Page 17 of Fierce Family

“No!” I exclaim before adding slightly less hysterically, “No, we agreed, no dating. I don’t have time for that. We are benefit friends.”

“Friends with benefits?” Marisa has to hold back a laugh.

“That. Nothing more.”

“That’s poppycock. You are not a friends-with-benefits person and given that he has been lusting after you for months, I doubt he is either.”

“Well, that’s what we’re doing, so ha to you.”

“You can tell yourself that but mark my words: no way will you be able to fight your feelings.” Marisa gives me another smirk.

“There are no feelings and I’m going now.” I ignore their protests and walk out from behind the reception desk. The butterflies in my tummy, however, tell me that they might not be wrong.

My freshly dried hair feels soft when I slide my fingers through it to untangle the last of my locks. The woman looking back from the mirror looks different than she did a few weeks ago. She looks happier and more relaxed.

There weren’t many opportunities for Josh and I to hook up after our first night together. With his shifts and my sons on summer holidays, it took MI5 level sneaking around to get some “us” time in, but we managed, and each time has been better than the last. Josh is a gifted orgasm provider, but he is also much more. I love hooking up with him, but lying in his arms, chatting about everything and nothing, I think I love that even more. We have a lot in common and I have to remind myself constantly that this is just fun and nothing more.

The doorbell pulls me from my thoughts. I can’t help but grin like a child at Christmas when I make my way downstairs to let Josh in.

Kieran and Gregory are back at school, I’m off today as I have to work on Saturday, and Josh is just coming off a nightshift. Which means we have seven uninterrupted hours ahead of us before the boys get back.

“Hey you,” I great him with a big smile. Tired eyes look back at me. “Are you okay?” I ask, concerned. Josh doesn’t answer but just pulls me in his arms and kisses me passionately.

“I am now, angel,” he mumbles as he nuzzles against my neck. Cupping his face with both of my hands I make him look at me.

“Seriously, Josh. You look ... shattered.”

“We had four alarms last night. I think I only slept for thirty minutes. But that doesn’t matter now, I can sleeplater when you kick me out.” He tries to pull me back into his embrace.

“Or, we can take a power nap now and then make the most of it once you’re reenergised,” I suggest.

“I don’t want to waste precious time sleeping,” he pushes back.

“What if I nap with you? I had to work late yesterday and then get the kids off to school early this morning, so I could do with a nap as well.”

“A naked nap?” Josh grins.

“Semi-naked. Let’s keep some clothes on because otherwise you can’t keep your hands to yourself and you need some sleep, baby.”

“Fine,” he grumbles before lifting me into his arms and carrying me towards my bedroom.

“You do know I can walk,” I laugh.

“Just showing you that I’m full of energy,” he replies, failing to hold back a yawn.

Surprisingly he doesn’t fight any further once we get to the bedroom. As soon as he sees the bed he strips off to his boxers and slides under the duvet. I get changed into my pjs in the bathroom and when I come back he holds out his arms for me and I happily curl up in them. He pulls me against his chest and I immediately feel relaxed and content.

His lips find mine and I can’t hold back a moan. He is probably the best kisser I have ever known.

“Are you sure we can’t have a little fun first,” he mumbles but even the tone of his voice tells me that he needs some sleep.

“No, nap first, fun later,” I order. Josh sighs and pulls me closer before settling his head onto the pillow.

The warmth coming from him engulfs me and my eyes are drifting closed just as I remember that I should probably set an alarm. But the thought disappears the second it hits me and I just sink into the comfort of the moment.

A loud bang echoes through the house and pulls me from my sleep.

“Mum,” Gregory’s voice travels up from the ground floor.Oh shit!

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