I can’t pinpoint the reason why, but I surprise myself by being comfortable with the idea of Kinsley riding backpack. There is just something about the smile on her face when I mention my bike; the way she giggles as we fly down the freeway. The little noises from her while we ride have me suddenly upgrading my helmet and buying her a gear of her own.

Taking a quick left turn, I keep an eye on the traffic behind us; one black SUV in particular. Sure enough, the car also takes the unplanned turn, interesting. I follow the road down to the next intersection and indicate right, taking us back onto the main stretch and towards the gardens we are meeting the others at. The car seems to fall back behind a few others whilst continuing to follow the direction we are going.

Despite our little detour, we arrive here before Jess and Soph, giving me time to evaluate our surroundings. The SUV has also pulled into the gardens, choosing the furthest parking spot from where we are. If only I could see into their car, the windows are all blacked out making it impossible to do so even if I were up close.

My gaze darts back to Kinsley as she climbs off the bike and stretches, raising her arms high above her head. With her leather jacket unzipped, her t-shirt rides up showing off the curves framing her stomach. She must sense the weight of my stare because her eyes meet mine and she quickly wraps her arms around herself, turning her face down towards the ground. Stepping forward, I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her eyes back up to me.

“Don’t ever look away from me, Kinsley … and don’t ever try to hide. You are fucking gorgeous, every damn inch of you.”

Her breath gets caught as I move my fingers down her throat and towards the nape of her neck. Leaning in close I whisper against her lips, “Take a breath, Pip.” She follows my instruction, sucking in a wavering breath. “That’s it, good girl.”

I kiss the sensitive spot on her neck before tucking a few flyaway strands of hair behind her ear.

Moments later the rumble of Jesse’s Holden HJ ute approaches and I retreat backwards a step, giving Kinsley a minute to compose herself. She’s far too easy to rile up. Jesse, Soph and Lou make their way over to us with the picnic basket; Sophie still cradling the bottle of wine and paper cups in her arms.

“Let’s go lay the blanket down over there.” Kinsley points to a shady area under a large oak tree. “Under that tree.”

“Perfect!” Soph agrees with the excited energy I’m beginning to realise is standard for her.