Page 10 of Fast Track to Forever
“Do you have a spare shirt?” With a handful of words, she breaks the spell binding us.
I swallow, and reluctantly take my hands off her. “I'll have a look in my old room, see if there's anything that fits. Otherwise, I might have to borrow one from John. Daryl's wouldn't fit.”
I'm blabbering, becoming more and more ridiculous, but I can't help myself. If only there were words I could say to make her wantmeand only me. I’d forgotten what it’s like being around Kat, being engulfed in her ocean of positivity. Nothing is in the too hard basket. No mountain too high, no lake too deep.
“I'll help you look. Shall we start in your room?” She puts her hand on my chest again, and my breath catches. Is she even aware of the effect she has on me?
We walk through the long hallways to the back of the lodge, to what used to be my room. The green on the walls, mountain landscapes and Formula 1 posters make me cringe, but Kat doesn't even blink.
I open the built-in wardrobe and take out two t-shirts that look like they may fit. I discard one on the bed and put the other one on; it's tight around the arms, and I laugh.
“Nope, it seems I've grown. Feels like I've got bodybuilder arms in this.”
Kat runs her hand over my arm and nods. “You're very strong. Bet you could lift me with one arm.”
I lift her with my right arm, and she wraps her arms around my neck. Our lips meet again, and this time her legs wrap around my waist. A thunderstorm of emotions swallows me as I kiss her within an inch of my life.
“I wanted this for so long,” I rasp.
She opens her mouth to reply, but we hear voices down the corridor.
I sigh and put Kat down. She smooths her hair and wipes lipstick off my face. She nods and we exit my room. Frustration and toe-curling lust are fighting a battle with no winners. I’m desperate to make her mine, but I respect her and will alwaysfollow her lead. I’m still locked in a dreamy haze. The woman I’ve always loved finally kissed me. It’s too good to be true, like a fantasy come to life.
“There you are! You found another shirt? John was going to give you one of his.” Daryl’s eyebrows shoot up, eyeing us up and down like some blasted airport scanner.
Kat walks ahead of us, and Daryl falls in step with me.
“We've finished eating,” he says. “Mum and Dad will go to bed, and John and I may go out to karaoke. You guys are welcome to join. Otherwise maybe you can take Kat home. Unless she's staying over.”
I look at him, annoyed at the interruption. “No, she's not staying over. I'm taking her home.”
Kat
This man kisses like he wins races. Relentless, expects surrender. And I want to. My body has a little white flag all ready to fly high. Every touch, every kiss—I still feel them all scattered everywhere across me.
Forget surrendering. I’ll beg for more.
I smack my forehead. Since when have I become this needy for a man?
Will the Giraffe no less. He’s got the body of a Norse god now. And he picked me up with one single arm like I was weightless. Will is no longer the lanky teen he once was, and I’m finding myself attracted to his new quiet determination and strength.
We enter the lounge where Mr. and Mrs. de Jong are tidying everything away. The large real Christmas tree fills the room with an earthy pine aroma. We’ve always had a fake one at home.No aroma. No room-stealing size. It’s convenient, but maybe we’ve been missing out. Perhaps next year we should get a real one. Maybe I could even get Auntie Gem to put a real one in the shop in York.
“I was just admiring your tree, Mrs. de Jong. I love real pine trees.”
“Do you know what? I was telling Fritz we need another smaller one for the reception area. Will, how about you go to the Christmas tree farm on the road to Glenorchy tomorrow to pick one up for us?”
I chime in. “Oh, I love the Christmas tree farm. I could join you, Will.”
Will's spare shirt—probably from when he was eighteen—is threatening to burst at the seams. He runs a hand through his red hair, and I wish I could replace his fingers with my own.
“Sure. I’d like that.” He offers me a shy smile then glances at his mom. “I’ll take Kat home now and see you tomorrow morning.” He hugs his parents and shakes hands with Daryl and John who are putting their light jackets on to brave the Queenstown summer rain on their way to karaoke and drinks.
“I'll make a Pinterest board for you guys with some winter wedding ideas,” I shout at them as they're walking away. “How does that sound?”
Daryl blows me a kiss and waves.
Back in Will’s car, I tuck my legs under me in the generously spaced passenger seat. “That was quite an evening.” The words escape me. The memory of his touch and kiss are going to haunt me all night.
