Page 38 of Indigo

I gesture for her to continue with a wave of my hand. “By all means.”

Her expression turns from teasing to serious, her features softening. “It’s normal to be scared of starting something new, sweetheart, especially with someone who has let you down in the past, regardless of the reason behind it, but I didn’t raise you to act out of fear. I want you to stand tall and go after what you want, not hold back in case things don’t go the way you wish for them to. This life is so short. Too short. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow, and the last thing I want for you is to live your life with even a single ounce of regret. So do what you want to do, say what you want to say, and take control.” Patting my leg, she squeezes and smiles at me. “Just something to think on.”

I lean into her side, she wraps her arm around me, and hums “The Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel, as we both gaze out at the incredible view before us.

Then and there, I make the decision to be brave.

-12-

PAXTON

“HMMM,” I HUMaround the rim of my mug as I take my first sip of coffee, stepping into the backyard to let the morning sun wake me up and warm my skin.

I hear Indie’s voice coming from over the fence and turn my head in her direction, trying to make out what she’s saying. Curiosity gets the better of me, so I take another sip and make my way toward the dirty cream coloured fence separating us, trying not to make any noise.

I’m glad no one can see me right now, because I’m sure I look like a creeper, skulking by the fence, shirtless, trying to sneak a glimpse of my girl.

As I get closer, I realise she’s not talking, she’s singing, and the sound of her voice goes straight to my dick.

I peer over the fence and choke on my coffee at the sight of Indie dancing around in her backyard, singing her heart out to “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” by Shania Twain, in a tiny pair of hot pink boy-shorts and a black singlet. Her hair is wild. Tight ringlets fall down her back and around her shoulders as she wiggles her ass and uses the small lime green spade she’s holding as a make-shift microphone.

How does she look so fucking sexy right now?

“What are we looking at?” Jagger whispers in my ear, making me jump, spill hot coffee all over my bare chest, and drop the mug on the concrete by my feet.

He bursts into a fit of laughter as I glare at him. “For fuck’s sake, Jagger,” I hiss, bending down to collect the broken pieces of ceramic.

“Oh my god, your face–you looked–and then,” he gets out in between breaths, body folded in half, holding his stomach and rocking back and forth on his heels, his face bright red.

“Shhhh, Jagger, seriously, shut the fuck up,” I whisper, glaring his way as he continues to make a scene in the middle of our backyard.

I’m sure the entire street has heard his hysterics by now.

“What are we up to, neighbours?” Indie asks, her head barely reaching over the fence, making me jump again.

Christ. She’ll never let me live this shit down.

I turn to look at her, trying to play it cool. Both her hands cling to the fence, and she smiles at me so widely it makes my chest clench.

“I think someone was trying to peep over your fence, Indie,” Jagger says in a mocking tone.

I look at him and narrow my eyes before turning back to her. “I was not! I came out to have my coffee and heard a noise. I was just checking to make sure you were okay,” I explain frantically.

She raises one eyebrow, making it obvious she doesn’t believe me. “Pax, if you wanted to watch the show, all you had to do was ask.”

Jagger starts laughing again, and Indie joins him. I roll my eyes, throw my hands in the air, and storm toward the house.

“You’re both delusional, you know that?” I call over my shoulder.

The sound of their combined cackling softens as I step inside and close the door behind me, resting my back against it.

My face feels hot, and my heart is beating at a ridiculous rate.

Jesus, am I fucking blushing?

The door rattles against my back at the same time someone begins incessantly knocking on the front door.

I groan, step away from the back door, causing Jagger to stumble inside as it opens.

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