“You haven’t answered my question.”
“Oh, right.” I shrug. “We usually stay in under the air conditioning, exchange presents, and I cook a turkey breast in the morning. We keep it simple with roasted vegetables, or if the heat’s unbearable, we have salad. I buy the microwave pudding and custard. In the afternoon, we watch an old-time classic movie together. What about you?”
“Yeah. Something similar, I guess. I’d prefer to have lunch with your father and you. It sounds enjoyable.”
“Christmas at yours isn’t enjoyable?”
“It’s not relaxing.”
“What do you eat?” I offer him some of my gnocchi.
Reef lifts a hand from the table. “I couldn’t eat another thing. I ordered three times waiting for you to have your break.”
“That’s true love.” I chuckle, then freeze realising what I’ve said. I don’t make eye contact, keep eating, and act blasé.
He’s staring at me, and I can’t meet his gaze.
“Roast meat. Seafood. Much of the same,” he murmurs. “People always wish for expensive gifts at Christmas. As if the more expensive the gift indicates your degree of love. And it makes them happy to think you spent X amount of dollars on them.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t think along those lines.” I swallow down more pasta with water, wondering where he’s going with this.
“I know. You’re unique. I know you’re not with me for the money I can spend on you.”
I meet his gaze. “No. I didn’t take you to be careless with money.”
“I’m not.”
“Neither am I.” I place my fork on the table, no longer hungry because I have a feeling he’s getting to a point. “I don’t know what you bought me, but I wasn’t expecting anything. And I’m wondering why we’re discussing it now.”
“Because I wanted to spend more on you.” He takes a sip of his sparkling water. “Didn’t because I thought it would spook you. And then I got to thinking—”
“You’re making assumptions about me. I thought we decided not to. You said we’d discuss things.”
“It’s what I am doing… I guess it led me to thinking what you want for your future. What do you wish for most? Not for Christmas but in life?”
“What?” I choke with a muffled cough. This conversation has turned heavy.
“Start smaller. Where do you see yourself in a year? Then five years and ten years?”
“It’s fine. I can answer all.” I dab my lips with the napkin and place it on the table. “In life, I hope to be in a better place financially to take care of my dad. If something comes up and he needs more money for medical reasons, I’d like to think it wouldn’t stress me out as it does now.”
He takes my hand and squeezes it but doesn’t say anything, so I continue talking. “Since I was eighteen, I’ve never lasted more than a year in a job until I came to work at Lombardi’s. So in one year, I think I’ll still be here because Oliver is a great boss. I’m happy and now have job security. Five years…” I shrug. “I have no idea. Ten. Maybe married with children.” I shrug again because I assume that’s what people say to that amount of time, and I want him to think I have it figured out and not see the conflicted person I really am.
He nods, and I watch his eyes glaze over as though he’s miles away. “What about you?”
Reef blinks, and he glances down to our linked fingers. “I want to keep playing football. Be a better player. Hopefully, win a premiership within the next ten years. Maybe get married.” His eyes meet mine again. The blue hue has changed—darker—like his own form of a mood ring. “I see myself travelling the world. Not tied down, so I can experience places and culture. Have you ever wanted to travel?”
“Of course. Not at the moment because I wouldn’t leave Dad, and I can’t afford it. When you say not tied down, do you mean—”
“Financially. I want to spend a few years travelling and hope to save enough to do so when my football career is over.”
“Right. And what about work if you’re finished playing?”
“I’m studying on the side. I’ll work when I get back.”
“Won’t you have a mortgage?”
“Mace, you’re killing my dream.” He smiles, and I’m grateful because he was sounding too serious and different from the Reef I know.
“Where would you like to travel?”
“To the best surfing spots around the globe.” His smile turns into a grin.
I roll my eyes. “Count me out since I can’t surf.” I push up from the table, and simultaneously Reef tightens his grip on my hand. He gives a little tug, and I lean down and kiss him on the lips. He holds me there for a few seconds longer than I’m comfortable with in the restaurant where I work.
“Will I see you tonight?”
I shake my head. “No. What about tomorrow? Did I mention Ava swapped weekends off with me? I’m free this entire weekend.”
Reef lets go of my hand and pulls out his phone. “I’m sending you a message now asking you to go on a date with me. You have to read where in the message.”
“C’mon, tell me. My phone’s in the office.”
“Nope. I’ll call you tonight. But you won’t need to pack much.”
“Pack?”
He leans in close. “In fact, bring nothing at all,” he whispers in my ear. “Because I’ll have you naked the entire time.”
The way his lips caress mine, and the whisper of his voice in my ear, are enough for my breath to hitch. I turn and watch him walk out the door—his sexy arse, those long legs, and broad shoulders caging me when we—shit, I have to focus.
This man knows how to rip the seams holding me together without even a single touch.
When I arrive home from work, Dad is on the phone talking to Bernadette. I’m amazed how he’s come to life the last few weeks. She has certainly brought out the best in him. And he seems far more capable and independent. Or was I making him dependent? I know I have issues and hang-ups, but there’s something about Bernadette I’m unsure about and if I can trust her.
“How was your day, love?” Dad says when he ends the call.
“Yeah, good. Reef came in and sat with me during my lunch break, so it helps make the time pass quicker.” I plop my handbag on the kitchen table and reach for my phone ready to search for the place on maps where Reef wants to take me this weekend.
“I told Bernadette your boyfriend meets you for lunch. Then she suggested arranging for an Uber to pick me up once a week, so I could see her at lunch. There are plenty of cafés near the beach where she works.”
I take in a breath. “You’re getting serious pretty fast, don’t you think?”
“Not a lot of time to spare at my age, love.” He walks around the table wearing his prosthesis at home. “We get on well. We enjoy each other’s company. She makes me happy. Same reasons you’re with Reef.”
I nod, pushing the thought that he also makes me orgasm more than any other guy I’ve been with out of my head.