Tobias hands me the house keys and takes a step to the side. "After you, homeowner."
I giggle and step forward before turning the key and opening the front door. Achievement washes over my body as I realise I own this house. Since we moved in and I decorated, it feels like home. I walk inside and shrug off my jacket, hanging it up before turning towards Tobias.
"All that's left to do is find a part time job. Alongside that and studying, I'm going to have my hands full." I smile. He reaches forward, taking hold of my arm before gently pulling me towards him.
"I'm so proud to have an overachiever as my girlfriend." He murmurs, kissing my forehead. I close my eyes and lean into him, realising how affectionate he's become since moving in with me. The Tobias Melvin I first met would never show such displays of affection constantly but lately he can't seem to keep his hands off me . . .
Not that I'm complaining.
I pull back and look up into his deep brown chocolate eyes.
"We've done enough adulting for the day. Let's order pizza whilst watching Netflix." I grin. His laughter deepens and he begins heading for the living room, his hand in mine.
"Is that what the kids do nowadays? Pizza and Netflix?" Tobias asks me from over his shoulder. I nod my head — "With the occasional kiss or two."
"I think I prefer the whole idea behind Netflix and Chill. What do you say?" Tobias says suggestively, guiding me towards the sofa. I squeal loudly as he yanks me on top of his lap, his hand automatically reaching up to disappear inside my hair.
"Well?" He questions, already closing the distance between us. His warm breath fans across my lips and my eyes flutter closed. Butterflies explode in my stomach as his free hand begins to roam my body, pressing in all the right places. I arch my back and lean closer to him —
"I think that's a great idea."
*****
"Gosh Ruby, I didn't realise such a small baby could make such a big smell." I laugh, wafting the air in front of my face. I pick her up and hold her away from me at arms length as I head for the changing table. She simply looks back at me, a cheeky smile on her adorable little face.
I place her down onto the changing mat and smile as she looks directly up at me with her large brown eyes. She reminds me entirely of my best friend.
"You're going to break hearts when you're older, aren't you Ruby?" I coo over her, tickling under her chin. Her giggles fill the air and I smile widely, undressing her so I can change her. Once I'm finished, I button up her clothes and pick her back up. Her eyes grow heavy and I glance down at my watch, remembering Jake and Emily's words of advice.
"It's almost your nap time." I tell her, reaching for her blanket and dummy. I prop her safely on my shoulder before heading out of the nursery and down the stairs. She cuddles further into my neck, her body growing heavy with her laboured breathing. I place the blanket around her lightly and gently rock her, making my way towards the living room. I push the door open and notice Ivory is sleeping on the sofa in the far corner.
Her auburn hair is wildly spread on a cushion, mouth slightly parted as she naps. I giggle quietly, turning to face a sleepy Ruby.
"You're not the only one who's feeling tired." I whisper, taking a seat on the free sofa. I lean back against the cushions and Ruby begins to make quiet noises, her eyelids fluttering closed. I watch her as she sleeps, a small smile on my face. The feeling of a baby sleeping on my lap with their warm scent will never grow old. I quickly snap a quick selfie of us both and send it to Jake and Emily.
We're doing great, she is such a cutie! Hope you're both having the best date night! Love you. x
I send the message and place my phone down beside me. My thoughts turn towards Tobias and I and the future. I bite my lower lip in excitement thinking about possibly having his children one day. As I glance down at Ruby, I know being a Mum is destined in my path.
A phone goes off near me and I glance at mine to find the screen dark. I frown and glance around, wondering where it came from. A few seconds pass and I hear it go off again, signalling incoming text messages. I begin feeling around the cushions, careful not to wake Ruby. My hand wraps around a phone and I pull it out, glancing at the screen. It's a picture of Ivory and Ben, both of them smiling at the screen with their arms around one another.
The phone begins to ring and Ben's contact flashes on the screen. I bite my lower lip and glance at Ivory who's still fast asleep. In fact, I can hear the soft noises of snoring coming from her direction. I decide against waking her and answer the call, ready to tell Ben she's sleeping but I can take a message. I lift the phone to my ear but before I can speak, Ben begins talking on the other end. His voice is urgent, lined with a hint of annoyance. . .
"Thank god you finally answered! Did you drop off the package downtown? This is serious Ivory, these guys are dangerous."
I immediately frown at his words, confusion filling me. Ben grows silent on the other end and my eyes flicker towards Ivory's sleeping body.
These guys are dangerous?
"Ivory?" Ben repeats, his voice growing suspicious.
I become aware of my heavy breathing and decide against responding to Ben. I quickly end the call, my heart beating against my chest like crazy. My eyes remain fixed on Ivory, one of my closest friends and Tobias' sister. Right now, she feels more distant than ever.
What are the contents of the package?
An uneasy feeling of dread washes over me and I continue to stare at Ivory, wanting her to wake up and explain that it's all a misunderstanding and she isn't involved in something dangerous. Part of me knows she's hiding a deep secret from everyone around her.
"What have you gotten yourself into Ivory?" I whisper, fear growing inside of me for her safety.