids to see if they wandered downstairs. “I like being here with you.”

“Yeah?”

She kissed his jaw, heard his intake of breath. “It’s like you’re my Snugglepot.”

He laughed and she felt his lips in her hair. “You know what that makes you?”

“Funny?”

“Super funny, Cuddlepie.”

Her phone’s ringtone cut through their laughter. She glanced at it. Stirling’s name was on-screen. Her chest tensed.

“What is it?”

“It’s my lawyer.”

“Want to get it? I can leave if you want.”

“Stay. I’ve got no more secrets.”

He tucked his arms around her as she pressed speaker. “Hey Stirling. I’ve got a friend here”—Zac’s arms tightened—“my boyfriend here.”

“You and Zac are back together?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

“I like this guy,” Zac whispered.

She laughed, shushed him. “What is it, Stirling?”

“Look, I’m sorry for calling so late at night, but I thought you’d like to know. I just got an email to say it’s gone through.”

“You mean the approval?”

“Yep. They signed off on it this afternoon.”

“That’s awesome! Thank you.” She grinned at Zac and he kissed her cheek. “Did they say what the holdup was?”

“Apparently it had got lost in the system. Someone talked to the mayor and got matters expedited.”

“Wow. Who? Why?”

There was a pause. “I think you can probably ask him that.”

It took her a moment, then she looked at Zac. “Was it you?”

He shrugged. “The mayor likes me. And I’m not above working a connection.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She kissed him.

“Okay,” Stirling said. “That sounds like I should go.”

“Thanks Stirling,” Zac said.

---