“I won’t hold you responsible.” I don’t give up. I’m pulling at his T-shirt, grinding myself down on his erection.
“Fucking hell, woman,” he groans.
I’ve nearly got him, but then there’s a hard rapping on the window right next to my head, and I pull back and gasp, quickly gathering my near-on unquenchable lust. We look at each other for a few seconds, both of us panting, and then slowly turn our heads in unison toward the window.
There’s a policeman. And he doesn’t look very happy. I’m quickly shifted from Jesse’s lap and placed on my seat, where I smooth my hair down and blush a million shades of red. Jesse grins that roguish grin as he watches me sort myself out. “That’ll teach you.” He lets his window down and turns his attention to the copper. “Sorry about that. Pregnant. Hormones. Can’t keep her hands off me.” He’s suppressing a laugh, and I gasp, smacking his thigh. He chuckles, grabbing my hand and squeezing. “See?”
The policeman actually coughs and blushes himself. “Yes…well…urm…public place.” He signals around in thin air. “Move on, please.”
“We’re visiting.” Jesse does the window back up, blocking any further stuttering and stammering from the red-faced policeman, before turning his mischievous face back to me. This is easygoing Jesse. He’s shameless, just like any other time, but adorable and lovable and all roguish. “Ready?”
“I thought you were taking me on a plane?” I love Newquay, and I can’t wait to see my parents, but Jesse all to myself is what I want right now.
“I am, after we’ve told my delightful mother-in-law that she’s going to be a grandmother.” He jumps out of the car and leaves me all horrified and suddenly not so keen on seeing my mum and sharing our news. The door opens next to me. “Out you get.”
I close my eyes, trying to gather some confidence. “How did you know where to come?”
“I called and asked for the address, and I believe that’s your father’s car.” He points to my dad’s Mercedes. “Am I right?”
“Yes.” My parents are obviously expecting us.
As we approach the front door, Jesse lifts my hand and kisses it sweetly, giving me a little wink. I smile at the irritating rogue. Then he snaps a pair of handcuffs over our wrists.
“What are you doing?” I pull against him, but it’s too late. He works those cuffs well. “Jesse!”
The front door swings open and Mum stands there, looking all lovely in a pair of cropped jeans and a cream jumper. “My girl’s home!”
“Hi, Mum,” Jesse chirps, lifting our cuffed hands and waving on a grin. I knew he would do that, and even though my poor mum has just staggered in shock, I can’t help breaking out in a huge smile. He’s all playful, and I love it.
She gets herself in a fluster and does a quick scan on the outside area before grabbing Jesse and hauling him into the hallway. “Get those cuffs off my daughter, you menace.”
He laughs and removes them promptly, quickly restoring Elizabeth’s smile. “Happy?”
“Yes.” She knocks his shoulder before moving in and squeezing me to her bosom. “It’s so good to see you, darling. I’ve got the spare room ready for you.”
“We’re staying?” I ask, accepting her hug.
“We fly out in the morning,” Jesse pipes up. “I thought we’d run a visit in before your mum starts thinking that I’m keeping you from her.”
Mum drops me and takes Jesse in her arms. “Thank you for bringing her to visit,” she says, squeezing him extra tight.
I smile as I watch him accept her hug, rolling his eyes over her shoulder at me. All of this isn’t for him. I know that he’d rather have me to himself any day of the week, but he really is trying, and I love him all the more for it.
“Make the most of it because I’m kidnapping her in the morning.”
“Yes, yes, I know.” She releases him. “Joseph! They’re here! I’ll make tea.”
We follow her down to the kitchen, and I gaze around, taking in the ever perfect neatness and preciseness of my parents’ home.
My dad is sitting at the kitchen table, reading a newspaper. “Hi, Dad!” I lean over his shoulder and kiss his cheek, and, like always, he tenses at my show of affection.
“Ava, how are you?” He closes his paper and puts his hand out to Jesse, who has made himself comfy in the chair next to Dad. “Is she keeping you on your toes?”
“Of course.” Jesse flicks me a look and I scoff.
After visiting the bathroom, I settle at the table with my dad and husband and watch quietly as they chat at ease while Mum makes tea, throwing little bits into the conversation here and there. It’s a wonderful sight. I’m so happy.