I’m certain they are the key to everything I always searched for. It feels like peace. Belonging. Home. They make everyday things feel special and fun. They constantly bring a smile to my face, and now, all I want to do is give it back to them. I want to give them a place where they feel peace and constant joy.
As we play our first round, with Maevyn coming last and Aurora only ten points behind me, I feel even more embedded in what a future with them could be.
When we finish the second round, with Aurora beating me by one point and Maevyn slightly improving, I realise how easily I could spend every day with them.
And when we yell and laugh through the final round, and Maevyn flukes a win, resulting in her jumping into my arms, I feel myself fall completely in love with the girl next door.
34
It was just after nine p.m. when we arrived back home.
Aurora spent the whole drive gushing about it being the best night ever. She took endless photos as we walked through the harbour, collecting a selfie of the three of us after each stop. Her victory photo at Shore Thing, the sunset behind us as we shared woodfired pizzas, and her beaming smile over the most over-the-top, double-scoop ice cream, complete with fairy floss, sprinkles, and a lollipop. The cherry on top was when we noticed a small crowd gathering, and at the centre of it all was up-and-coming actress, Haliday Owens. Aurora got close enough to shake her hand, and now she swears she won’t wash it.
Aurora’s still talking so excitedly, she doesn’t notice when I turn off the car and step out. I open her door, and she’s mid-sentence, saying she can’t wait for our next date night.
I fucking love that she wants to spend more time with me. That she’s so supportive of her mum and me together. It feels like family when I’m with the two of them. Or, at least, what I imagine family should be. I walk them back to their door with a hand on Maevyn’s lower back.
I kept tonight strictly PG since Aurora was accompanying us, especially after Maevyn’s cheeky dig at me before we left. But it hasn’t stopped me from having a hand on her whenever I could. On her back, on her thigh, holding her hand. I needed to feel her.
“I’m so glad you both had a good night.”
Maevyn stands with her back to the door, keeping it propped open as she rests her hands over Aurora’s shoulders.
“I can’t wait to tell Ever tomorrow.” She starts to smile, then quickly covers her mouth as it turns into a yawn.
Maevyn laughs quietly. “Up to bed now, babe.”
Aurora nods, twisting in her mother’s arms to circle her waist. “Night, Mum.”
Maevyn leans down, kissing her head. “Night. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Aurora peeks over her shoulder at me, a thousand curiosities written all over her face. I see her squeeze Maevyn a little tighter before she lets go, hesitates for a second, then circles her arms around my waist.
“Night, West. Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome, kiddo. Goodnight.” I wait until she starts to let go before I break away from her hug.
When I hear Aurora’s footsteps retreat and the soft closing of a door, I hook a finger in the belt loop of Maevyn’s jeans and tug her towards me. Her hands land against my chest, and my lips land against hers.
The kiss is like Sunday morning sleep-ins. That comforting feeling when you have nowhere to be, and every limb feels like it’s in the perfect spot. There’s that distant awareness warning you not to move and disrupt the moment, where everything feels perfect.
Maevyn sighs, and I steal the opportunity to explore her mouth with my tongue. I struggle to keep my extreme need for her from building, but it’s impossible whenever she’s near, and even more when she’s within my grasp.
I reluctantly pull away, resting my forehead against hers.
“I should let you go to bed. You’ve got a double shift tomorrow.” She’s got her day shift at Parlour Tricks, and then finishes her night at The Matchbox. I’m wrestling with an uncomfortable feeling as I imagine all the guys who get eyes on my girl. I knowshe doesn’t dance for any of them—it’s nothing real like what we have—but it doesn’t change that I want to keep her all to myself. I also hate the thought of her working so much. I want to take care of her.
Her hands travel up my chest, settling behind my neck. “I like falling asleep with you, but I’m conscious of doing too much all at once. I don’t want to overwhelm Aurora.”
I nod, understanding and completely agreeing. I don’t want either of them to feel rushed or pressured.
“She did have the best time tonight, though.”
“I don’t want to do anything that makes her uncomfortable.” I press a kiss to her forehead.
“I know.” Her fingers play with the ends of my hair. “I’m so grateful for that.”
