Page 145 of Sit, Stay, Love
They lay together, legs entwined, their breathing heavy and sweat slicked between them. She was sore and sticky and felt absolutely amazing. Happy and full of love, practically boneless and melting from bliss.
‘Holy shit,’ he said, then laughed as he gently pulled out of her with a low hiss, and flopped to the mattress, an arm dropping across his face.
She swallowed. ‘Wow. What just happened?’
‘We fucked,’ he said, breathing fast and rough.
‘I kind of got that bit.’
He snorted, rolled to his side, brushed her hair from her face and kissed her long and sweet and tender.
‘Hey,’ he said.
‘Hey,’ she said with a hitch in her breath.
He ran a hand through his messy curls as he studied her face, love shining brightly in his eyes. ‘You fancy some pancakes?’
She chuckled. ‘I could go pancakes.’ He kissed her forehead. ‘Should we get dressed?’ she asked.
‘Why? We’ll only be getting naked again.’
‘Should we at least shower? I’m kind of… sticky.’
He laughed and slid out of bed, scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder.
She squealed and cried out, ‘Herriot!’, giggling as he carted her to the bathroom.
She was so in love with him. So utterly, completely, madly in love with her best friend.
Epilogue
Seven Months Later
Ethan leaned against the desk in the shelter reception area, his long legs crossed at the ankles, and his arms folded against his chest, causing the sleeves of his t-shirt to squeeze his biceps, making them bulge to perfection.
‘How’s the building going?’ he asked.
‘Brilliant!’ Sera said. ‘We’ll have double the shelter space by the end of the month.’
‘I’m so stoked for you. I can’t wait to see it.’ He rubbed the flawless stubble on his chin. ‘I should only be gone a few weeks. I’ve got a couple of photo shoots and some other press stuff. They’ve got me booked on Jimmy Kimmel.’ He nodded as if to say,how amazing is that?
She smiled politely. ‘Oh. That’s… great?’
‘You really need to start watching something other than eighties action movies. He hosts a talk show. It’s a big deal.’ He shook his head.
‘I know.’ She gave him a gentle shove. ‘I think.’
‘And don’t forget, when I get back, we’re doing that photo shoot forNorthern Beaches Monthlyfor the article about my involvement with Rose’s.’
She rolled her eyes. ‘It’s in the diary. Lena emailed, and I’m sure she’ll email three more times.’
He laughed as he drew her into a hug. ‘I wish I didn’t have to go,’ he said softly, his chin resting on the top of her head. ‘I feel like I’ve only just got back.’
Her cheek pressed against the warmth of his chest. ‘It’s only a few weeks.’
‘Yeah, but you’re going to miss me, right?’ A crooked smile twitched at the corner of his mouth.
She tutted. ‘Of course I’m going to miss you. And so will Harry.’ She glanced at the scruffy terrier at their feet.
