Reece freezes, clearly not expecting me to kiss him. For a moment I'm worried that he'll push me away. But then he relaxes, quickly recovering from his initial shock and placing his hands on my hips. He pulls my body into his as I slide my hands up into his hair.

Suddenly, it's as though the world is whole. Like up until this moment, I haven't even realised I've been missing something until I finally have it. And now that I do, I'm not about to ever let it go.

As cliché as it sounds, I feel butterflies in my stomach and my skin tingles where he touches me. The kiss doesn't last too long, only a few seconds. It feels like it lasts an eternity but a millisecond at the same time. When we break apart, I let out a small, content sigh, keeping my eyes closed as a smile graces my lips.

Reece clearly isn't so content, worry seeping into his voice as he speaks. "I- I'm sorry, you probably didn't even- shít, don't think you had to do that. I'm sorry I asked, I-"

"Reece," I stop his rambling short with just his name, not moving from my spot even as he tries to push away from me. "Tell me, what part of that kiss made you think I didn't want to kiss you? Because I can confirm that there is absolutely no place I'd rather be right now than here in your arms."

Reece stares down at me with wide eyes for a moment before he lets out a small, "Oh."

I laugh, "Yes, 'oh'," I'm quiet for a moment before I continue in a small voice, "Does this mean it's me you like?"

At that, Reece chuckles, tilting his head back as he squeezes me closer to him. "You really haven't noticed? I thought the tattoo would have been some sort of indication."

I gasp, slapping his chest lightly, "You've liked me since Christmas?"

"Oh, Sunshine," He shakes his head, "I've liked you since long before then."

"Why did you never tell me? This could have happened so much sooner!"

"Well, that was kind of the whole reason I got the tattoo. I was planning to telling you that night when I showed it to you."

"Why didn't you?" I ask, staring up at him with wide eyes.

Reece sighs, "I had it all planned out. I had finally worked up the courage to tell you and I knew exactly what I was going to say. It was going to be perfect. But then... you looked up at me with the most breath-taking smile and your eyes were twinkling and you just looked so beautiful. It was like I had suddenly forgotten every word I've ever known." He chuckles quietly, "Then you went and rested your head on my chest and kissed the tattoo so easily. My heart was practically beating out of my chest and I knew I couldn't say it."

I frown, resting my head on his chest as I had done that day to hide my blush. His heart is beating strong and fast just as he described. "Why?" I whisper.

"Because I didn't want to mess this up. I couldn't. I wouldn't ever forgive myself if I told you and you didn't feel the same. Which I thought was probable. I guess I was wrong," He presses a kiss to the top of my head quickly and I smile. "I was standing there with the most amazing girl and I was just going to go and ruin it all by telling her I had feelings for her."

"You wouldn't have ruined it though."

"If only I had known that at the time," He sighs, "So, instead I just stood there and let you trace my tattoos to your heart's content."

I pull away from him slightly to meet his gaze but I don't move out of his hold. "You really like me?"

Reece grins, "I really like you."

I nod once, "Good, because I really like you too."

He sighs quietly with relief, "Thank God. I really thought I lost you when I asked to kiss you. I don't know what I was thinking. I'd be lost without you, Sunshine."

I just shake my head, "It's definitely the other way around."

Reece's eyes drop to my lips once again and he swallows, "Would it be okay if I-"

"Yes please," I answer him before he can finish, getting up on my toes and tilting my head up for a kiss.

Reece chuckles and murmurs quietly as he leans in, "Why the hell did I wait so damn long?" And with that, our lips connect again.

This kiss lasts much longer than the first. We explore each other's mouths properly for the first time. Reece gently cups my jaw, moving his lips against mine slowly. He draws out the kiss and I savour his taste. I have never had a kiss like this. Never has it felt this good before. This kiss easily beats every other kiss I have ever had before by a landslide. The way his body so perfectly fits against mine and how good it feels to run my hands through his hair. I never want it to end.

But unfortunately, oxygen is a necessity so we break apart. But after taking another breath of air, Reece leans in again and pecks my lips one more time.

I jump in Reece's arms when there's a knock on the door and we quickly break apart before it opens. The twins rush into the room, immediately jumping on me in a hug. I laugh, catching them and holding them to me tightly.

"Hi, Princesses. How was school today?" I ask, look down at them as I pull back from the hug slightly.

"Good! We practiced handwriting! Do you want to see mine?" Macy asks hopefully.

"And mine! And mine!" Sophie adds in, jumping up and down.

I chuckle, nodding, "Of course."

Then they're pulling me out of the room, each holding one of my hands. I quickly glance back at Reece with wide eyes. All he does is wink, sending me off with a little wave. He is no help.

I end up playing a boardgame with Cody and the twins for a little bit, sitting on the living room floor. I don't know where everyone else went off to, but it's nice to have a little time alone with these three. I missed them so, so much when I was in New York and I am so glad I get to see them again.

"Kids! Dinner!" Novah calls out to them, coming around the corner and into the living room. They quickly jump up and run out of the room, past Novah. She smiles at me, "I know you guys already ate at the diner, but I put together a few snacks for you to have since you ate so early. The four of you can sit in here and watch your TV show if you like." She says, referring to Reece, Anna, Liam, and me.

"Thank you so much, Novah." I tell her as she sets the platter of food down on the coffee table for us. She waves me off with a smile, walking back towards the kitchen while Anna and Liam enter the room.

Liam gasps, diving for the food. "I love carrot sticks!"

I move to sit on the loveseat and Anna follows, sitting beside me. She doesn't even have to ask before putting the next episode of Friends on the TV. My eyes are drawn to the entrance of the room when Reece walks in. We immediately make eye contact and I don't look away as he sits down on the couch beside Liam until Anna speaks.

"You want some?" She asks, drawing me attention to her. She's holding the platter of snacks out to me and I smile, taking a couple carrot sticks.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Have you heard from anyone in New York since you've been back?"

"I've been texting Ethan a bit. A few people I got closer with from school have messaged me. Ethan was the main friend I made there, really."

"He's hilarious. He'll have to fly to Cali to see us sometime."

"Definitely. I think he's more than keen to do that. He loved meeting you guys."

"Annie," Liam suddenly speaks up and when I look over at him, he's pouting, "Swap seats with Reece. He's being mean."

Reece turns to him in confusion, "I haven't even said anything to you."

"Exactly!"

"We're watching the-"

"I don't want to hear it!" Liam interrupts, him, holding a hand up to Reece's face.

Reece only rolls his eyes, getting up from his seat on the couch. Anna laughs, shrugging to me apologetically before sitting where Reece had been, immediately getting tugged into Liam's arms. I unintentionally hold my breath as Reece sits down beside me, keeping my stare on the TV. I can feel his eyes on me, but I don't look his way.

He suddenly leans closer to me and I can feel his breath against my neck. I shiver as he speaks softly into my ear. "Come a little closer, Sunshine."

I don't dare look at him, but I easily oblige. He sits back in the corner of the loveseat, his arm stretched along the back of the furniture. With his chest open for me, I lean back into him, nestling my head on his shoulder as his arm wraps around me. I feel him press a gentle kiss to my temple and I relax, melting into his touch. I was worried for a moment that things would be awkward between us after the kiss. But this seems more natural than anything.

Throughout the episode of Friends, I don't really pay attention to what's going on. I'm mostly just focused on Reece's arm that is wrapped around me and the tattoos that I'm tracing with my fingertip. At some point, about halfway through the show, I get the strongest urge to kiss him again. It's stupid, but I can't help it. The urge is almost too overwhelming.

Eventually I settle for tilting my head back and pressing a kiss to his jaw. That will have to do for now. Reece stiffens behind me and I slowly feel his head leaning down. His nose softly brushes against my cheekbone and I swear I can feel him smiling.

"What was that for, Sunshine?" He whispers his question, grip tightening around my waist slightly. It feels nice.

I shrug, biting down on my bottom lip to hold back a smile. "I felt like it."

He chuckles quietly, shaking his head. His hand comes up to cup my face and I turn my head to look at him for the first time since he sat down. His head is tilted back with his laugh, eyes squinted closed and lips parted. He looks good enough to eat. I quickly glance over at Liam and Anna, seeing that they're too absorbed in their own little world to pay attention to us. Knowing that the coast is clear, I crane my neck up to reach Reece's face and quickly peck his lips before relaxing back against him and watching the TV.

I can tell he's stunned. He hasn't moved an inch. I risk a glance back at him to see him staring, eyes wide and mouth agape.

"Can- um, can you do that again?" He asks, seemingly not knowing what to do with himself. I grin, leaning up and pressing another quick kiss to his lips, this one lasting a little longer than the previous kiss. Reece closes his eyes contently, smiling tiredly down at me. "You're going to be the death of me, Sunshine."

~

"Layla, can you please, please, please do my hair for me before I go to school?" Bella pleads, collapsing onto my bed while I'm in the middle of pulling on my sweater. I pause, rolling my eyes at her before pulling the piece of clothing on and looking at myself in the mirror. I love this sweater.

"Come on! Please? Claire's dad is already waiting to drop us off! I just want one braid."

I turn to her, "Just one?"

"Yes! Thank you!"

So, I spend the next ten minutes pulling Bella's hair back into a French braid for her before she flies downstairs and out the front door. After that, I don't have a whole lot of time to get ready myself, so I end up leaving my hair in its natural waves, pulling the top half back with a large claw clip.

Eventually, I manage to make my way downstairs, saying goodbye to Dad and giving Mack a big cuddle, promising to walk him when I get home this afternoon. I quickly gather my things into my bag before heading out the door.

I stop abruptly on my front porch when I see not just mine and my dad's car in the driveway. Reece leans against the hood of his car parked right beside mine, looking down at his phone. He seems to be concentrated on whatever is on the screen, head down and sunglasses on. He doesn't even notice when I start walking towards him.

"This is a nice surprise." I comment, making his head jerk up to look at me. I grin, seeing his eyebrows raise in surprise over the top of his sunglasses.

He smiles, turning off his phone and sliding it into his pocket as he leans off the car. "Good morning, Sunshine."

"Morning. I didn't expect to see you here."

He shrugs, "I already dropped the kids off at school and Anna is driving with Liam, so I thought I'd come pick you up. Have some company for the drive."

I grin, "Sounds perfect."

He walks around to the passenger side of the car and opens my door for me, even though I have repeatedly told him not to do so. I suppress the urge to lean up and kiss him again, instead just sliding into my seat. Once he's shut the door after me, he walks around the front of the car and hops into the driver's seat.

Reece starts the car and pulls out of my driveway, onto the road. Music from the radio is playing softly through the car, just loud enough for us to hear. I don't make any move to turn it up to fill the comfortable silence between us and neither does Reece.

"There's something I've been wanting to ask you, Sunshine. Since yesterday, I guess, but actually much longer if you think about it, I don't know but-"

"Reece," I cut him off with a giggle, turning my body in his direction to look at him properly, "just ask me."

He lets out a slow breath before nodding hastily, "Right. Um, well what I want to ask is..." He glances at me briefly before looking dead ahead, "Do you want to go somewhere? Not now, I mean some other time. With me, obviously. But like, just you and me. Like, on a date. Shít, I've already messed this up."

I lean even closer to him, unable to stop the grin from spreading across my face. "What makes you think you've messed up?"

"Well, for one, I'm stumbling and rambling. And two, you haven't answered and it's making me nervous."

"Do you remember what I said to you yesterday, Reece?"

"There are a lot of things you said to me yesterday, Sunshine. You'll need to be more specific." He replies, but I can see the smile forming on his face, telling me he knows exactly what I'm talking about.

"Alright, do you remember what I said to you in your room yesterday afternoon?" I prompt.

Reece is full-blown grinning now, "Do you mean the part where you told me that you like me? Or the part where you said there's nowhere you'd rather be than in my arms?"

This fúcker knows exactly what he's doing. He knows just the right thing to say to make me blush. "The I like you part."

"Well, yes, I do remember you saying that to me. What about it, Sunshine?"

I sigh, flopping back into my seat, "That should be enough of an answer to your question."

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to need a verbal confirmation. My deduction skills aren't that great." I wish I could wipe the stupid smirk off his face.

"Ask again, please." I mutter, "Then you'll get an answer."

Just in time, we come to a stop at a red light and Reece turns to face me fully, smiling widely. "Sunshine, will you go on a date with me?"

I can't stop the stupid grin that splits my lips. "Of course I will."

"Thank you!" Reece leans back in his seat, tilting his head back, "I was actually scared for a moment there."

"You shouldn't have been. I like you, Reece."

"Yeah, but I'm still struggling to come to terms with that fact. It'll take a moment to wrap my head around it."

"Well, you better start believing it." I smile at him as the light turns green and he continues driving on towards school. "So, when's this date going to be?"

"As soon as possible." He replies immediately.

"And why's that?"

"Because it doesn't feel right to kiss you again until I take you on a date but I really want to kiss you again. So, the sooner we have this date, the sooner I can kiss you and then..."

"And then what?" I encourage, leaning closer to him.

He glances at me quickly, a blush tinting his cheeks, "Well, then there'll be another question for me to ask you."