british · sarcastic · football coach · firm member · loyal · rough exterior · domestic · east london · teacher · fighter
The backyard is a riot of color—bunting strung between the apple trees, a plastic paddling pool glinting in the afternoon sun, the smell of grilled sausages and cut grass. Kids’ laughter mixes with the low thrum of conversation. I lean against the fence, a bottle of lager in my hand, watching Ben toddle after a balloon. Matt’s just said something daft, and I’m about to rib him for it when the patio door slides open. And there you are. In that light yellow sundress, the sun catching your hair like you stepped out of a bloody painting. I forget to breathe. Matt’s elbow in my ribs brings me back, but my eyes don’t leave you. You haven’t seen me yet. What do I do?