Page 72 of Mesmerised

She leapt from the bed and headed for the bathroom. She looked at me over her shoulder with a twinkle in her eye.

“Uh-oh. What’ve you got planned?” I asked.

“I didn’t eat much either. Why don’t you take a shower with me so I caneatyou before food?”

I didn’t need any persuading and chased after her, looking forward toeatingher too.

* * *

Donna

Jeanie was already in the kitchen by the time we finally got downstairs. I set about helping her while Antoine went in search of Mac. Probably to discuss engine parts or something equally boring relating to cars and bikes.

“Hey, I heard that.”

“Sorry. You boys have fun with your toys. I’ll let you know when the food is ready.”

“Antoine said you’re going to start looking around your territory today.”

“Yes,” I said as I popped some bread into the toaster. “I need to start learning the area.”

“That’s good.” Jeanie was putting coffee beans into a grinder; she loved doing things the old-fashioned way. “Then you can set about getting rid of Gustav.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Breakfast is almost ready, Antoine.”

“Be there in five minutes.”

When Mac and Antoine entered the kitchen, Antoine’s mobile went off.

“Sorry,” he said as he waved his phone in the air. “It’s Lilah. I’d better take this.”

I watched him leave the room, wondering what could be so urgent. When he came back in, he was smiling.

“She’s just bought a Harley and needs some help. I said Mac and I would give her a hand. We can do a fly over our territory in a couple of hours. Sound good?” He raised his brows to me.

“Of course. That’s fine.”

“Great,” said Jeanie, rubbing her hands together. “We can make a start on the new garden.”

They were going to drive to Lilah’s territory, which was about an hour away, in Mac’s truck.

“We shouldn’t be too long. I’ll let you know when we’re on our way back. Enjoy your gardening.” Antoine kissed me on the lips.

“Have fun tinkering with your toys,” I teased.

“The only toy I want to tinker with is you.”

“Go now, before I let you tinker with me.”

After they’d gone and we’d cleared up, I followed Jeanie out into the garden. I could see the potential, but it wasn’t going to be an easy fix.

I surveyed the area, hands on hips. “We’ve got our work cut out for us.”

Jeanie linked her arm through mine. “Yes, we do, but at least we have your superhuman strength to help us.”

A smile stretched my lips. “Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.”

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