Crossing Boundaries

Chapter 65

"Oh, so you want to race? Okay you asked for it!" I respond, clicking my heels lightly against Angel's sides. "Come on girl, let's show him how we win!" With that, she surges forward, and we zoom past Reece and Jameson kicking up a cloud of dust.

Reece is taken aback, "What the—"

He only catches up to me when I've come to a halt. I chuckle, "Did you forget I used to have horse riding lessons when I younger?"

Shaking his head in disbelief, he laughs, "I actually did. I should've realised when you mounted your horse with such professionalism.."

He dismounts from Jameson, walks over to help me down from the angel. Then after securing the reins to the fence, he takes my hand and guides me towards a huge oak tree.

Spread out before us is a large picnic blanket with a basket filled with lots of food, a bottle of wine nestled in an ice bucket, and two wine glasses set nearby, surrounded by scattered pink petals. "Oh wow, Reece, this looks amazing!" I exclaim, gazing up at him with a beaming smile.

Once we were seated on the blanket, Reece popped open the wine, pouring us both a generous glass. As he opened the picnic basket, he carefully laid out two plates, piling mine high with an array of delicious sandwiches, crackers, and cheese. We settled into the moment, enjoying the yummy spread and sipping our wine, surrounded by beautiful nature. The weather was cool, but the sky was stunning—clear and blue, with the sun shining brightly, warding off the chill, or at least trying to. I still found myself shivering from time to time.

"Are you cold, baby?" Reece asked, pulling me closer to him.

"Just a little," I admitted.

"Here, put this around you," he offered, wrapping a blanket around my shoulders as he cocooned me in warmth.

"Thank you," I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth—not just from the blanket but from his thoughtful gesture.

Reece's lips brushed against mine in a soft peck. "You're welcome," he replied, his smile brightening the moment even more.

"God, I could stay like this forever," I sigh contentedly, wrapping the soft blanket around me even tighter. After the crazy couple of months we've had, this soothing moment feels like a welcome balm. I cradle my wine glass, relishing the last few drops before Reece, with a knowing smile, re-fills it from the chilled bottle in the ice bucket.

Next, he opens the picnic basket and retrieves a small red velvet birthday cake. After carefully placing a candle on top, he lights it and begins to sing, "Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to my sexy, hot girlfriend Lorna... happy birthday to you."

He pecks my lips softly and holds out the cake, urging me to blow out the candle. "Make a wish, baby."

I close my eyes and blow out the candle, making my wish.

"Well, what did you wish for?" he asks, gazing at me lovingly.

A mischievous twinkle dances in my eyes as a cheeky grin spreads across my lips. "I wished for you to take singing lessons so you can become a better singer. That way, you won't hurt my ears when you sing 'Happy Birthday' to me."

He bursts into laughter, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Oh, come on! I thought my voice sounded rather charming!"

I giggle, reveling in the playful banter. "Charming? More like a cat in a blender!"

His eyes narrowed at me, a grin playing on his lips as he placed the cake down gently. Before I realised what was happening, he was on me, fingers dancing across my sides as he tickled me mercilessly. "You want to retract your wish?" he teased, his hands expertly seeking out the most ticklish spots. Laughter erupted from me.