The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

Lance and I go out for breakfast together. His shift doesn't start till 11 AM, so we have time.

We are a proper loved—up couple at the diner. We sit on the same side of the booth and cuddle up to each other. I'm sure we make the waitress feel nauseous, but I don't care, I'm happy.

I'm disappointed when I have to say goodbye to my mate. He has worked and so do I, albeit my shift starts later in the afternoon.

We agree to meet again tonight. He gives me his address after I offer to drive around and see him for dinner.

My shift at the clinic is three until six. Following Lance's suggestion, I go online and look around to see if there are any job openings in other places.

When I have applied for a couple, I give my mum a call. I let her know that I've found my mate. She is so excited for me. She wants to meet Lance and I tell her that I'll mention it to him tonight.

I call my sister, too. Orelia is loved—up with her mate, so she understands the pure happiness in my voice when I tell her all about Lance. She wants to meet him, too. I'll need to arrange something with Lance later.

Mum texts me just as I'm arriving for my shift at the clinic. The text is a reminder that, in a week, it is my Auntie Noelle's birthday. The whole family is getting together for it.

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It's a long shift and I'm grateful when it finally ends, and I can go home and get ready to see my mate.

I change and fix my make—up. Following the directions, I drive over to Lance's house. Being a sergeant must pay quite well, because he lives in a very nice neighborhood.

His house isn't huge, but it's impressive. It's bigger than my flat, to say the least. I park in the drive and lock my car.

The front door opens before I can reach it. Lance is dressed in a muscle—hugging t—shirt and smart joggers.

'Hello,' he says warmly.

Once I'm within reaching distance, he snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me against his chest. He kisses me senselessly on his doorstep and I have to place my hands on his pecs to steady myself.

Earlier on, he texted me and asked me to stay over, instead. I've got my bag with all my things in over my shoulder.

Lance ushers me into the house and takes my bag off of me. He gives me a tour, showing me all of the rooms. It's definitely bigger than my little flat.

We enjoy a beer each before we sit down for dinner. I ask about his shift and then I tell him about mine. The evening offers a glimpse into what our future looks like, and I love it.

'My family wants to meet you,' I tell him. 'Do you think you'd be up to it on Thursday night'

He grins and sits back in his chair. 'Yes, definitely.'

Seeing as he took that so well…

'My auntie's birthday is in a week. My whole family is getting together for it. I'd love for you to come and meet everyone, but I totally understand if it's too soon and you want to wait a bit.'

He shakes his head. 'No way, I'd love to come!'

'Aw, amazing. They're going to love you, don't worry.'

After dinner, we sit on his balcony up in his bedroom. He has an outdoor heater set up next to the garden furniture. We cuddle on the sofa, perfectly content.

When it gets late, we decide to come in. I help Lance turn everything off and lock up downstairs.

We clean our teeth in his en suite, laughing and messing about like we're half the age that we actually are. I always hoped my mate would be someone I could have a laugh with and have fun with. Lance is definitely someone I can act like that with.

His bed is huge and extraordinarily comfortable. We lay in each other's arms for a while, talking about random things.

He rolls over and gets closer to me and that's when I feel it. Hard and hot, pressing against my hip. I run my hand teasingly down his chest and skim my nails along the waistband of his boxers.

I hear Lance inhale sharply and I look up to meet his heated gaze. Daringly, I move my hand lower and stroke him over the material of his boxers.

He's already excited, I can feel a small wet patch soaking through the fabric. Excitement fills me as I push the boxers down. He takes over, shoving them down his thighs and kicking them off.