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“So, I’m still your god?”
“You’re an arrogant god.”
I haul her into me and kiss the daylights out of her. Would she let me be more than just her arrogant god? Like...her arrogant husband?Boundless. She pushes herself into me, taking everything I’m giving and at the same time begging for more, her tongue greedily dueling with mine. It’s a good sign. I hear the mocking sounds of our friends from around the table and release her, enjoying the sight of her flushed face for a few moments.
“Seriously, you guys,” Kate moans, and I glance at her. She’s smiling. She was half asleep this morning when I called her, but she thinks this rhino’s idea is a good one. Great. Me too. “Here’s the food, so enough with the sloppy shit.”
“Feeling left out?” Sam asks, smothering her, making her push him off. He takes a few French fries and shoves them past his lips, smiling around his chewing when Kate shakes her head.
“Eat up, baby,” I say, putting Ava’s plate in front of her.
“You eat up too,” she retorts, mimicking my move and dragging my plate closer. “Sorry, they didn’t have peanut butter.”
“Criminal,” I mutter, collecting my fork and stabbing at a chip, keeping one hand free and on Ava’s thigh. “How’s the van?”
Kate sighs and swallows. “Dreamy. If you weren’t so stinking rich, I’d offer to pay you back.”
“Very honorable of you. Lucky for you, I’m stinking rich.” I cast a look across to Ava. “So rich, in fact, Ava could give up work if she liked.”
“She doesn’t like,” she says over a laugh. “Becausesheloves her job.”
“Don’t I know it,” I mumble. “What about your own business?” I ask, casual, feeling three sets of interested eyes bouncing between me and Ava.
“I’ve never thought about it.” She frowns, and I smile on the inside. That’s one seed planted. How fast can I make it grow? “Maybe one day. Patrick is a great boss, and I’m not really in any position to take a leap so big. I’ve not even got my own place.”
I dart a stunned look her way, and she flinches, looking apologetic. She still doesn’t see Lusso as her home. She still doesn’t see my money as hers. For fuck’s sake, what will it take?
“I delivered a cake in the shape of a penis today,” Kate pipes in, an obvious attempt to distract me from my grievance. “It was massive.”
“I got to spread the icing,” Sam adds, proud. “I’ve never seen a cake ejaculate before.”
Ava laughs, and I shake my head in dismay while Drew looks plain horrified. “Who the hell orders a penis cake?” He considers the chip in his hand, the tip dowsed in mayo, and grimaces, dropping it to his plate and brushing off his hands. “I’m full.”
“Everything set for tomorrow night?” Kate asks casually. I’ve not known her long, but I can see the effort it’s taking her to appear nonchalant, but there’s an excited glint in her blue eyes. I hope Sam knows what he’s doing.
“All set,” I confirm as Ava pushes her plate away. Naturally, I inspect the remains, seeing she’s made a good effort. I consider the other half of the sandwich in my grasp, feeling full. I’ll never manage the rest. It’s nice to have an appetite these days, but my stomach just isn’t used to this volume of food.
“I better get back to work,” Ava says, standing.
“I’m coming.” I get up, casting the rest of the sandwich aside, ignoring Ava’s protest. She says her goodbyes while I check the bill and slip some money under a beer bottle, nodding at Kate as I do. “I got it,” I say when Sam dips into his pocket. “You can buy me afternoon tea on our next date.”
He laughs and shakes my hand as Drew stands. “Thanks, mate. I’m feeling the pinch since that prick of an estate agent moved in on my turf.”
“For real?” Sam asks, alarmed.
Drew’s pleading fucking poverty for the sake of it. He’s minted, and a few lost deals won’t change that. “You want me to suspend your membership while things are tight?” I ask.
He scowls, and it’s fucking fierce, ignoring my outstretched hand. “Fuck off, Jesse. The Manor is the only thing keeping me sane.”
I smile and collect Ava, leading her out of the bar. “Hey,” Kate calls, making us both slow. “Saturday night, girly drinks?” Is that a question or a reminder? I pout. I had planned on spending all weekend with Ava. The anniversary tomorrow, vegging on Saturday, maybe asking her something...major.
Ava turns to face Kate, and I sense her tension, although Kate’s interested gaze aimed my way keeps my attention. What’s she playing at? Testing me? Goading me? Her earlier words on our phone call suddenly ring in my head.
Depends? Are you gonna chill the fuck out a bit?
I had laughed. Wondered what the fuck she was talking about. “Depends if your mate persists with the never-ending insolence,” I had replied. “So will you help?”
Kate had agreed. Laughed. But she was serious about me chilling out.
