“Don’t forget me, Cal. Please don’t forget me.”
“Hey, I should say the same to you,” I laugh softly, our foreheads resting against the other. “You’re the one leaving the country and flying around the world while I get to see the four walls of my university dorm.”
“It won’t be forever,” he says while his fingers curl around the side of my neck, his thumb running along my jaw. His eyes burn into mine, confirming he means every single word. “This time next year, we won’t ever have to part again.” Then he kisses me slowly, softly.
Being away from him is going to hurt. I don’t think he realises how much.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CALLA
It’sthe day I’ve been dreading. The day Ash and I say goodbye for a while.
I’m awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking of last night. We left the beach at nearly 3am. We talked about everything, yet nothing of any substance; nothing to make me feel any better about what was about to happen. I don’t think I was ever going to be fully prepared for today and now it’s here, internally, it’s worse than I imagined.
I grab my phone and then lay on my side to take a photo of him sleeping. He looks so peaceful, so happy with the path he’s about to take and so he should. He’s worked hard to get to this point. I just wish I was in a position to go with him. I’m dreading today; dreading it.
His eyes flicker open, and he takes a deep breath through his nose, stretching out his body. “What time is it?” he asks, turning on his side to face me too.
“Just after 7am.”
“Were you just taking a picture of me?”
“Maybe,” I giggle, placing my phone back on the side cabinet.
He smiles, his hand reaching for my body which is already sliding closer to his. His fingers run over my bare shoulder, and I close my eyes, savouring the moment. Ash shifts closer, our bodies flush against the other, skin against skin. I’m glad I took a photo of him sleeping. It’s for those times I’m alone and missing him. I don’t know if it will help or not, but I’m already thinking of ways to get through the next few months.
His hand glides down my arm, causing a shiver of excitement through me. “Are you cold?” he asks, misreading my body language.
I shake my head a little, a smile forming on my lips. I cup his jawline, closing my eyes while enjoying his skin against mine. His strong arm curls around me, bringing me closer still; as if we’re not as close as we can get already. Our eyes lock, his mouth reaches mine, and the soft kiss of his lips bring my emotions to the fore. I have to hold them inside. This isn’t a time to get upset and I don’t want Ash’s lasting memories of me to be sad ones.
We continue to kiss, soft and slow. Ash is taking his time. He presses his lips to my mouth, down my neck and over the curve of my shoulder. Working his way down, his lips find the curve of my breast. It’s as if he’s trying to cover me with kisses, marking every part with a little piece of him.
I run my fingers through his short, blonde strands, pulling a little as my fingers leave to follow a trail down his neck and surround either side of his face. I bring him back to me then kiss him and make sure he knows I’m always his. I want him to see it in my eyes.
A moment passes between us, a look I can’t describe. It’s filled with everything we want to say, but the words won’t come. Instead, Ash shows me with his mouth to mine, but this time, his lips are urgent, needy and intense. In response, Itake everything he gives; I can’t get enough. Ash rolls me onto my back, looking down on me. I ache for him beyond anything I can control. Our touches quicken, our mouths explore, and finally, he settles between my legs. My body is tired from our earlier lovemaking, but it doesn’t stop me wanting more of him. He is an addiction I can never cure.
Our bodies entwine together, slow, hot and heavy. His hard length is against my thigh, his breath warm against my neck. “I want you Cal.” His low tone breathes out, making me shudder in anticipation and arch my lower body up to his. It’s my way of begging him to take me.
Each brush of our bodies ignites a spark to my skin, the heat between us crackles and burns. Slowly he edges inside me; quickly filling me to the brim. “I love you, Cal, always remember.” He buries his head into the crook of my neck. I can’t get enough of him, my body repeatedly arching to get my fill. I strive to reach the climax, which is now imminent, so wind my legs around his back, bringing him closer still.
“Fuck,” Ash growls as the balls of my feet fold against his lower back, pushing him deeper inside. The moment is happening, my nerves are at a point of heightened sensitivity, and when Ash growls “Fuck Cal, fuck,” once again, we both come undone. The fire between us in those final thrusts is no less dampened by our soaked bodies. Once we still, Ash doesn’t stop there, his mouth takes mine over and over. “I don’t want this to stop,” he whispers.
“I know,” I say between his kisses. “Me too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
ASH
My stuff was packed wellbefore we left, knowing I’d want to spend every minute possible with Cal. Why would I risk wasting precious time when I have no idea when I’ll see my girl again? It’s pulling me apart. I wish we could spend just one more day together.
The last day of the festival is always the highlight, and tonight I was missing out on Florence and the Machine who were headlining. I’d be in London by then, but Cal will be watching. She said it would help to take her mind off things. I understand what she means, but it doesn’t stop my heart breaking in two when I imagine being without her. I’ll be doing everything without her for God knows how long.
Our first stop is at Mum’s new place. She didn’t want to see me off at the coach, knowing it would make her over-emotional. It’s a shame, but because our London trip has been rescheduled, her holiday to Spain doesn’t coincide with our plans as I hoped it would. I don’t like the thought of her spending the week alone, but at least she has her new home to concentrate on.
Mum’s two bedroomed, top-floor apartment is lookingbeautiful. She’s already unpacked most of the boxes and she’s excited to show us around. I can tell she’s already falling in love with this place and she feels safe here. Dad hasn’t been in touch again, and if he did, he wouldn’t get past the reception desk. I don’t know what the future holds for my parents, but right now, all I want to do is make something of this gig and give my mum the security she deserves.
“I’ll miss you, Son.” Mum tries to say through her tears, but I know they’re happy ones.
