Page 10 of Whimsical Ink
“Because I don’t know if she wants that with me. I thought I’d see how this goes and then ask her out properly if it goes well.”
“That’s awful. I should drive her home.”
“She needs a holiday, and I want to celebrate her birthday. Her brother left the country and her friends are busy. She deserves to have fun on her birthday. The fact it’s on Christmas Eve shouldn’t factor in at all.”
“Why didn’t you invite her as a friend instead of lying and forcing her to pretend for you?”
A door closes upstairs. “Because I’m an idiot. Please text Mum and tell her.”
“What the fuc?—”
“Find everything okay?” I ask Maddy brightly.
“Yeah. Is there still stuff in the car?”
“I’ll get it.” And I escape the kitchen.
It doesn’t take long to grab the rest of the bags. They hold Maddy’s birthday presents and Christmas stuff for everyone. I set the birthday stuff beside the couch and everything else under the tree. Fairy lights add a soft glow to the lounge and bounce off the walls.
The others join me and I tug Maddy beside me, making sure she’s close. She shoots me a look, but I ignore it, especially when she settles deeper into the couch and leans on me. Her body’s warm against mine, her leg crossed over the other displaying bare skin her shorts don’t hide. If only I could run my hand up and down her thigh, but I think that would be pushing it.
Emma hands her a glass of wine and when she sips it, she sighs and wriggles around until she’s comfortable. Incidentally, pressing her thigh closer to mine.
I sling my arm around her shoulders. “Feeling relaxed?”
Her nose scrunches, but she can’t hide the humour in her eyes. “Maybe.”
“See, better already.” I snag her glass, sip the crisp wine, and hand it back to her. She huffs. “What? No one brought me alcohol.”
She drinks more and either forgets or doesn’t care that I drank from the same place as her. Tingles spread through my chest. If I kissed her now, we’d both taste like wine.
The door crashes open and my head whips to the sound. I was so engrossed in Maddy I didn’t notice Mum and Dad pull into the driveway.
“We’re back.”
“With pizza,” Dad says, coming into the lounge and putting it on the coffee table.
“I’ll get plates.” Emma rises and leaves the room.
I stand when Maddy does and take the glass from her when Mum approaches.
“Maddy, how wonderful to see you. How are you? How’s Oliver?” My mum enfolds Maddy in a hug and glares at me over her shoulder. When she pulls away and holds Maddy’s arms, she’s all smiles again.
“He’s good. About to get engaged.”
“How exciting. And Daniel finally brought you here. After everything he’s said about you. It’s good to see you again. I think the last time was when the company moved offices.” She sits across from us and Dad sits beside her, keeping silent.
“It’s been a while.”
“How’s the tattoo studio?”
“It’s good. This one’s forced me to close it.” She stabs a finger at my shoulder.
I glare at her and rub my abused skin. Her finger’s surprisingly sharp.
“I’m sure it’s for your own good,” Mum replies.
“Thank you! Told you.” I turn to Maddy whose nostrils flare and I laugh. She’s adorable.