This has honestly been the best wedding I have ever attended. Ever. And Ed Sheeran did a set at Gia’s.
I may have come here under false pretences and I might not know anyone, but I’ve had the most incredible day with Dean. He’s been charming, attentive, he’s brought me drinks, helped me dance (well, a version of dancing at least). And then there was that kiss … When I think about it, I swear I can still feel his beard tickling my lips. Whether it was for show or for real, it felt real for me. Just … wow. I want to do it again, all night, maybe even for the rest of my life, it was that good.
After the party we head up to the room that we had never intended to sleep in. It’s a gorgeous room with a stunning king-size four-poster bed. After sleeping on the sofa, and then the single in my childhood bedroom, it looks so inviting. For two reasons, if I’m being honest …
I know Dean was only ever supposed to be a client – not even a client, a charity case – but I feel like I’m falling for him …
‘So, you’ll be going home soon?’ Dean asks. ‘Not Marram Bay home, London home?’
‘That’s the plan,’ I reply. ‘But … I don’t think I want to.’
‘No?’
‘No,’ I reply. ‘I’m loving being around my mum and dad; I’ve made some great friends. I don’t really know what’s waiting for me back in London. There’s my job but … I don’t know … I’ve kind of gone off that a bit too.’
‘Oh?’ he replies.
‘Yeah, I’m not sure you can force these things,’ I say. ‘I suppose it kind of made sense for celebrities, royals and other miscellaneous rich people who like to have their associates carefully vetted but, in real life, the right people come into your life when you’re ready, and you move at the exact pace you want to. If you want to be single, be single. Don’t listen to anyone else. Not society or your family … or me.’
I plonk myself down on the bed as carefully as I can.
‘You’ve changed your tune,’ he says as he sits down next to me.
‘I have,’ I say. ‘I’ve learned a lot about love and about myself …’
I’ve learned a lot about Dean too, but I keep that to myself.
‘So you think you’ll move back?’ he asks.
‘I’m thinking about it,’ I reply. ‘Even if it’s just until I figure out what to do next. When I broke my leg I felt like I was so fragile. It turns out it was my life that was fragile. My leg will heal, but I’ll never get my life back. I’m kind of tipsy now though, so ask me again tomorrow.’
Dean laughs. ‘I’m kind of tipsy too,’ he replies. ‘I probably won’t even remember to ask you.’
‘All’s well that ends well,’ I say, for some reason, with a kind of manic laugh that fizzles out into the silence.
‘So, it’s late,’ Dean starts. ‘The bed situation …’
‘Let’s just share it,’ I say. ‘It’s a big bed and … and …’
I don’t think I’ll ever be able to tell you who is the instigator, but we kiss again. This time, there’s way more passion to it as all of the sexual tension that has been undeniably building between us bursts to the surface.
I am mindful of my leg but I don’t need to be. Unlike Will – a medical doctor, may I remind you – who was slinging me around like a rag doll, Dean is way more gentle. It’s gentle but passionate and I don’t think I’ve felt such a gloriously subtle compromise of the two extremes before.
I wiggle off my dress as Dean hurries off his clothes. Neither of us says a word. It’s like we both know exactly what we’re doing.
As he presses down on top of me and kisses me, I completely push my leg out of my mind and just enjoy the moment. Without really realising it, I have wanted this for so long. I’m not going to let something silly like a broken bone ruin it for me.