Mina wrapped her arms around Sam’s waist. ‘Night, Uncle Sam. Will you be here tomorrow?’
‘Not tomorrow, munchkin.’ He ruffled her hair. ‘We’ve got Dominic’s wedding to go to.’
Mina looked at Clara. ‘Are you going to the wedding too?’
Clara gave her a warm smile. ‘Yes, I am.’
‘Do you have a nice dress?’
‘I do.’
‘I’ll take photos,’ Sam said. ‘And send them to Grandma, so you can both see what it looks like.’
With final hugs all around, Sam and Clara said their goodbyes and made their way back to the car, walking side by side acrossthe green in front of the house. Sam turned and looked back, waving at the upstairs window.
‘Your family’s amazing.’ Clara got into the driver’s seat of the car. ‘I love them so much.’
He shook his head. ‘Is there anyone you don’t love?’
She pulled a side pout. ‘I’m sure there’s someone somewhere.’
It had been a lovely day, and their recollections about everything that had happened got them back to the cottage.
‘I don’t know about you,’ Sam said as they got out of the car. ‘But I’m not staying up too late.’
‘Same.’ Clara handed him his car keys. ‘That was a lovely but tiring day.’
‘Faking it is hard work.’
‘But a laugh.’
Inside, they sat for a bit, chuckling at the recollections and at some of the pictures Clara had taken of Sam playing football with the girls.
All too soon, it was bedtime again. Sam really hoped he’d sleep better tonight, but with the constant distraction of Clara beside him, it was hard.
Clara fluffed her pillow, glancing over at him. ‘Night-night, my lovely.’ She pushed up on her elbow and gave him a peck on the cheek again. It took an ocean of willpower to force down the urge to return the kiss. If he gave into that, who knew where it might lead his mind? And he couldn’t afford to go there because one thing was sure, if he kissed her back, there would be nothing fake about it.
‘Night, Clara.’ He rolled over and closed his eyes. A comfortable silence fell over the room, and he relaxed to the sound of her breathing.
He must have dozed quickly because the next thing he knew was when he woke with a start. It must have been a dream, but he’d heard something. He listened, his heart beating alittle faster, but everything was silent, except for Clara’s light breathing. And he was very warm. That was when he realised she was right up against him, nestled at his back, her head tucked against his shoulder.
His pulse quickened, and he lay perfectly still. He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the rush of blood surging through him. The steady rhythm of her breathing whispered on his back, her hand curling slightly against his side, making him freeze. He ground his teeth. Just sleep. That was what he had to do. And definitely not turn over and—
No, he couldn’t ruin everything by thinking below his waistband. It had been a long time since he’d been with anyone. That was all. This proximity was messing with his mind and body.
He forced himself to breathe… in, then out. But sleep wouldn’t come.
After what felt like hours, he must have dozed again, but the night passed in scattered, broken intervals, until the first light of dawn crept through the window. Sam had never been so glad for the excuse to get out of bed, even if it felt far too early.
Clara didn’t get up for sometime after by which point Sam had fallen asleep again sitting on the sofa.
‘Are you ok, sleepyhead?’ she asked.
‘Oh… yeah, sorry. I woke up really early and thought it would be best just to get up, then obviously fell asleep again.’ He shook his head. ‘Strange beds and all that.’
‘I hope it’s not me.’ She tilted her head, and her eyes widened.
‘No, no, of course it isn’t.’ And if it was, it was his fault, not hers, because of the crazy way his body reacted to her.
