Tom groaned. And not in the sexy, bedroom-voice way that Beth had come to love since she’d fallen in love with him all those years ago.

So, she rolled her eyes. That was not how she’d planned the late afternoon for the two of them in Regent’s Park after her shift at the hospital.

“Tom, seriously, stop it now.”

“But I was so bad,” was the pitiful reply. “You should have seen me. Or better not. So, so bad.”

“I’m sure you weren’t.” And now, could they please, please start their picnic?

“I was.”

“So, you were. I’m sure next time you’ll be better.” She laughed out loud at Tom’s face, full of betrayal and horror. “What?”

“What happened to ‘I’m sure you weren’t’? You’re supposed to lie to me.”

“For fuck’s sake.” Beth grabbed his face between both of her hands, making him look at her. “Stop. It.” When he gave a timid nod and a small smirk she let go and moved behind him, leaning her back against the tree giving them shelter from the sun. “Come on,” she said, “lean against me.”

With a huff Tom did as she said – reluctantly. “I don’t want to crush you.”

“I happen to like your weight against me.” She could feel the heat on his cheeks without seeing his face. And she could hear his smile without him saying anything. “Now, relax. Listen to the birds chirping. Watch the butterflies fly. See the flowers bloom. And then close your eyes. Let go. Listen to me.”

He hummed. “That feels nice.”

“Hm-hm. I know.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”