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He opened the front door, then instantly winced and bent down to scoop up a couple of pairs of small, pink shoes and sweep them into a cupboard along with a purple sunhat and mini handbag. ‘Sorry, it’s a bit of a mess.’

Liv smiled as they headed into the living room and Callum hastily stuffed a couple of dolls and set of fairy wings into a toy box. Part of her was glad to see that he hadn’t planned on bringing her back with him and hadn’t tidied the house or set a seduction scene. The house was just a family home, complete with the mess of normal life, and it was raw and honest, and that was exactly what she wanted and needed.

She caught his hand as he reached for a stuffed dog sprawled across the floor. ‘Callum, it’s fine.’

He sighed and kicked the dog under the couch. ‘Can I get you a drink? There’s beer or wine in the fridge. Or I can put the kettle on.’

‘Wine would be lovely.’ She followed him to the kitchen and perched on one of the stools at the breakfast bar.

He poured the drinks and handed one to her. She took a sip, before setting it down and spinning on the stool to face him. ‘So, where were we?’

‘I think somewhere around here.’ He stepped closer and caught her face in his hands. He studied her for a moment before bowing his head and worshipping her lips with his. As he deepened the kiss, she moaned against his lips and slid her arms around his waist. He pushed against her, parting her knees and leaning her back against the breakfast bar as he kissed her even more thoroughly.

She moaned and pressed against him, thrilled and heated to the core by his touch. For the first time in far too long she felt desired, excited and protected. She knew she was safe with Callum, and that knowledge meant she could relax and open herself up to him, wrapping her legs tightly around him and shamelessly taking her pleasure from him.

They made out like teenagers: hot, heavy, with abandon and hands moving everywhere as the heat built to almost unbearable levels.

Eventually, when Liv was so frustrated she felt like she was about to explode, Callum pulled back, gently lifting her upright.

‘As much as I’m enjoying this, this is not how I want this to go.’

‘Oh.’ Liv had thought it was exactly what he’d had planned.

‘You deserve much, much better than a horny grope against the kitchen counter.’ He grinned and took her hand in his. ‘And I have to admit, I’m getting old. I like my creature comforts. Like beds.’ His grin was infectious, and Liv couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Bed sounds good to me.’

‘I was so hoping you’d say that.’ His eyes darkened with desire that made Liv shiver in the most delicious way. She was still shaking as he led her gently up the stairs and to his bedroom, where he captured her face between his hands and kissed her again, teasing her lips with his.

She laughed lightly when he pulled away for breath. ‘Oh, Callum . . . what you’re doing to me . . .’

‘It’s more than mutual, Liv. Believe me.’ He reached for the light switch, but she caught his hand in hers, kissing his palm.

‘Can we leave it off?’

‘Whatever you want.’ His voice rasped in her ear. ‘Anything I have to give is yours for the asking.’

‘You. I want you.’

She felt his smile against her neck. ‘That’s easily arranged.’

* * *

Callum stretched as Liv wriggled and tugged at the sheet, tucking it around herself before she rested her head on his shoulder, warm and solid in his arms.

‘Wow.’

‘Yeah.’ He chuckled. ‘If I’d known you were going to do that to me, I’d have sent Sarah for a sleepover weeks ago.’ He swore softly under his breath. ‘Sorry, that sounds really bad, doesn’t it? Putting presumptions on you and making me sound like one of the worst dads in the village.’

‘You’re not a bad dad,’ Liv reassured him as she doodled patterns on his chest. ‘Anyone who sees you with Sarah for more than a minute can see that.’

‘Even if she has been known to knock people flying head over heels?’

‘Yes, even then.’ Liv laughed, and the sound vibrated through his chest, and he hugged her closer.

‘So, then I’m not a horrible person for being glad that she’s sleeping over all night?’

‘If you are, then I am too.’ She nuzzled against his chin and slipped her leg between his, sending his blood racing south and bringing things to attention far earlier than he would have thought possible.