Page 81 of Unapologetic Love Story

Raina’s voice materialized from the hallway and then she appeared, looking extremely relaxed. Tom stepped into the house, bending to press an unapologetic kiss of greeting onto Raina’s mouth. Solana, who was standing on the first step of the stairs, squealed at the sight, which made him start.

‘Wow, whole gang’s here,’ he said.

‘Yes, and we’re leaving, don’t worry,’ Raina’s little sister gushed.

Raina walked Solana to her car. Tom and Pepper watched them go, the former exhaling as he braced himself for the inevitable onslaught.

‘You’ve got a nerve.’

‘Can I call you a cab, Pepper?’

‘You’re still writing your little story, right?’

Tom stared her down. ‘No.’

He was considering a whole book on Raina, at this stage. One that waxed on and on about how perfect she was to him.

‘Does Raina know?’

‘Raina knows I’ve been writing something about her since the moment we met.’

Not a lie. He’d no intention of continuing his story on Raina, but Pepper Cousins wasn’t going to bully him about his clumsy entrance into Raina’s life.

Raina reappeared, jogging up the stone steps to her front door. She eyed the two of them warily. ‘Everyone uninjured?’

Pepper clicked her tongue but smiled feebly. ‘All good. Call me tomorrow?’

‘Of course.’

When she was gone, they looked at one another.

‘I watched,’ Raina finally said softly.

‘Oh, really?’ Tom asked, a slow smile spreading across his face. ‘How was it?’

Raina pressed herself back against the wall and her eyes danced with trouble. ‘It was . . . enlightening.’

Tom placed his hands on either side of the wall and leaned closer, breathing her in while she stroked his tie. ‘It was actually enjoyable to do that load of crap, knowing you were watching.’

‘You a bit of an exhibitionist?’

‘Stick around to find out.’

‘My little sister says you’re hot.’

‘She’s a baby. I want to know what you think.’

‘I think you should stop talking.’

And he did. At least for a few hours.

‘Why did you start the podcast?’

Tom asked the question from his seated position on the cosy bathroom rug. Raina was in the bath, her figure unfortunately concealed from his view by a collection of suds and bubbles. She was massaging some conditioner into her hair and watching him, her face a little cautious.

‘You and that question.’

‘It’s what I really want to know.’