‘Okay. One… two… three…’
Will grabbed my hand and, laughing, we ran along the street, splashing through the puddles as the rain hammered down on us. I was only wearing a showerproof mac and it was soon clinging to me. My jeans had absorbed the water and were cold against my legs and my feet were squelching in my boots.
It wasn’t easy running after a big meal and lots of wine and Will pulled me into a sheltered doorway while we tried to catch our breath. We looked at each other, laughing as the rain trickled down our faces and backs.
‘Your hair’s a bit wet,’ he said, gently pushing a dripping lock back from my cheek. The touch of his hand against my skin was too much to bear. Our eyes locked and, next moment, our lips met and it was everything I’d ever dreamed of and a whole lot more. I ran my fingers into his hair, pulling him closer, never wanting to let him go.
When a group of lads ran past and one of them jeered, ‘Get a room!’ we broke apart, out of breath, eye contact held.
‘I don’t know where my hotel is,’ I murmured.
‘I do.’
‘Let’s go there.’
‘You’re sure?’
I nodded, never more sure of anything in my whole life. As we ran back to the hotel, sparks flying between us, I had no doubt that this was something I needed to do. Even if Will and I didn’t see each other again, I’d have experienced some of what was missing in my marriage and could make a far more informed decision about what happened next. Could it be classed as adultery when the marriage had never been consummated? Was it a bad thing when Cliff had given his blessing? Even though my head and heart told me no, it didn’t stop me from feeling guilty. As we stopped outside my hotel room, I paused with the key in my hand.
Will placed one hand on my shoulder and tilted my chin upwards with the other.
‘I don’t have to come in.’
‘You’re drenched. I can’t let you go home like that.’
‘And I can’t let you do anything you don’t want to do.’
‘What if itiswhat I want?’
He smiled gently. ‘Or anything you aren’t ready to do. It’s a no-brainer for me. I’m single, you’re gorgeous, and if it’s possible to fall for someone after only one day together…’
He lightly kissed my forehead, sending ripples of desire through me once more.
‘…but I know it’s much more complicated for you.’
‘You really think you’re falling for me?’ He didn’t seem to be the sort who’d use that as a line but I needed to hear him say it again while I looked him in the eye because I felt the same way myself.
‘It started last night when I saw you looking in the window, your fingers playing “Clair de Lune”, and I haven’t stopped falling since.’
The tenderness in his eyes. The sincerity in his voice. He meant it.
‘I feel the same,’ I whispered as I placed the keycard against the lock and pulled him into the room.
* * *
When I woke up next to Will the following morning, I had no regrets. Cliff had given me the best birthday gift possible – the space and freedom to decide how I wanted to live the rest of my life. It had been the best night of my life and it wasn’t just about sex. I’d never have invited Will inside if that was all it was. We’d had such a strong emotional connection too. He was everything I’d ever dreamed of – friendly, funny, romantic, attentive – and there was no doubting it was the real thing for both of us, even though it stunned us both how quickly it had happened.
Looking at Will propped up on his elbow, smiling tenderly at me, my decision was definitely made. It broke my heart that it would hurt Cliff, but it was time to tread a different path.
‘How are you feeling this morning?’ he asked.
‘A bit fuzzy-headed, but happy.’
‘Me too. Destiny knew what she was doing on Friday night, bringing us together.’
He kissed me slowly and tenderly before reluctantly pulling away.
‘I hate to leave you, but I need to pick up Mackenzie from his karate class. Eleanor doesn’t drive so, even when it’s her weekend with the kids, I’m often roped in as taxi service.’
