Chapter 66
Chapter sixty-six
Dinner had been lovely. The table at Joie was tucked away, intimate. They sat almost side by side as they shared forkfuls of each other’s meals, sipped drinks, and laughed while they reminisced and simply enjoyed being in each other’s space.
Billy’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it free, glanced at the screen, and slipped it back unanswered.
“Just my mum. I’ll call her in the morning,” she said. “Ready to go?”
“Yes.” Rosa smiled. The bill was paid. It was time to get back before Georgia dropped Imogen home.
As they stood, Billy’s hand found the small of Rosa’s back, guiding her gently through the restaurant. Their fingers brushed when they both reached for the door, lingering for a moment before they headed out into the night together.
“Tonight’s been wonderful,” Rosa said. “If I didn’t have to get home, I’d want to continue it—I just want you to know that.”
“Thank you for telling me. I feel the same way. Alas, I promised to have you home before nine, so…” She waved her arm at the car. “Your chariot awaits.”
“So charming.” Rosa grinned at her chivalry. Billy pulled the car door open and grinned back as Rosa climbed inside.
“Always.” She closed the door and danced around the front of the car to her own door, wriggling her backside and making Rosa laugh.
“You’ve got twenty minutes to get me home, and if you manage it in five, you can kiss me in the car before you leave,” Rosa said when Billy slid into her seat.
“Five?”
“Okay, ten—I’d like to arrive in one piece.”
“I’ll take that offer.” Billy flashed a cheeky grin as she started the engine.
The street was quiet when, eight minutes later, Billy swung the little car into a space outside Rosa’s place. She left the engine idling but unbuckled her belt and swivelled in her seat, lips puckered.
“Anytime…” she said.
Rosa laughed, unbuckled her own seatbelt, and took a quick glance around. The coast was clear as she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on soft lips.
Billy’s hand reached up, tucked a piece of hair behind Rosa’s ear, then slipped around her neck and guided her forward again—this time into a kiss worth remembering.
When they pulled apart, forehead resting on forehead, Billy said, “Come over to mine on Saturday with Imogen and I’ll cook for us.”
“Okay.”
“You’d best get in before she arrives back and catches us.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Rosa said, her eyes searching Billy’s. “I’ll call you once she’s in bed.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Billy watched until Rosa had the key in the door, turned to wave, then disappeared inside before she pulled back out onto the road and headed off to her own bed to wait for that call.
Less than a minute later, Georgia’s car turned the corner and pulled into the now-empty space.
Imogen jumped out, dragging her bag after her and waving to her best friend.
“See you tomorrow,” she called out before slamming the door closed. When she turned towards the house, she saw her mum silhouetted at the window, the curtain falling back into place.
Rosa paused for a moment, fingers touching her lips, still feeling the warmth of Billy’s kiss, before shifting into “mum mode” and opening the door for Imogen.
The door opened before Imogen had a chance to find the key in her bag, hidden beneath the myriad of books, football boots, and training kit.
“Good session?” Rosa asked, taking the bag from her and instantly pulling out the things that would need a wash.
“Yeah, just gonna grab a shower, though, and then get to bed.” Then she frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just remembered Gran called and I wasn’t able to answer, but it’s too late to call back now.”
Rosa looked at the clock; it would be gone ten in Austria. “Yes, maybe do it first thing, she’ll be up.”
Imogen grinned. “Yeah, early bird and all that.”
“Exactly.”