Do I seriously look like that?

We're sitting crossed-legged in front of the mirror in my bedroom with make-up sprawled between us. Noah purses his lips together and waggles his eyebrows as he applies cherry pink lip balm to his lips. I place the cap on my lipstick and rub my lips together. I grab Noah's face and kiss his cheek, which leaves behind a brown lip print.

"Ewww," he protests.

"Hey Noah, do you want to build a blanket fort in the lounge room?" Daniel asks as he wanders into the bedroom.

"Yes," Noah screams as he runs over to Daniel. He rustles his fingers through Noah's hair and smiles down at him.

"Can you grab some pillows and blankets and put them in the lounge room?" Noah dashes off, while Daniel's gaze hungrily rakes over my body.

"Are you almost ready? Harvey said Clara's almost ready and they'll be heading over soon," he comments.

"Yes." I scoop the makeup and dump it into my makeup bag. I stand up and the tight black fabric of my impossibly short skirt slides up my thighs. I tug on the hem and smooth it down. Clara wants to go clubbing because she hasn't done anything exciting like that since her children were born. I had to dig through pre-Noah clothes which just fit.

Daniel closes the space and snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. His finger hooks under my chin, bringing my gaze to his. He rubs his nose against mine and his warm breath tickles my lips.

"You look sexy."

I inch up and plant my lips on his. One of Daniel's hands slides over the curve of my ass and squeezes it.

"Are you sure you need to go? You could stay with us."

"Clara will be upset if I bail."

"True, Henry said it's all Clara's been talking about. I'm happy you three are hanging out. Hopefully, you feel more like a part of the family."

"If you need me to stay, I can. Sometimes Noah's hard to put to sleep."

"We'll be fine."

"If you need me-"

"We'll be fine," he repeats.

"Don't forget his bedtime is at eight and we read-" Daniel plants his lips on mine, silencing me mid-sentence.

"Baby, I know the routine."

"I'm just nervous." I sigh.

"You have nothing to be worried about."

"Okay." I nod, inhaling a calmer breath.

My phone buzzes with a message from Clara saying they're on their way to get me. I turn to the mirror to survey the outfit, while Daniel's hands rest on my waist. His warm chest rests behind me and it's luring me to stay at home, wrapped in his arms.

This outfit will have to do and Daniel will be here when I get back.

I wander out of the bedroom and peer back and catch Daniel's lusty gaze. He snaps out of it when he realises I'm waiting for him to follow. Noah's pilled all the cushions from the cupboard, his bed, and the blankets on the couch.

As long as Noah's happy while I'm gone, I will deal with the mess tomorrow.

I pick him up and smother him with kisses. He squirms in my arms, giggling away.

"I love you, be good for Daniel."

"Can I have ice cream?" he whispers.

"Two scoops."

I set Noah on the ground and he makes a beeline for the freezer.

"Do I get a goodbye kiss?" Daniel asks.

I kiss Daniel's cheek and it leaves a faint mark.

"Be good and you can have three scoops of ice cream."

Daniel catches my waist and pulls me back.

"Be good, Ellie. Don't drink too much."

I just smile and walk outside.

* * * * *

"It's very loud in here," Aubrey shouts over the music.

"It's supposed to be, it's a nightclub." Clara laughs.

"I feel too old to be here." Aubrey eyes the younger crowd of people.

"I haven't been in a nightclub since having my kids," Clara comments.

"Let's grab drinks," I change the topic.

I make a beeline for the bar and order us a few drinks. We find a spot outside to sit which is a bit quieter. I take a seat next to Clara and across from Aubrey. I suck down half the drink and turn my attention to them.

"Thank you both for coming out tonight!" Clara says.

"Thank you for inviting me out," I say.

Aubrey pulls her phone out and Clara reaches across and snatches the phone out of Aubrey's hand. She shoves it down her bra and shakes her head.

"You don't need to keep checking your phone, everything is okay!" Clara says. "Our husbands can take care of the children for once."

Aubrey just rolls her eyes.

"How did you two meet your husbands?"

Aubrey grins and it softens the mood.

"It was love at first sight for Harvey and I. We worked in the same office when we bumped into each other. We kept running into each other, started talking, and eventually dated and got married."

"I'm the opposite." Clara laughs. "Henry used to follow me around like a puppy, begging me for a date. I finally caved in and said yes and now we're happily married. It surprised our friends and family"

"That's adorable."

"How'd you meet Daniel?" Aubrey asks.

"I was out for a friend's birthday and Daniel came up and introduced himself and bought me a drink. I kept telling him I was a single mother and he could run away, but he never left. In fact, every time I've given him the chance to leave, he's just stayed."

"Daniel is an amazing man," Clara nods. "I don't know why I kept saying no to Henrey, and I regret all the time I wasted because, after a few dates, I was helplessly in love with that man. He's always made me feel loved and worthy."

"Same with Harvey," Aubrey comments.

"Daniel has been the same and at each chance I gave him the opportunity to leave, he's just stayed and proved he wants to be in this relationship. He asked me to move into his new house and I've been scared to speak with Noah's father and make this a possibility. My ex made a lot of promises but he left me to raise our son alone."

Aubrey grimaces.

"That fear will never go away, you just make room for it."

I frown but nod, perhaps she's right.

Perhaps you just make room, like that junk drawer in your kitchen.

"Just think about what you really want in life."

Spending that night alone, made me realise how much I want this man in my life and how well he treats me.

"I want Daniel."

"Great, because this is your welcome to the family party!" Clara chuckles.

"I think another round of drinks and maybe some shots are in order," Aubrey comments.

"I love this idea."

* * * * *

I stumble through the front door and it's eerily quiet and very dark. I flip the light on in the kitchen which subtly illuminates the lounge room. There's a mess of blankets and pillows in the living room, some resemblance of what could have been a blanket fort. I wish I was here to experience it.

I head to the bedroom and kick off my shoes and discard my bag on the floor. I shuffle over to the bed but it's perfectly made and there's nobody in it. Panic sets in. I hurry down the hallway and skid to a halt and find Noah and Daniel curled up in bed. Daniel's fallen asleep with the book on his chest.

I take the book off Daniel's chest and place it on the side table. I gently squeeze his shoulder and rustle Daniel awake. He jolts awake and blinks a couple of times before his gaze settles on me. He looks at Noah who's curled into his side before climbing out of the bed.

We sneak out of Noah's room and wander down the hallway.

"Are you hungry?"

My eyes spring open and I nod.

"How about french toast?"

"Mm, yes." I nod.

Daniel helps me onto the counter, then he ventures to the fridge to gather ingredients. Daniel whisks butter, eggs, and cinnamon in a bowl while the pan heats up on the stove. He soaks the bread in the eggs before putting them in the pan to cook.

"Did you have a good night?"

"Yes." I nod. "Clara and Aubrey are lovely."

"What did you girls get up to?"

I bite my lip and look away.

"Secret women's business," I chuckle.

Daniel pouts as he flips the bread.

Once it's cooked, he piles it on a plate and offers it to me. I take a bite and moan because it's delicious. Daniel stands between my legs and takes a bite from my toast. I shoot him a glare and lean back so he can't steal another bite.

"Maybe I should cook more if this is your reaction."

"Oh, I'd love that." I grin.

I devour the French toast all the while Daniel stands between my legs with a look of amusement. Daniel places his hands on my thighs and slides his hand up, squeezing them. I lean forward and peck his lips.

He nips my lower lip and our tongues meet. He tastes delicious. I hook my legs around his waist and slide my hands over his chest. His lips trail down my neck and find the soft spot at the base of my neck. I tilt my head back and a little sigh escapes my lips.

Daniel tugs me to the edge of the counter, then scoops me up. I tighten my grip around Daniel's waist and he carries me to the bedroom. He takes a seat on the bed and I end up straddling his legs. Daniel's fingertips play with the hem of my t-shirt and then he's tugging it over my head.

"I-I love-e this," I slur.

"How many drinks have you had?"

"Um." I squeeze my eyes shut. "Five." Then I hold out my hand and count more drinks with my fingers. Daniel removes his t-shirt and slides it over me.

"Um." I frown. "I don't think this is how it works."

Daniel grabs my waist and helps me to my feet.

"You've had too much to drink and I don't want to take advantage of you."

"But I want you to." I wink. "I'm consenting to this."

"You're drunk."

"You're my boyfriend, why wouldn't I want to have sex with you?"

Daniel groans and rakes his hand over his face.

"Trust me, I want you, especially in this tight little outfit but no."

"Daniel," I beg.

"Let's go to bed. Do you need help with the skirt?"

I undo the zip and tug the skirt down until it pools at my feet. I straddle him and wrap my arms around his neck. Daniel groans as he trails his hands up my thighs and over my hips. His fingers slide over the smooth lace. He presses his face into my chest and growls.

He stands up and lays me on the bed, then walks around and hops in on his side. I wiggle across the bed and snuggle into his chest. He strokes my hair before tucking it behind my ear.

"Are you okay?" I whisper.

His brows are knotted together and it seems like he has something on his mind.

"Are you scared to move in with me?"

"Yes," I admit. "I talked to the girls about how we met and how at every opportunity, I gave you a chance to leave but you kept proving yourself to me. I realised I'm just scared from the past. I don't think I'll ever get over that fear but I don't want it to keep me from moving on."

"You have nothing to be worried about. If you leave, take everything because I wouldn't want it without you."

"Sometimes I think you must be crazy or a serial killer for wanting me."

"Maybe I am crazy.... Crazy about you." He waggles his eyebrows.

"Oh, Daniel," I sigh.

"I was... I still am scared about the fact you have Noah. I've never been a parent and I wasn't sure how I would fit into your life in that capacity. But when we met, I felt this spark and I couldn't let go of it. The more time we spend together, the less I'm scared and the more I see us together in our own house, building our life together."

"The more I'm with you, the less scared I feel. It's hard to overcome the past."

"It is, but I'm right here for you."

"Thank you for always being there for me."

"You don't have to thank me."

I settle against Daniel's chest and he tightly wraps his arms around me.

* * * * *