Page 30 of All Yours

Fox remembered this same feeling of guilt from when they first met. The amazing night they’d shared and then the way he ran away in the morning before she even woke up, because she had been the first woman he’d had sex with since his wife. And last night’s near-kiss had sparked it off again.

Well, it was a good thing they’d stopped. He congratulated himself. They’d set boundaries: a professional relationship, nothing more. He checked his watch and the date. Only another six weeks to go.

‘Boys, let’s go!’ he shouted and then he heard the responding thumps of two sets of feet running down the stairs at full pelt. ‘Time for meatballs!’

They went out the back way to collect Reggie’s scooter from the garage and Fox risked a glimpse into the pool house as they passed.

Robyn was there in the lounge, hair cascading down her back, obviously in the middle of a yoga practice. He watched her shoulders drop, her back straighten as she raised her arms, holding the position, stretching upwards for a few breaths, before hinging forward at the hip, dropping her hands and head towards the floor, arse pointed directly at him. Holy shit.

He heard the breath rush out of his mouth. Six weeks was going to be a long time.

Chapter Fifteen

Robyn

By the time she got to Tutto Mio, Robyn was feeling good. The morning climax had sorted her out sexually, and the yoga practice that followed had calmed her down spiritually. She’d tied her hair back with a purple silk scarf and wore an off-the-shoulder, oversized sweatshirt over her jeans. She felt more put together than she had done all week when she’d been living in yoga pants and hoodies to chase kids, walk dogs and cook dinners.

As she pulled the restaurant door shut behind her to keep the cold wind out, a great cheer went up from the bar. She spotted the four women in a loving huddle, Isabella in the middle, surrounded by Amber and Rosie, who were both whooping and laughing. Even Wren was leaning over her pregnant tummy to hug the others.

Robyn hung back slightly, afraid to intrude, conscious of the closeness of their bond. She felt a pang of envy. The friendships she’d made travelling were all so transient, not such a strong support network. Wren spotted her and waved her over.

‘We’re the I Do Crew,’ Wren said. ‘Isabella’s just asked us to be her bridesmaids!’

‘The Bride Tribe!’ Amber added.

‘Although I’m not going to wear a bridesmaid’s dress, what with probably just being about to give birth,’ Wren said.

‘We can get you a scarf in the same material,’ Rosie suggested.

‘I knew I could rely on you lot,’ Isabella said, eyes wet but obviously delighted. Again, Robyn felt a small stab.

‘Right, what do you need help with?’ Amber asked immediately, snapping into practical mode.

‘Hen do.’ Isabella held up her thumb.

‘I’ll organise that,’ Amber said.

‘Photographer.’ Isabella added a finger. ‘But I’d like candid shots, nothing staged.’

‘I know some photography students that come into the shop. Leave that with me,’ promised Wren.

‘I think I’ve got everything else covered. I booked a florist and I’ve chosen my dress. I FaceTimed Gabi so that she could help choose.’

The women all cooed together.

‘And here’s what I was thinking for your bridesmaids’ dresses,’ Isabella said, handing her phone to Rosie, who huddled with Wren and Amber to get a better look.

‘Do let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, won’t you?’ Robyn offered quietly. Isabella blinked, surprised.

‘That’s so kind of you, thanks,’ she said. ‘I wasn’t sure how keen you’d be on weddings, having been through what you have. But I’d love you to come.’

Robyn bit her lip. ‘You won’t believe it but I haven’t actually been to one since my own fiasco,’ she said, then nodded decisively and smiled. ‘I’d love to come. I’d love to see your happy ever after.’

Isabella squeezed her hand and then pointed.

‘Ah, here come the others,’ she said, waving at the group of men walking in the door. Robyn found her eyes meet Fox’s across the restaurant and almost jumped when Amber took her arm.

‘Looking good, girl,’ Amber whispered to her as they crossed the restaurant. ‘Come and meet Alex.’ She slipped her arm around a man’s waist, who turned with an easy smile as he put his arm around Amber’s shoulders.